by Craig Lemley | Oct 21, 2020 | 19th Hole, News
Welp, looks like the cat’s outta the bag — apparently everyone is playing golf. At the very least everyone is buying new golf stuff, and at a record pace.
According to Golf Datatech, LLC, U.S. retail golf equipment sales from July through September of 2020 surpassed the $1 billion mark, representing the first-time sales in Q3 have ever exceeded $1 billion, and the second highest quarter of all time (Q2 2008 sales = $1.013 billion). The research firm also reported that Q3 golf equipment sales for 2020 were up a staggering 42% over the same time period in 2019, with golf bags, wedges, and irons leading in sales.
“These month-over-month sales records are unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” says Golf Datatech’s John Krzynowek. “Our Rounds Played data also shows similar record-breaking growth over the past several months, which is a strong indication that avid golfers and newcomers alike are driving the sport to new levels right now.”
Graphic via Golf DataTech.
Outside of a few Corona-related WDs, and the upending of every tours’ schedule, golf has been one of the few things to remain steadfast during the pandemic. Highlighted as one of the safest activities one can do in the Covid era, the game we love seems to be catching on with the masses. Krzynowek says year-to-date sales for total equipment are now up 0.2% compared to 2019, calling
The golf advocate in me is cheering, welcoming all newcomers to the most beloved and hated game you’ll ever play. I hope you’re young, diverse and openminded — unfazed by women wearing active wear, anyone wearing hoodies, and music on the course. Welcome to the family, please just try to keep pace. The weekend golfer in me, on the other hand, is tired of fully-stacked tee sheets and driving ranges at capacity. It’s a good problem to have in the long run, but come on, I am a member.
by Craig Lemley | Aug 4, 2020 | Golf clubs, Products, Promotions
True or false: All club fitters are the same, stick with the brands you’ve always played.
To be clear, nothing is further from the truth. Just how far we’ve come in club design and fittings is on full display inside the True Spec Golf outdoor fitting container at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. Drawer after drawer of state-of-the-art club heads, walls lined with premium shafts, club measuring machines, and everything else you’d find in a premiere fitting studio packed neatly inside a sleek, unassuming container just off the driving range.
I thought I had an idea of what to expect when the company invited me to its new Denver location for a full bag fitting. I had a custom fitting several years before at a big box outfitter — how different could it be? I wasn’t even considering any upgrades to my bag nor had any notion that my current clubs could be holding me back. But boy was I mistaken.
The two Bs of True Spec club fittings
Within minutes of Master Club Fitter Tyler Yearley’s explanation of the True Spec outdoor fitting process, I knew this fitting would be different. True Spec fitters begin with a series of simple questions to better understand who you are as a golfer — current handicap, strengths and weaknesses, objectives, etc. — before shifting the focus to your current equipment. Yearley walked me through the specs of my current bag using the onsite machines to “blueprint” my clubs, explaining how the length, weight, lie and loft, along with shaft flex and profile, all play a factor in my on course performance.
Blueprint in hand, it was time to get a baseline. After several swings with my six-iron on the Trackman, Yearley had the data he needed to optimize my irons. I’m no stranger to Trackman data, but having an expert eye define the correlation between the numbers and my overall performance was truly enlightening. For years I thought my bag was already built for my game, that all the flaws and inconsistencies stemmed from my swing mechanics. But Yearley explained how minute changes in my specs can have a dramatic effect on my inefficiencies.
“I firmly believe custom fit clubs are the quickest and most enduring way to improve your scores,” Yearley, a former teaching pro says. “Depending on how often you play, it’s worth going through the process every year or two.”
My baseline numbers clearly showed where my current bag is lacking — ball speed/smash factor, and excess spin — none of which I really considered could be dramatically improved with upgraded equipment. I was almost embarrassed at how much I didn’t know about my current setup, not only the specs of my bag but just how much it was affecting my performance on the course. With my hope restored, off we went to select club heads and shafts for testing.
A tried and true testing process
True Spec leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to testing the latest golf tech, with more than 35,000 club head and shaft combinations on hand.Yearley had several iron setups in mind for me given my current specs and baseline numbers, and made room for anything I was curious to try. True Spec is a “brand agnostic” company when it comes to OEMs, meaning there are no incentives influencing their recommendations — their goal is to determine the best equipment for you, period.
“There are some golfers who have always been very loyal to one brand,” he says. “However, it’s actually quite rare that one brand will be the best fit through the entire bag — something we’re starting to see even at the tour level. Our mission is to find and build the best set of clubs for your game, regardless of the manufacturer.”
True Spec’s testing process itself is fun and straightforward. The Denver location offers the added benefit of testing outdoors, taking advantage of real turf to deliver a true feel for the clubs you won’t find hitting off traditional mats. You’ll notice a difference between club setups immediately, though, for the less educated like me, having an expert weigh in helps make sense of all the data. “I don’t like the dispersion with this one, bring it back,” Yearley would say before handing me the next club. “Ball speed is really good here. Let’s see if this shaft gives us better trajectory.” Sure enough, after a few more configurations Yearley had my iron prescription dialed down to two options — one for optimal distance and another built for accuracy. They’re called “master fitters” for a reason, and the proof is in the numbers.
The true difference
From start to finish my True Spec fitting exceed all expectations. By the time I got home an email with a breakdown of Yearley’s overall findings, truncated charts and data from our Trackman session, and an easy-to-read prescription and quote to use when upgrading my bag was waiting for me in my inbox. I wish everything in life was this easy.
All club fitters are not created equal. It was an eyeopening experience, to say the least, and one I’ll look forward to again for years to come. Yearley’s expert insight gave me the tools needed to improve my game without all the sales pitches and awkward up-sells I was used to. With unbiased, experienced master fitters, state-of-the-art testing machines, tools and studios, and more equipment combinations than you’ll want to count, there’s a reason why True Spec Golf is the worldwide leader in custom club fittings. See for yourself at any one of their locations, the results won’t lie.
This promotional post was made in partnership with True Spec Golf. CGB endorses all advertisers, products and services promoted on our pages.
by CGB Promotions | Dec 9, 2019 | Promotions
Love it or hate it, the holiday season is good for at least one thing — new golf stuff. There isn’t a golfer alive who wouldn’t love some new clubs, balls, gadgets, apparel, or a free round or two, the hard part is narrowing down your options. With the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals gone, and the big day closing in, time can be a factor too.
So to make it easy the CGB crew has narrowed our 2019 last minute gift guide down to 10 items that are — or should be — on every golfers wishlist.
#1 Athalonz Shoes
Give the gift of power with a pair of the longest shoes in the game. There’s a reason why players like World Long Drive Champion Kyle Berkshire and others wear Athalonz— ground contact, comfort and stability are absolutely critical. Solid footing is what Athalonz stakes its name on backing it up with the science behind longer drives and more fairways. Anthalonz golf shoes are designed to promote the natural transfer of forces throughout your entire golf swing.
The subtle, modern slip-on design stands out in all the right ways, with natural colors offset by a bright leather-colored band wrapped around the heel, and goes with just about any outfit, too.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#2 UpSide LockOn Rangefinder
UpSide’s LOCKON rangefinder is a must for golfers looking to hone in on their distances with an easy-to-use device without paying an arm and a leg for a bunch of unneeded features. The instant response and accuracy and slope-calculating tech are fantastic, but the greatest selling point of the LOCKON, and its namesake, is the badass magnet built into the side of the unit to attach to your cart or clubs for easy access.
With just the right amount of data, the LOCKON magnet, and an unbeatable price, UpSide clearly has its sights set on changing how we look at high-tech golf accessories.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#3 ProGolfLabs CBD Gum
Whether you’ve tried it for yourself or not, you’ve no doubt heard of CBD by now. The natural compound known as “cannabidiol,” derived from hemp cannabis sativa plants, has taken the natural health supplements market by storm. CBD products tout a variety of health and wellness benefits to better just about every aspect of your life — your golf game included.
Pro Golf Labs’ ProG1 CBD chewing gum offers a safe, unique, and effective alternative to other CBD products. Beat the jitters, aches and pains on the course once and for all.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#4 Epoch Eyewear
You’ve heard the saying, it doesn’t matter what you shoot (as long as you look good doing it.) Veteran-owned Epoch Eyewear is bringing affordable, quality sunglasses to the masses with styles built for on and off the course. From sporty and performance to casual and high end, you’ll be hard pressed to not find a pair that’s just right.
If you’re looking for a signature style without paying for brand names Epoch has familiar makes and models starting for around $20 — need we say more?
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#5 BombTech Wedge Set
Bombtech Golf has become a lot more than just a driver manufacturer. We were pleasantly surprised by the Grenade wedges several years ago and our feelings are still the same — these clubs are definitely worth giving a shot if you’re wanting more bang for your buck, literally. At the time, we wished the company would offer different finishes to highlight the stylish club head design, and now that wish has come true.
The limited edition Volcano Torched wedges set is, simply, BADASS. If you’re looking for a deal on some head-turning quality wedges, consider your search over.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#6 The Big Beertha
What’s a good day out on the course if you’re not tossing a few back? The Big Beertha has brought all the glory of party-style drinking to your local golf club, and we’re here for it. The design mimics that of most modern-day drivers, making for the perfect disguise from the course marshal and fitting perfectly into any golf bag.
Crack one open and fill the head of the Beertha, ready your gullet and toss it back. Now we’re ready to play some golf!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#7 Birdicorn Divot Tool
The tagline “The best divot tool in golf,” is a little misleading when you’re talking about Birdicorn’s claim-to-fame. Don’t get us wrong, it is the best repair tool on the market, but that’s literally a fraction of what this product can do. Birdicorn’s genius lightweight design packs 6 functions into one easy-to-use tool; a repair tool, putting alignment aid, grip rest, bottle opener, line stencil, and ball mark holder (fits any 1″ ball marker).
The compact, ergonomical design fits comfortably in your pocket, meaning you’ll have absolutely no reason to leave pocked greens behind you on the course.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#8 Jones Golf
Jones Golf is one of the the perennial trendsetters in the golf industry, staying on the cutting edge of performance and design with a nod to the game’s traditional style. Top-quality golf and travel bags, apparel, accessories and more, you really can’t go wrong with any of Jones’ offerings. But to narrow our selection down to one, we’ll highlight the product that “started it all” — the Original Jones. Less is more in the case of the Original, featuring a 3-way top divider, (2) front pockets and (1) back pocket, an unstructured body made of water-resistant nylon, and a single strap. It’s the definition of a traditional golf bag and sure to please anyone on the receiving end. What’s more, Jones offers customization to all its products, making it even easier to come away with a one-of-a-kind piece.
Golf has always been a game of style, class, and tradition, and it always will be. Companies like Jones Golf Bags exude that aesthetic with a perfect balance between the then and now, and setting the standard for the game’s next generation.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#9 Oak & Anchor
“Go low. Stay fly” — a sentiment every golfer should live by. From throwback to modern, Oak & Anchor definitely has something for you or the golfer on your list — unless you’re looking for a “dad hat.” Each line sports a flat bill and snapback, and designed with just enough flair to suit any look while standing out amongst the crowd. Along with limited releases, O&A has too many designs to settle on just one — they’re all worthy of a spot in your collection. Quality material, designs, and a prices that fit any budget, O&A is a hat company for the people.
Join the ranks of the Oak & Anchor faithful — you’ll never look back.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
#10 MyLesson App
Golf is hard. Golf lessons won’t make it easy by any means, but they can make it a little less hard. But choosing an instructor and location, finding the time to commit, and the overall costs can sometimes be as complicated as the game itself, which is no solace to looking for help. That’s where the MyLesson App and it’s online, one-on-one instruction comes in — it’s as easy as 1-2-3, as the cliche goes. Choose your instructor from MyLesson’s list of PGA coaches, a process made easy with filters including cost, skill-level, overall rating and more. Then just schedule any time and find a WiFi-connected location that works for you, and start improving your swing.
With live, custom instruction from anywhere, signing up for MyLesson may very well be the easiest part of the game.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
ColoradoGolfBlog, in some cases, receives a small commission when you purchase items from these links. CGB has endorsed all advertisers, products and services and advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content.
by Craig Lemley | Mar 25, 2019 | Golf clubs, Products, Reviews
According to a study by Dr. Lucius Riccio, an original member of the USGA’s handicap research team, cited by golfpracticeguides.com, the average golfer makes 36 strokes or less with a putter per 18-hole round. That’s two putts per hole, and, according to our math skills, is pretty much half of the total number of strokes you’d make for a par 72 round. Kinda makes you realize just how awful three putts can be, and how important your flat stick really is.
Practice usually does make perfect, but when you’ve reached a point in your game where you’re comfortable with your putting stroke, it’s time to tinker with the tech.
Like drivers, big brand names typically dictate what most consider “the best” putters on the market, but if you’re really serious about saving strokes on the green, consider looking at smaller, specialized clubmakers. Cure Putters is a perfect example. The company launched with two models at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show to immediate success. 5 years later Cure touts 12 models, each designed to perform for every golfer.
Cure’s Tour X1 blade putter
Cure’s claim to fame is its “extremely High MOI” (moment of inertia). As the company explains on the website, a common misconception regarding high MOI putters is that they only offer forgiveness on off-center hits. They certainly do, but Cure’s high MOI designs also keep the clubface more square throughout the entire stroke, which, combined with that off-center forgiveness, equals more distance and directional control. (These results are also based on a player’s individual “IDEAL WEIGHT” — which basically means you’ll want to be fitted to optimize the weight of your Cure putter.)
The company graciously sent 3 putters built to spec to the CGB headquarters for review purposes, and our first impressions from the practice green: Cure = Pure. (We won’t be sending these back.)
With my usual blade putter, a pre-Titleist Scotty Cameron, I sometimes struggle with the initial takeaway in my backswing, wavering off square from the ball within the first few inches of my stroke. When this happens, I find myself focusing solely on correcting my clubface mid swing — often over or under compensating — and neglecting the other factors determining if the ball goes in the hole or not, like distance control. But after several practice putts with the Cure Tour X1 ($299.95), I found myself having to force the clubhead to waver on my takeaway to produce similar mishits. The Tour X1’s aluminum clubhead, with tungsten weights in the toe and heel and removable steel weights in the back, helps promote a straight and silky smooth stroke overall — truly noticeable — and the feel and sound of the ball coming off the 4.85″ milled face is unreal. Putt after putt after putt with the Cure rolled as pure and on line as one could ask for, and even toed and heeled shots only went slightly off line, still delivering not-so-terrible results. The confidence this club brings to my backswing allows me to focus on my desired line and pace, knowing the ball will come square off the clubface. Finding the pace can be a bit tricky to get used to if your Cure is any heavier than the putter you’re use to playing — really, though, when is it not? — and you may find it all to easy to muscle it past the hole until you get it dialed in (all the more reason to get fitted.)
The Tour X1 is a beautiful club to look at, too. Though one of Cure’s smaller designs, the clubhead is still larger than most blades you’ll see, but with a solid black finish, hidden weights and clean lines, it isn’t distracting to the eye or gaudy in any way. Aside the X1, Cure’s Tour Series includes two mallet designs in the X2 and X3, both with seemingly impressive features along the same lines.
Cure’s CX1 blade putter
The praise continues on to the CX1 ($279.95) from Cure’s Classic Series. With a slightly larger 5″ clubface, the CX1 touts the same weight systems, milled face and high MOI as the Tour X1, but the slightly bulkier design reads and feels a lot more like a mallet hybrid than a traditional blade putter — the best of both worlds. Speaking of mallets, the Classic Series includes two traditional mallet designs with the CX3 and CX4, and rounds out its blade design offerings with the CX2. The Classic Series putters are also available in red, black, or white, to add another touch of style.
While it’s clear Cure putters isn’t making your average blades and mallets, the company obviously wants to make sure it stands out from the pack. The RX Series does an excellent job of that — easily the most customizeable putters that have ever come through the CGB headquarters. The RX Series sports an eye-catching door handle design and “t bar” alignments; the putters vary by profile size with the RX3 ($259.95) being the smallest with a 5.25″ milled face. Other than that, there’s little you can’t customize on these putters. Each comes with two, 12g, 1/4″ aluminum and two, 35g, 1/4″ steel toe and heel disk weights added and removed with a standard hex tool (additional weight sets sold separately). Not only that, the RX Series boast interchangeable shafts and customizeable lie angles.
When we first heard of this feature, honestly, is sounded like a pain in the ass to have to worry about or adjust in on the fly, but that is far from reality. Two screws on the bottom of the putter loosen the shaft housing with a 1/4 turn, allowing you to move the shaft freely and adjust the angle as needed. All in all, the RX Series may sound more like a DeChambeau-like science experiment than something an average golfer would have in the bag, but the customization process takes about as long as it does to adjust the loft on your driver — and a lot more fun — so don’t let that be a deterrent. Sorry, lefties, the RX Series putters come RH only, in black or red.
Cure’s RX3 putter
While we’ve only had the chance to play those noted above, we can assume the same performance rings true throughout the company’s offerings. Cure putters — all of which are USGA conforming — come equipped with straight or offset shafts in standard lengths (custom lengths available by request), a branded Winn Pistol midsize grip and durable leather clubhead cover. The company also offers accessories and gear, as well as a trade-in program. Really, if you’re interested in making more gains on the green, you’d be remiss to not try a Cure putter, at the very least. With an optimized stroke using your own ideal weight, you my find yourself inching closer to that 36 or below number at the end of your round.
ColoradoGolfBlog, in some cases, receives a small commission when you purchase items from these links. CGB has endorsed all advertisers, products and services and advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content.
by Craig Lemley | Dec 4, 2017 | Golf clubs, Reviews
It’s not often an audible “wow” is heard while opening packages at the CGB headquarters, but the sleek design and stunning finish on the new C300 driver from Wilson Staff stopped us in our tracks.
Last year’s offerings from Wilson proved the company is serious about staying at the top of any golfer’s wish list — the D300 driver was awarded “silver” on Golf Digest‘s 2017 “Hot List,” and the Triton driver made history as the inaugural winner of Golf Channel’s “Driver vs Driver.” The C300 carries that momentum.
The wows continue on the course — the C300’s design delivering surprising distance and accuracy. CGB’s home course, King’s Deer Golf Club, is a long, 6,100-yard links track that proves a real test for smaller/shorter hitters like myself. I’ve had a Cobra King LTD driver in my bag for a couple of seasons now, growing comfortable with a lower ball flight to offset my fade in the Deer’s usually windy-conditions at the expense of 10-20 yards distance. As they say, it’s not the club, it’s the player, but there have always been a handful of holes at the Deer where I could really use extra yardage to avoid working with make-or-break landing areas from the tee and hail Mary second shots. With the C300, though, my home track seems a whole lot shorter.
The club used for this review was set at the standard 10.5-degree loft — the C300 allows for loft adjustments from 9.5 to 12 — equipped with a Fujikura Speeder Pro shaft.
The C300 is the company’s first driver using Wilson LABS “FLX Face” technology, also found in some Wilson Staff irons, that adds the forgiveness average players need while promoting the distance they want. From the first tee my ball flight was higher, straighter, and farther — to the point of me needing to stop compensating for my fade and start looking for landing areas I’ve never even considered before, without changing my swing. This new-found distance and accuracy opens up a world of opportunities for me on the Deer’s longer par 4s and 5s, reducing the need for my long irons and allowing me to think about scoring instead of damage control throughout the round. If that’s not what you want from a club, I don’t know what is.
My one minor complaint with the C300 — and I’m being picky — is the loud “Ping” noise at impact. Much like a softball bat, or a blacksmith putting a hammer to anvil, everyone in the surrounding area will know when you’ve squared one up. Though sometimes the sound adds a little more swagger to a crushed tee shot, it’s not always warranted. That said, though, the C300 is still much quieter than the D300 driver, and it’s nothing new among modern driver designs.
Other improvements include the C300’s appearance. A stunning, satin maroon/red finish is unblemished by the “Micro Vortex Generators” — the little nodes on the top of the D300 driver that sort of resemble reptile skin — though the “Power holes,” part of the FLX Face design, are hit or miss depending on who you ask. But the visible slots on the topside are no more an annoyance than they are a way to frame the club’s sweet spot, and it’s hard to argue with the results.
There’s something very special in unveiling a brand new driver, much like ripping the wrapping paper off your very first holiday gift. That feeling is followed by another of equal pleasure when you stripe one down the fairway for the first time. You’ll experience both when you get your hands on the Wilson Staff C300 driver, with the added joy of better distance and accuracy from the tee.
Wilson’s given us a gift that keeps on giving.
ColoradoGolfBlog, in some cases, receives a small commission when you purchase items from these links. CGB has endorsed all advertisers, products and services and advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content.
