TaylorMade Burner and Burner Tour Balls
TaylorMade has introduced two new golf ball models – the next-generation Burner and the all-new Burner Tour, both designed to deliver maximum distance through high launch and longer carry and the Burner Tour’s soft and thin cover promotes softer feel, higher spin and increased control. For additional features and more information, visit www.taylormadegolf.com.
You-know-who is clawing his way back. Can we expect the golf industry to follow suit?
Yes, there will be golf in 2011. How do we know that? Tiger says so, or at least his actions do.
He’s apparently found a coach he can live with, and officially split from someone he can’t. His quest for golf’s Holy Grail – 19 – is back on. Life is good.
Getting his Tigerness settled comfortably on the throne again was at least one resolution in a year and a half or so of bumps in the road.
First, the economic meltdown hit. The industry still hasn’t fully recovered and maybe never will.
Then came the announcement that tour players would no longer be allowed to play square-grooved clubs. The considerable backlash suggested the death knell for many a career, maybe even the tour itself. How on earth, the naysayers moaned, would a tour player now stop the ball out of four-inch rough? There were grave concerns that the bomb-and-gouge theory might give way to creative thinking.
Well, from what I can gather, this has been a non-issue, at least if the 59’s and 60’s we’re seeing are any indication.
Nonetheless, all seemed well and fine until . . . well, you know. Or at least you should know. It’s as much a part of our recall DNA as the Kennedy assassination, the shooting of Lennon, O.J. in the Bronco, and so on.
Our hero, it seems, had been spending a lot of time on his already world-class short game. He had taken “getting it up and in” to a whole new level.
The golf world was shaken. Then, when he disappeared, ostensibly for therapy, fear gripped the nation. No Tiger, no fan interest. No fan interest, no TV dollars. No TV dollars, smaller purses. And so on. Biggest fear? Without their cash cow, top tour players might make only $2 million a year instead of four.
It was all quite absurd. Baseball survived without Babe Ruth, hockey without Bobby Orr. Even Garfunkel survived without Simon.
Well, in his absence, golf did survive, if not thrive. And should he completely return to form, look for a massive lift of industry spirits.
So where does that leave equipment manufacturers with another year just around the corner? Somewhat optimistic, I would think, though many of us continue to wonder how much straighter, higher and longer they can make the ball go. Not much, it would seem, which begs the question – have manufacturers exhausted the possibilities? Have we reached the point where, like fashion, old may become new again?
Doubtful, given that the Goliaths – Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, et al – have pretty much driven the Davids to the sidelines. The average player wants to go into the weekend battle with a bazooka, not a peashooter.
As I peruse what various manufacturers have in store, I see some familiar words and terms like “elastomer”, “centre of gravity”, “increased moment of inertia”, “more forgiving” and “larger sweet spot” popping up again and again. In that respect, not much has changed.
But a Formula One link to designing clubs, a game-improvement glove that’s washable, and shoes that promise more consistent ball striking, suggest the never-ending quest to pique our interest and help us play better, rolls on.
adidas Eyewear
Be aware of the glare
Contrary to popular belief, polarized lenses are not recommended while playing golf. Polarized lenses are designed to prevent you from seeing the glare off reflective surfaces. Not seeing the glare on a shiny patch of grass can result in the loss of crucial information, while reading the green. In turn, your overall score can be affected. adidas eyewear recommends polarized lenses for water and snow activities.
Optimized for golfers, adidas eyewear suggests using their Light Stabilizing Technology Contrast lenses while playing golf. Golf players are always looking for innovative products to improve their performance. Golf sunglasses are no exception as improving your handicap and becoming a successful golfer means keeping sight of the overall picture. Changing light conditions, wind, insects and different types of terrain can impair your vision.
adidas eyewear golf sunglasses are developed in collaboration with the PGA and TMaG Tour pros. To help you better read the green, adidas recommends its Light Stabilizing Technology™ Contrast lenses that help increase the contrast of the ball on a green environment and accentuates the curves on a golf course. Like all models in the adidas eyewear collection, they are designed and manufactured by the respected eyewear producer Silhouette International in Austria. All lenses made by adidas eyewear guarantee 100 per cent protection against UVA, B and C. Also, all golf sunglasses can also be fitted with optical correction to correct impaired vision among golfers.
For further information on the Light Stabilizing Technology Contrast lenses and adidas golf models such as adivista, retego, on par ll, adilibria and t-sight, visit: www.adidas.com/eyewear
All Square Golf
Golf Buddy World Platinum (www.golfbuddyglobal.com)
All Square Golf Inc. is excited about Golf Buddy World Platinum. The latest GPS, Golf Buddy World Platinum is already receiving rave reviews. It’s easy to use and gives exact yardages, so you know how far you hit your clubs and you can dial in your approach shots. Some customers are claiming it has helped shave up to five strokes off their game. It’s perfect for the executive who travels a lot and plays different courses as Golf Buddy can hold 20,000 courses and comes with course pre-loaded, so you don’t have to go online and add, delete and download the courses as you need them. Another advantage is that the unit comes with a rechargeable battery, but can also run on two AAA batteries.
Old Skool Headcovers (www.oldskoolgolf.com) offer a variety of fashion forward head covers for drivers, hybrids and woods. Go Old Skool and make a statement on the course. They all retail for $24.95. See website for more information.
Robocup (www.finetunegolf.com)
RoboCup is a ball return robot that was awarded the best new product at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show. PGA Tour veteran Fred Funk says, “I love the RoboCup… it’s an old man’s dream!” The RoboCup saves time and saves wear and tear on your back. RoboCup is the only ball return device designed to work on any practice green. Take it to the course with you to make putting practice more enjoyable. Spend more time improving your putting and less time picking up golf balls. That’s why tour pros such as Funk use the RoboCup. It doubles or triples the number of practice putts you can take because it saves you so much time retrieving your shots as well as the wear and tear from bending your back. The RoboCup:
returns the ball 14 feet or more, depending on the green speed
fits in practice or standard-depth cups
runs on four AA batteries, which last for more than 12,000 putt returns
includes a protective moulded carry case.
Medicus (www.medicus.com)
Medicus dual hinge driver is the best-selling swing trainer ever. Priced at $39.95, it has been chosen by golf professionals as the No. 1 swing trainer club in the world. Once you learn to swing the Medicus Driver without breaking it you know you are swinging in tempo and on plane. You’ll get rid of that slice and start hitting longer, straighter shots and start shooting lower golf scores. You can use the Medicus indoors or out — at home, on the range, or on the course. It improves all aspects of your swing — from the takeaway to the downswing to the follow through — it develops muscle memory so that you develop a perfect and repeating swing.
Bila Golf
Bila set to bring new caddies to market.
This season marked the emergence of a new player in motorized remote control caddies. Bila Golf brought us the Navigator GPS from MGI, the leading Australian “buggy” maker. The Navigator GPS had some questions to answer. Was it tested and reliable? Did it stand up to its promises of great performance? Did it offer something the competition didn’t? Check. Check. Check.
New and old caddy users have had positive things to say. Patrick Coulter at Georgian Bay Club said, “I underestimated how much easier it would be to walk the course with a motorized caddy.” Brian French at Mad River said, “the StraightTracker technology works incredibly well. I thought it would be just a gimmick, but it is quite the feature.” He also added, “the turning mechanism works much better than competitors’.”
A few months and many happy customers later, the team at Bila Golf are getting excited for another season. Its customers are looking forward to some new products coming down the pipeline. Sticking with the reliability that comes with a caddy manufacturer that has been in the game for more than 15 years, Bila Golf will bring in new caddies from the MGI fleet of quality products. Lighter weight frame, longer lasting lithium batteries, and sleeker smooth line design are some of the highlights of what customers can expect to see. To become a retailer of the Navigator GPS and to take advantage of the great sales incentives, e-mail the Bila Golf team at sales@bilagolf.com. Ask about fleet options for your club. Financing and bulk discounts are available. For more information and to get on the mailing list check them out at www.bilagolf.com or e-mail info@bilagolf.com.
Callaway uPro MX (http://www.uprogps.ca/#ca)
The uPro MX is the most powerful golf GPS in the world. It comes with stunning, hi-resolution aerial imagery and there are no membership fees or annual dues. It is compact, which makes it easy to carry with you during your round. It is nearly half the size and weight of other GPS devices. There is no software installation needed and it is PC and Mac compatible. Its advanced functionality helps improve your game. The uPro delivers you the information that you need in a way you won’t find on any other golf GPS. Quickly get precise distances while also seeing the actual layout and image of the hole. The uPro comes pre-loaded with more than 25,000 courses from its global database. There is also the ability in its ProMode to download more courses for enhanced performance. The Virtual Green view shows the green and its surrounding area in vivid detail with precise distances to help you better read and sink more putts, while the Auto layup feature gives you layup distances to 100 and 150 yards from the centre of the green.
Dryrainge
Canadian-made product DryRainge offers a wide range of choices
DryRainge is a moveable range shelter capable of protecting pros and their clients during lessons from harsh wind, rain and the sun’s UV rays. This unique product was developed about 12 years ago by Saskatoon-based concrete contractor, Bruce Rempel. So far, they’ve sold more than 300, including one to Brooks, who’s thrilled with the results.
Is DryRainge undercover and under the radar? Not exactly. The product is selling well in Canada and the United States, and it has really taken off in the U.K. — a locale known for crazy climes. So far, 90 DryRainges have been sold in the U.K. at $7,000 per unit.
The product is strong and moves on wheels, allowing it to be shifted around the range for good grass renewal. David Leadbetter’s academy at Champions Gate in Florida and Nick Faldo’s Academy at Brockett Hall in England both enjoy the benefits of their DryRainge units. The inspiration for the product came at a favourite Saskatoon watering hole with the idea of a mobile protective shelter. The prototype got aid from the Saskatchewan government and a small bit of funding came from the “inventors’ program.” The product is made from 2 3/8 inch galvanized tubing with a 12.5-ounce polyurethane covering. It’s modular in construction, which means it can be taken down and put back up easily.
The innovative DryRainge is like the covering over a ballpark – it prevents rainouts. For more information: www.dryrainge.com.
G.Lore International
G.Lore is the go to supplier for women’s accessories – ball markers, bling hats, jewelry, bling tees, belts, and gloves. Navika has become the industry leader in ball markers with two price points – Swarovski Crystal Ball Markers with more than 140 designs and over 65 Glitzy Ball Marker designs. Clip is your choice: a tac pin or a hat clip style. New designs are constantly being introduced. The new buzz is the Magnetic Ball Marker Necklaces and the ever so stylish Mantra Bead Bracelets.
Luckimark is a new twist on ball markers. Instead of the traditional hat clip, they are pins. Butterfly and ladybug pin sets are fabulous with the pin and four ball markers.
NifTeeSeat is a must in Canada — a golf cart seat cover that fits any golf car. It’s available in eight colours.
Titania Golf designs and markets fashionable, functional ladies golf clothes and accessories. Featuring the latest in design, bling tees, bling hats and bling accessories are a hit for any women’s golf tournament.
Other accessories available from G.Lore include: Mantra Golf Gloves, HandiMitt, Golf Rule Book and Inside the Leather Belts. For more information or tournament pricing call G.Lore at 780-417-9135.
Golf Trends Inc.
Golf Trends Inc. was established in 1987 to provide quality merchandise to golf professionals, golf course operators, and off-course golf retailers across Canada.
Now in their 22nd year of business, Golf Trends continually sets the benchmark for excellence in customer service, product quality and delivery. Our extensive list of product lines includes Bag Boy, Burton, Datrek AMF Golf, Slotline, Golf Pride, Winn Grips, Lamkin, Proline of Australia, Bonjoc, Tour Edge as well as our own quality labels. Some of the new products for 2011 include:
Air Sports Watch (www.airsportswatch.com)
The watch is made out of silicone infused with tourmaline and germanium. It emits negative ions and Far Infrared to improve circulation and speed up recovery time. But what is actually great about this product is it is ultra light (less than 10 grams), comes in 25 colours and six sizes. The key is to purchase the size that just hugs your wrist. If you are wearing the correct size of watch, you completely forget you are wearing it. You can play just about any sport, and it won’t interfere. It is also waterproof up to 30 meters and has a one-year warranty. It should retail for around $19.95 to $24.95 in Canada. “This is a great little product we think will do well in all sports markets across the country,” says Ryan Redmond, Golf Trends Inc.
Golfshield GSX (www.golfshield.com)
This product fits all makes and models of motorized golf carts and it can be installed in less than 60 seconds. The sides of the golfshield attach to the top of the cart via a bungee system, and velcro straps wrap around the front post of the cart. The golfshield can now slide open like a shower curtain. If needed, you can purchase an optional front windshield. The two sides will wholesale in Canada for $70 with an expected retail of $119.99. The optional windshield should retail for around $34.95.
Finally, we are taking over distribution of Winning Edge Designs for Canada from Sunshine Golf in BC (www.winningedgedesigns.com).
Bags and more bags by Bag Boy offered by Burton and Datrek
Golf Trends represents both Burton and Datrek. Ryan Redmond says they are excited about the relaunch of their line of Bag Boy golf bags.
“The bags are incredible and we are very excited for next year,” says Redmond.
Burton offers six cart bags with three specifically designed for women. They are the Premier, Signature, Executive, Sienna ladies, Verona ladies, and Milano ladies. The Burton Premier Cart Bag offers unparalleled luxury and durability. Features such as the sturdy, genuine leather handle, ultra durable ballistic nylon and a steel reinforced top make the Premier Cart Bag the standard from which all other golf bags are measured. It has a 10 inch six-way fully padded velour top with full length dividers and is crafted with genuine leather accents and 1680D ballistic nylon. There are eight functional pockets, including a luxury valuables pocket and an oversized ball pocket.
The Burton Signature Cart Bag combines traditional Burton craftsmanship and the finest materials available with contemporary features such as a 14-way top and insulated cooler pocket. The Signature Cart Bag reigns supreme in both quality and performance.
The Burton Executive Cart Bag offers classic plaids and rich earth tones combined with genuine leather touch points and a convenient eight-way top. The Executive Cart Bag is a perfect example of the Burton legacy of form, function and quality, which began in 1907 and continues today.
The Burton Siena Cart Bag is tailored for the sophisticated lady golfer who demands a fashion forward yet functional design. Its richly woven pattern and premium materials will let everyone know you appreciate the finer things in life.
The Burton Verona Cart Bag provides modern design with traditional Burton quality. Fashionable quilted fabric creates a rich, luxurious look, while a 10-way top and insulated cooler pocket provide today’s most popular features.
The Burton Milano Cart Bag seamlessly blends the latest fashion trends with the Burton foundations of quality and performance. Floral prints and natural curves create a nostalgic yet modern design that will please even the most discerning golfer.
Titleist
For 2011 Titleist offers a wide variety of golf accessories such as bags, caps and gloves for all seasons. Some of the accessories include the Titleist 14-way stand bag.
Designed for players who walk and ride, this bag is fully featured with all the bells and whistles synonymous with Titleist’s premium line of golf bags. Offered in an expanded range of colour options and made with durable lightweight materials, this bag will appeal to avid, serious and occasional golfers alike.
NHL Caps
Show your team colours with National Hockey League (NHL) licensed headwear from Titleist. Each of your favourite Canadian NHL teams is represented with dual piping accents along with team logo embroidery and ball marker.
Hand-crafted leather gloves a fit for all seasons
New SciFlex Glove
The SciFlex features the finest hand crafted leather that’s been engineered to stay softer longer and provide exceptional moisture resistance. Breathable PowerNet mesh across the knuckles, the back panel and along the fingers provide a cool, comfortable fit. The angled ComforTab closure secures a precision fit. Excellence in innovation has made the SciFlex glove one of the most preferred FootJoy gloves worn by the world’s best players.
SofJoy Glove
The SofJoy glove gives you a material advantage with extraordinary crafted features at an outstanding value. High-performance FiberSof microfibre along the back of the hand and a proprietary angled-tab closure provides a comfortable, consistent fit. Premium cabretta leather palm ensures a soft feel, plus perspiration resistance and durable consistent grip.
WinterSof Glove
A must have for early spring or fall golf. Soft, sure-grip suede leather palm gives you a superb feel and secure grip in cool weather conditions. New windproof structured nylon and inner weather-shield foam on the back of the fingers retains warmth and resists cold weather conditions.
Turf Net Sports Supplies (www.turfnetsportssupplies.com).
Turf Net Sports Supplies (TNSS) is entering its sixth season. Turf and netting is now starting to be the company’s main focus. According to Tim Proctor, president of TNSS is selling one to two putting greens a week on average. They are also installing a large amount of turf for miniature golf courses. Proctor says they’ve taken advantage of new lead-free polyethylene turf, which is more environmentally-friendly.
“We now carry the Western Golf Product line as well,” he adds. “Now the customers have a second option when it comes to their decision on what brand of range equipment to purchase.”
TNSS also offers a logo machine that prints logos on golf balls, divot repair tools, as well as tees and ceramic plaques. “It’s a great gift to give away as a donation for any fundraiser,” says Proctor.
In addition for 2011 TNSS wants to power up your game with Power Surge
Get fit for next spring this winter with Turf Net’s Power Surge — a revolutionary new exercise device for strengthening your grip, wrist, forearms and shoulders. Power Surge gives athletes the convenience to train anywhere and at any time. Its patented resistance control hex gives you the ability to easily and quickly adjust the resistance level to your own personal strength and comfort level. One-minute sessions, four sessions per day, several days per week, will result in a noticeable increase in grip power, forearm strength, stamina and wrist flexibility.
ACUSHNET CANADA – TITLEIST AND FOOTJOY
Once tour players try something and love it, the guy on the street wants it as soon as possible. And so the much-anticipated 910 driver will arrive in mid-November. This follows months of successful player testing and performance validation on the worldwide professional tours. Tour Players are upgrading to the 910 driver faster than any driver Titleist has ever introduced, with the total number of players worldwide using 910 drivers quickly approaching 100.
A key feature is the innovative SureFit Tour (SFT) dual-angle hosel. It’s the latest advancement in precision fitting. Nicknamed “Tour-Van-in-a-hosel’, SFT enables golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimize ball flight – higher or lower, and for more draw or fade for a precise fit that results in increased distance and improved shot control.
The 910 comes in two models – the 910D2 (460cc) and the 910D3 (445cc). Each has a fast face design with a larger maximum ball speed area, improved launch and spin off the face for increased distance potential, and a low and deep centre of gravity for increased stability and distance. The attractive head has a black PVD paint finish with white score lines and gives off an acoustically engineered hot, solid sound.
The new 910 fairway metals and hybrids will begin shipping in February 2011.
To say the Titleist ball will once again be popular would be an understatement.
The New NXT Tour and NXT balls represent the next generation of performance. The Tour is for golfers who seek long distance with the driver and long irons, yet also demand consistent shot stopping short game control. The NXT is for players who want extreme distance, durability and a straighter ball flight.
Speaking of performance, the Tour-proven ProV1 and ProV1x balls have become synonymous with it. With its larger, faster core, the Pro V1 is designed for golfers seeking long distance, consistent ball flight and soft feel, along with Drop-And-Stop™ greenside control for improved scoring performance. The Pro V1x is for players who want low spin and increased velocity for long, straight distance off the driver, exceptional playability, soft feel and the Drop-And-Stop™ greenside control.
The Titleist DT has been one of the most popular balls of the last 30 years and remains the choice for recreational golfers worldwide. The new DT SoLo is designed for a broad range of golfers seeking the combination of long distance, exceptional feel, responsive short game control and cut-proof cover durability.
FOOTJOY
With a strong foothold in the shoe market, FootJoy is introducing a number of exciting new categories and models to its footwear lineup next year. New for 2011 is the DryJoys Tour. This new category blends traditional upper styling with cutting-edge, next generation Stability PODS technology. Incorporating feedback from FJ staff tour players, DryJoys shoes boast innovative TPU-infused midsole/outsole components engineered to offer enhanced platform stability while maintaining the comfort and flexibility that players count on around the world.
For women, the FootJoy LoPro Limited Edition Shield Tip golf shoes are a perfect modern blend of performance and fashion. An extra thick PU Fit-Bed with Dri-Lex cover provides soft and comfortable underfoot cushioning with low profile styling. The EVA midsole and TPU outsole produce a lightweight shoe that maintains a durable stable hitting platform.
BRIDGESTONE BALLS
Crazy as it might have once seemed, ball fitting has become as much a science as club fitting. Through their fitting process, Bridgestone has proven that having a ball that matches one’s swing can be as much a game improver as having the right shafts.
And to say they have all swings covered would be an understatement. Higher swing speeds, lower swing speeds, any desired ball flight – Bridgestone has something for everyone.
The B330 Series has two kinds of balls for players with swing speeds greater than 105 mph, and two for players with swing speeds less than 105 mph. In the +105 category are the Tour B330 and Tour B330S, which are new for 2011 and available November 2010. Each ball has a 330 Seamless Dimple Design for a consistent flight, and a Dual Mantle design for reduced spin and a higher launch off the driver and long irons. The core of the B330 produces faster ball speed and longer distance, while the B330-S’s core is softer for long distance and superb feel. It also has a softer urethane cover for added spin.
Rounding out the Tour Performance Series are the B330-RX and B330-RXS. The B330-RX continues to be a big hit, particularly for players with swing speeds less than 105 mph. Its core, ionomer inner cover and urethane cover make it the choice for players who want more distance. The B330-RXS is the higher-spin version. A soft urethane cover and very soft core make it the ball for players who want more spin and control around the greens.
The Distance Performance Series or e-Series is the perfect complement to the B330 line. It’s all about flight control. The two-piece e5 is for players wanting a high ball flight, deep distance and added spin control. For a straight flight it’s the popular e6, the softest multi-layer golf ball available for long and straight distance. The choice for players who like to hit those penetrating bullets is the e7. Its high-speed multilayer construction promotes maximum distance performance.
New for 2011 in the game-improvement category is the xFIXx. It feels soft, goes far and spins, making it the perfect all-in-one ball for the recreational player.
Back again is the flagship Lady IQ Plus. The softest women’s golf ball produces higher flight and more distance at slower swing speeds. The softer core also reduces sidespin for more accuracy, while the softer cover provides better greenside control. The Lady IQ Plus also has as much style as substance. Besides being offered in traditional white, it also comes in clear white and bright pink. The original Precept MC Lady, the best selling ladies ball of all time, remains in the line. For each dozen purchased, Tournament Sports makes a donation to breast cancer research.
CALLAWAY
Callaway has lots to offer for 2011.
Both the Diablo Octane driver and RAZR Hawk driver have forged composite in the crown. It’s lighter and stronger than titanium and produces faster head and ball speeds. The RAZR Hawk’s aerodynamic head shape reduces energy loss by 43 per cent compared to the FT-9 driver. Each driver is available in four lofts and a tour version.
The Diablo Octane fairway wood comes in four standard models and two tour models. The RAZR Hawk comes in four standard models.
Callaway is calling their new X-24 Hot irons the longest and most accurate X-Series irons. They’re designed to produce faster ball speeds across the clubface and deliver maximum distance.
The RAZR X Forged model iron is for the elite player looking for a tour-inspired head, thin topline and superior feel. The RAZR X Tour model is for low- to mid-handicap players who want an iron that’s playable yet workable. The RAZR X model is for players who want distance, forgiveness and playability. Long irons can be substituted with RAZR X hybrids, which come in four lofts and two tour models.
Odyssey has a putter for everyone. On the men’s side there’s the unique Backstryke with its built-in forward press. The precision-milled Black Series, designed with input from Phil and Ernie, is available in six models. The ProType PT 82 is what Phil uses. Only 2,500 will be available in the U.S. White Ice putters, with their multi-layer insert, come in 10 different models. The easy-to-align White Ice D.A.R.T. comes in two different models.
The ladies’ Divine Line comes in four new head shapes adopted from the White Ice family. Pink is prominent in the insert and grip.
New in balls are the HX Diablo and HX Diablo Tour. Each features Hex Aerodynamics, which replaces conventional dimples to produce a more penetrating ball flight.
Maxfli
There was a time when Maxfli was one of the big names in golf. I remember how excited I was as a young assistant pro to play their clubs in the late ‘70s. The day their vaunted Australian Blades and matching persimmon woods arrived, I couldn’t get the bubble wrap off fast enough. I still have those clubs and occasionally pull them out to marvel at how good they still look.
Many other big names have found Maxfli’s equipment and balls to their liking. Jack Nicklaus won the 1959 U.S. Amateur and Fuzzy Zoeller the 1979 Masters using a Maxfli ball. Sandy Lyle won the ’88 Masters with a Maxfli DDH ball and Curtis Strange won back-to-back U.S. Opens playing a Maxfli ball. Ian Woosnam became the first golfer on the European Tour to earn over £1 million; he did it using Maxfli equipment. He and Ian Baker-Finch and Fred Couples all won majors with the HT ball.
Dating back almost 125 years, Maxfli is one of the longest established brands in the world. It got its start under the iconic Dunlop Slazenger group. Even today the brand remains synonymous with quality, innovation and popularity.
Despite the many fine clubs produced and marketed under the Maxfli name, it’s probably their balls that resonate most with golfers. That popularity goes back as far as the 1923 British Open, when 322 of the 402 competitors teed up a Maxfli ball.
Besides the DDH and HT, the Revolution, introduced in 1997, and Noodle are the two most of us remember. And for good reason. The Revolution was one of the most playable balls ever made; its feel and performance matched any ball on the market. Same for the Noodle, which in 2005 became the number one selling two-piece ball in the world.
Those were the glory days for Maxfli, and given the number of balls flooding the market in recent years, that glory has faded. But not for long, perhaps. Maxfli is out to reestablish its name in the industry.
Yes, Maxfli is back. And if they have their way, the premium brand that was once found in the bags of Norman and Ballesteros will be found in golfers’ bags around the world.
Having the heritage they do gives them a great head start. Maxfli has spent almost 90 years building respect for their products, and respect is sure to follow what they’re offering for 2011.
An iconic brand trumpets its return to the market with a brand new range of balls, clubs and bags. But it’s not quite the same look that we’ve become familiar with. Maxfli now has a more contemporary feel, thanks in part to an updated logo and image. But this is far more than just putting a new coat of paint on an old brand. Performance has always been their number one priority and their new line-up does just that – perform!
Their bottom line: to be the #1 game improvement brand in golf. To do that they’ll offer a ball for every level of player. The Revolution will be targeted to the beginner and the Black Max to those looking to improve their game. The HT will be for the advanced player while the self-explanatory Tour Series will provide the kind of performance tour players demand.
Those names will also carry over to Maxfli’s line of clubs. At the game improvement end, Revolution and Black Max complete sets are specifically designed for men, ladies, juniors, youth and seniors. The more advanced player will benefit from the incredible performance of the Fire woods and irons. And last but not least, the Revolution and C3 putter, wedge and chipper series will be a great addition to any golfer’s bag.
All Maxfli clubs feature the finest grips from Lamkin and Winn and high performance shafts like Aldila DVS and Graphite Design YS+.
NANCY LOPEZ GOLF
Besides being one of the greatest female players of all time, Nancy Lopez was also the most beloved woman to ever play the game. She routinely led the LPGA Tour in smiles, graciousness and connecting with fans. And it was all as effortless as her golf swing.
It’s that same style that’s at the heart of Nancy Lopez Golf (NLG), a leader in innovation, technology and design in women’s golf equipment. For 2011 the company continues its mission of “defining the women’s game.”
The focus remains on providing women and girls with equipment – inspired, as always, by Nancy’s daughters, Torri, Ashley and Erinn – that matches their abilities and performance goals. With the many set configurations and options the company offers, there probably isn’t a player that NLG can’t fit. It all starts with the four-step NLG Match Play Process.
Though geared to matching the player with the Lopez line’s flagship, the TAE Series, the first step helps the player identify their style of play – recreational, regular or competitive – and then recommends which NLG clubs – Erinn 211 Series, Elite Series, Ashley Elle Series or TAE Series – that might best suit that style. The TAE Series is the flagship of the NLG line and players can customize grip size, shaft length and shaft flex. Fitting can be done through a golf professional or retailer. Geared toward competitive and regular players, the Tae Series starts with a 440cc driver (available in right-handed in 11˚, 14˚ and 16˚ and 14˚only in left-handed) and offset fairway woods (available in 3, 5 and 7 for right-handed and left-handed players and 9 only for right-handed). Even more options are available on the iron side. There’s also hybrid irons, with their smaller heads and shorter shafts (available in 4i, 5i, 6i); Tae Series iron sets are available in 3 configurations:
Tae + Series features a 4 and 5 hybrid iron, 6, 7 and 8 in a Ti Face iron and a soft stainless steel in 9, PW and SW. New for 2011 and available immediately.
Tae Combo Series features a 4, 5 and 6 hybrid iron, 7, 8, 9, PW, SE in a conventional stainless steel iron design.
Tae Conventional Series with 4-9, PW, SW in the Tae stainless steel iron.
All Tae Series clubs feature the Lopez Ultralite shaft available in 3 flexes and 3 lengths and Winn AVS grips available in 3 sizes.
An ideal complement to the Tae Series clubs are the NLG Series Wedges, Lopez Chipper and Tae Putter series. These clubs are all finished in the Tae Series Black/Silver; a striking presentation.
The recreational player can choose from the Erinn Series, Ashley Elle Series, Elite Series and Elite Pink Ribbon Series. Sales of the latter generate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Each of these 10-piece set configurations also includes headcovers, a putter and bag. The Erinn, Elite and Ashley Elle Series are also available in sets only.
NLG also offers an excellent selection of bags through its Signature Series, Tartan Series and Lopez lines both in Merchandise Packages and Standalone.
TAYLORMADE
TaylorMade has turned up the heat again. Especially hot is the Burner 2.0, the next generation of the most successful iron in the company’s history.
TaylorMade says the 2.0 is just as long, easier to play and more refined in its feel and sound. It all starts with the new two-tone finish that’s more durable and resists glare. The faces get thinner from the short irons up, while the top-line becomes thinner from the long irons down. It all adds up to more speed, distance, feel and control. Finally, improvements to both the multi-functional sole and inverted cone technology promote better contact and more forgiveness.
All that white you’re seeing on the greens these days is the TaylorMade Rossa Ghost putter line, which includes the Corza and the Daytona. Their aim: easier alignment than any other putter because the white finish stands out against the green grass; three black alignment lines contrast against the white crown; a circular hole creates a secondary alignment aid; and an anti-skid insert promotes forward roll.
What would a Burner 2.0 and Ghost be without the Penta TP ball. Its five-layer construction is designed to optimize performance in five key shot categories – driver, long-, middle- and short irons, and partial wedges. Whether a player is looking for more distance or added spin, the Penta TP has something for every player.
From its Burner 2.0 to adidas Golf’s adiPURE Z footwear, TaylorMade runs hot and cool, you might say. But the adiPURE Z has much more than just cool looks and unsurpassed craftsmanship. THiNTech low-profile technology brings the golfer closer to the ground for improved stability, better overall footwork and more consistent ball-striking. The exclusive THiNTech cleat and its configuration provide exceptional grip in all conditions and perimeter stability even for players with higher swing speeds.
TORKOS BROTHERS
Torkos Brothers, or TNT as it’s commonly known, was started almost 40 years ago by Nick and Tom Torkos. They cut their teeth as club builders with the once-renowned Campbell Golf Company. Over the years TNT has made clubs under its own name and assembled them for other companies such as Lynx. At one point in the ‘70s, they were making 500 left-hand sets of woods a week for Lynx.
Nick’s son Chris runs TNT today, and the company continues to carry its own brand of clubs, bags, gloves and accessories while also being the licensee for some products and the distributor for others. Key products for 2011 include the Bionic glove and putters from SeeMore and Bettinardi.
The Bionic glove has pads that fill the valleys in the fingers, palm and thumb. This increased surface contact means a more relaxed grip for greater clubhead speed and less twisting of the club at impact. Bionic says the glove lasts two to three times longer than a traditional leather glove. What’s more, it’s washable.
SeeMore’s popularity continues to grow on tour and elsewhere. Key to their design is RifleScope Technology (RST). This visible gun sight on the top line allows the golfer to set up the putter perfectly in relation to the intended target line. Hot items for 2001 include: The DB4, with its classic offset hosel; three additions to their flagship mSeries line; and an upgraded original FGP blade and complementary FGP Mallet.
Bettinardi putters have been behind more than 70 professional wins worldwide, including two majors. The BB Series putter line is the buzz for 2011. Each model features Bettinardi’s One-Piece Technology™ milling process and patented Honeycomb™ face to ensure the highest level of performance.
TOUR EDGE
Wouldn’t it be great if you could buy premium, high-performing golf equipment that’s affordable and has a 30-day play guarantee and a lifetime warranty? David Glod envisioned such a promise 25 years ago, and today, Tour Edge still delivers on it.
Is it any wonder the company continues to grow, even in these uncertain times. For more than five years, Tour Edge has occupied a top-10 market share in woods, irons, putters and wedges. Between April 2009 and April 2010, their market share in metal woods grew by 32 per cent – an impressive figure when you consider the industry average wood market share fell four per cent.
Products like the Trilogy Rail fairway wood and Bazooka HT Max Draw are just a couple of good reasons why Tour Edge continues to grow. Building on their superiority in the fairway wood market, they deliver another winner with the Trilogy Rail. It’s easy to hit from any kind of lie thanks to two outer rails and an inner one that work together to keep the clubface square at impact and enhance stability on off-centre hits. It’s available in five lofts.
The Bazooka HT Max Draw’s promise is to fight what so many players battle with – the slice. Key is the club’s offset. It promotes faster clubhead rotation and makes it easier to square the club at impact. Goodbye slice! It’s a very forgiving weapon as well. The 460cc head design has allowed the centre of gravity to be moved lower and further back, reducing clubhead twisting. The latter is further reduced because of four internal weight cavities in the rear of the sole that increase the moment of inertia. Translation: Longer, more accurate shots. The driver is available in 10.5˚, 12˚, 16˚; the fairway woods are available in 15.5˚, 19.5˚ and 22.5˚.
WILLIAMS SPORTS
As golf companies continue to search for that technological edge, we keep hearing about aerodynamics. Well, put your seatbelt on because there’s a new player in town that knows a thing or two about aerodynamics.
Williams Formula One has entered the golf business via Williams Sports. The latter will utilize the extensive team of Williams’ engineers and testing equipment to create the most highly advanced golf products.
I first saw the Williams line at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. Needless to say, clubs with ties to F1 racing are anything but pedestrian.
The Players Series, considered the lifeline of the product line, is targeted for 75 per cent of the global golfing population. It’s designed for the everyday golfer who wants maximum quality and performance from their equipment. Williams says this series will set the bar for design, performance and production.
The Gold Series is aimed at the golfer looking for non-traditional club styling. While it shares the same technological and aerodynamic advancements at the core of the Williams Sports line, the Gold Series will have a look that’s …. well, good as gold. Exquisite 24-karat gold plating is featured on all exposed metal surfaces. A rich metallic colour complements the gold and enhances it even more.
The Black Series takes the same engineering know-how that goes into a Formula One race car and applies it to golf clubs. With the car, the formula for performance and success starts with a seat that fits the driver perfectly, and an engine and suspension that matches the driver’s style. Williams has approached the design of the Black Series with the same formula. As the company says: “This is not just a series of clubs…this is The Ultimate Golf Experience…for the avid golfer who appreciates the finer things in life!”
WILSON
You may not see Wilson emblazoned on too many tour bags. But players, especially those looking for that first major, would be wise to take note: Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 major championships, more than any other any other iron manufacturer in history.
The company continues that pursuit of excellence with the Di11 irons. These state-of-the-art game improvers are the latest addition to the Wilson Staff Di legacy. They push the distance, forgiveness and accuracy envelope to a new level thanks to modifications and updates in virtually every performance area.
The key upgrades are a lower centre of gravity, ultra-wide sole and larger sweet spot – one that the company says is up to 36 per cent larger than what four leading brands offer in the super game-improvement category.
A weight shift resulted in a large unsupported face, and the urethane medallion from the Di9 model was removed and replaced with a coating of the same lightweight elastomer used on the underside of bridges to dampen vibrations. What the Di11s surely won’t do is dampen one’s spirits. There’s no lie too tight or too heavy for these powerful irons.
Breakthrough shaft technology helps to promote an even straighter and longer ball flight. Lightweight shaft options deliver faster clubhead speeds, while the company’s patented Wide Tip Technology helps to negate twisting on off-centre hits.
Also worth noting for 2011 are: The FG62 irons, with their classic forged look, and FG Tour wedges; the DXi driver and fairway utilities; a women’s version of the award-winning D-FY combo set; FT Tour junior sets; the Vizor putter, which has a Lock and Roll alignment feature that locks the eyes directly over the ball for the straightest possible roll; and a selection of cart and carry bags that feature new top designs.
OTHER GOLF EQUIPMENT
Cleveland Golf/Srixon
Cleveland is no lightweight in the business, but its new Launcher Ultralite driver and fairway woods sure are. Each features the ultralite, ultra-premium Miyazaki C. Kua shaft for faster head speed, feel and workability. The CG 16 irons are “just like our wedges, but longer,” says the company. That’s certainly a promise worth investigating given the company’s history of innovative wedges. They’ve incorporated features of the latter to produce an iron that optimizes distance, accuracy, spin and forgiveness. Bound to launch nicely with the Launcher and CG16’s is the Srixon ZStar XV, a four-piece ball with the thinnest urethane cover available and largest core design. Also comes in tour yellow.
Ping has something new for everyone. On the super-game-improvement side there’s the K15 Series. For tour-level performance there are the S-56 irons, Anser irons, Tour-S wedges and EYE2 XG wedges. The Faith Series is designed especially for women. And new to their putter line is the Scottsdale Series, which features an elastomer insert and expanded perimeter weighting.
Adams Golf always has lots of ideas when it comes to hybrids and irons. The Idea Tech V3 hybrid irons feature improved hybrids, short irons and mid-hybrids, all designed to be easier-to-hit than any long-, mid- or short irons. The 9064LS driver is the latest addition to the Speedline family. It produces faster clubhead speed, less drag and a more piercing ball flight, all adding up to longer drivers for golfers of all swing speeds.
New at Mizuno are the JPX-800 and JPX -800 PRO irons. The game-improvement JPX-800 produces distance and forgiveness in the 4-7 irons, maximum forgiveness and increased accuracy in the 8-PW, and greater control and accuracy in the GW and SW. The PRO’s 3-7 irons feature a generous sweet spot and thinner face for maximum forgiveness and distance, while the 8-PW features a solid power bar for enhanced feel and precision. Also new for 2011 are two additions to the renowned MP line – the MP-53 and MP-63.
Cobra will carry over products from this year, including the ZL driver, with its three-setting adjustable hosel, and the Baffler hybrid, which features three weights in the perimeter of the sole for easier launch.
Miura Golf has been making high-quality forged irons for 44 years. Its K Grind wedge features three channels that reduce resistance in sand, thick rough, and even the fairway. The company’s product line also includes other wedges, classic-looking blade and cavity-back irons, putters and the Precious Edition driver, fairway wood and utility wood.
The Traditional Sweater is the HOTTEST New Product on the Apparel Market
An aging population. An iffy economy. And fabrics that are comfortable and look good.
It’s a recipe for success, if an apparel company can provide products that are responsive to the three dynamics that seem to be driving the business model in 2011 and beyond.
That’s the message from Leigha Main, director of retail services, Green Grass One, and a columnist with Pro Shop.
Main has been servicing the golf industry at Green Grass One since 2004. She says a number of major trends are emerging as the 2011 products are about to be unveiled this fall.
Knits will be a major impact on the business this coming year – driven in part by a return to yesteryear. The tried and true sweater look is back, thanks in part to Graham McDowell, the Irish heartthrob who won his first major at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2010.
The Irishman was resplendent in a cardigan and military-style headwear.
Those trends were already making major inroads into the retail market, but McDowell’s extended face time on the tube during his Open run, seared it into the collective consciousness of both manufacturers and potential customers.
The sweater (knit) movement is all the rage heading into 2011.
Knits add flexibility to your life, says Main, who thinks that outerwear worn over a shirt or tee shirt, and looks as good off the course as on, is a real bonus for buyers.
It’s a warm and cozy look, and although other top-end lines have introduced it as well, it’s the moderately priced product that will probably get the biggest reaction from retailers, says Main.
Why?
The economy is still uncertain, and those attracted to the knit look, including many baby boomers, are still reluctant to pay high-end prices – even if they can afford it.
This isn’t a complete move away from the wind jackets, but knit products like cardigans do offer more versatility, says Main.
On the men’s side, Main sees a continued movement to more colourful bottoms. This means plaids will continue to dominate. Will the tops conflict with the bottoms even if they’re “not so solid a solid,” as Main likes to put it?
In other words, even if a top is a single colour to play off the bottoms, there will still be splashes of colours, or other markings on the shirts.
Colours are definitely still the thing in both men’s and women’s fashion, Main says.
She also foresees the continuing movement to the availability of both smaller and larger sizes, for both men and women.
“Golfers come in all shapes and sizes,” she says, and this will be reflected in the products being made available.
There’s also a continuation of the trend to different headgear. The traditional ball caps with a club’s logo on it will remain popular, but retailers should also stock up on poor boy’s hats, modified truckers’ hats, straw hats, and even felt fedoras for men.
“It’s not an expensive trend, but it changes your whole look,” says Main.
Although golf retailers and even apparel manufacturers tend to be on the conservative side, golfers now want to wear their golf clothing in public.
That means retailers have to carry a wide variety of choices for their customers.
Golf’s pro shops have to remember to carry product produced in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The latest fashion doesn’t always come from Wisconsin, says Main.
An aging population might be better off than their parents, but that doesn’t mean they’re willing to fork over $110 retail on a sweater, Main says.
Be wary of how many high-end product lines you carry in your pro shop, she says.
adidas
Through the relentless pursuit of innovation, adidas Golf has delivered golf-specific apparel engineered to enhance athletic performance. Now, adidas Golf, one of the leading global apparel brands, is offering a new type of synthetic fabric that is comfortable and familiar to the golfer. It creates a soft hand to the face with the ClimaCool® fabric, but also allows the golfer to experience the same great benefits and features as any adidas Golf ClimaCool shirt.
“With all of the different synthetics in the marketplace today, it is imperative for consumers to understand why adidas Golf shirts perform at a superior level and also feel great,” said Patricia Dahan, senior director of Global Apparel. “The soft touch fabrication enhances the technical fabrication featured in all of our ClimaCool shirts, and this newly engineered look and feel is appealing to the golfer.”
It incorporates highly breathable ventilation in critical heat zones, is anti-microbial, resists pilling and offers UV protection 15+ for the golfer.
After researching consumer demands in the golf market, it was discovered there was a need for an option that golfers could wear when practicing. So, adidas Golf created Rangewear, a lightweight, comfortable jacket and pant combination that gives golfers performance and style specifically when on the driving range.
“When we looked at what people were wearing on the range, we found a gap between the recognized, complete golf outfit and something casual to practice in,” said Dahan.
Men’s Rangewear consists of a slightly-fitted, lightweight polyester jacket and pant featuring 3-Stripes branding.
Women’s Rangewear features ClimaLite technology fabricated with a polyester/Lycra blend making the fabric highly-breathable and lightweight to help wick moisture away from the skin. Both jacket and pant have a yoga-inspired fit to add a stylish look and include contrast adidas brandmarking. Both men’s and women’s Rangewear are available now.
ANTIGUA
If apparel can keep you dry in the Arizona desert, then you’re onto something special. Desert Dry technology, created exclusively for Antigua to absorb and wick moisture quickly and evenly to achieve the most efficient evaporation possible to keep you comfortable and dry, was developed under the hottest conditions in the Arizona desert.
Desert Dry is high-tech functional performance at its highest.
Desert Dry Xtra-Lite fabrics additional benefits are: moisture wicks more rapidly; lighter weight on body; less heat trapped on body; and less restrictive movement. At Antigua, it’s all about ‘Performance Fashion.’ This technology is front and centre in the short sleeve polos that come in a variety of textured fabrics in a sophisticated colour palette.
These stylish designs are also prominent in Flex, a 100 per cent polyester yarn dye striped long sleeve pullover with 1/4 zip stand-up self collar, or the Rendition Windshirt, a lightweight water resistant long sleeve 1/2 zip pullover.
Antigua Essentials are a staple of every pro shop. Styles with a multiple year life cycle that can showcase your club logo include an extensive range of men’s and women’s matchable styles to support corporate and event business. Tournament Golf also offers in-house embroidery to provide turnkey servicing for your club crested and event business.
New this year is ANTECH Performance Outerwear that provides wind and rain protection so players can brave all the elements, and feel comfortable doing it. Antech extends Antigua’s heritage of consumer value and strong margins into a Performance Outerwear Collection. Whatever the weather (sunny, overcast, hot, wet, windy or cold), Antigua has the golfer covered.
Visit www.tournament-golf.ca
ASHWORTH
Since Ashworth is a lifestyle brand, it’s going to connect the brand to the lifestyle of golf and the brand is going to do it authentically, organically and uniquely.
The Ashworth brand is the mark of a golfer’s journey on and off the course. It’s less about product, and more about what it means to be a golfer. It is about bringing the brand to the golfer, to reintroduce the golfer to the brand that represents him, to give the golfer the opportunity to be a golfer again – on and off the course. It’s because the course never leaves you, and you never leave the course.
That means the Ashworth technologies – non-iron, wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, shrink-resistant – will continue to drive the industry.
Ashworth’s hybrid technologies – performance cotton blend, moisture wicking, and quick dry – will be enhanced by its performance.
In 2011, look for country club inspired apparel on the men’s side, with traditional pine and navy paired with crisp, clean white. The men’s line will also be contemporary and classic, in black, white, and carmine. It’s sophisticated with a sporty edge. Don’t miss the clean-cut blue and navy combo, accented with mandarin to give the collection a fresh, spring feel.
A Caribbean palette will inspire women’s apparel: ocean blues, sandy light khaki, and crisp white. A perfect soft summery palette with feature stripes and argyles to bring that golf edge to it. A very feminine pink sand and sporty guava will be mixed with classic white and black and make this collection modern, but so easy to wear.
Callaway Apparel
You can see and feel the excitement as Callaway’s apparel line moves into the company’s product portfolio. This transitions the manufacturer into a “One-Stop-Shopping experience” for Canadian golfers.
Being “the best of the best,” is the driving force behind the design and development of Callaway Apparel.
It not only represents the kind of performance every golfer deserves, but it’s the players Callaway designs for in the first place.
If Callaway apparel meets the demands of the best players in the world, then why not offer it up to golfers everywhere?
That is what’s happening with Callaway’s Spring Collection.
The next generation of Callaway Apparel offers a complete range of golf performance products by combining function, fit, technology and fashion, while still staying true to golf.
The Spring Collection is a unique hybrid of fashion and performance – high quality fabrication with outstanding design details.
Everyone’s style is as unique as his or her golf game, and this collection celebrates that individuality – combining moderate fit with contemporary colour combinations, to give a wide range of possibilities.
Callaway is proud to work with the Perry Ellis International Design team, to create a fresh new look for its apparel lines. They will be available in the commercial market in February 2011.
To view and order the new 2011 Callaway Apparel collection, contact your local Callaway Sales Rep or call 1-800-387-7000 and visit customer care. They can put you in touch with the local rep. For more information visit,www.callawaygolfcorporate.ca/catalogues/
FILA
Fila Golf remains true to its beliefs of luxury and quality fabrics with great designs.
For 2011, the focus is on performance fabrics with sophisticated and subtle textures, as well as fabrics offering technical features with an organic and soft feel. Seen in styles from previous collections, recycled polyester continues to be the root of numerous Fila moisture wicking styles reinforcing Fila Golf’s support of eco-friendly initiatives.
It’s the exciting and modern plaid bottoms for men and women that bring the entire 2011 Fila Golf collection together.
It’s the men’s plaid shorts and pants, as well as the women’s plaid skort, which really complete this season’s colour groupings.
The wrinkle resistant 100 per cent cotton fabric is lightweight and available in three colour combinations, highlighting Fila Golf’s new colours for 2011: White with Fila Navy and Viva Red plaid; and White with Black and Lake plaid, and White with Silver and Nirvana plaid.
The exciting new colours for 2011 are Lake, Nirvana and Maize. Lake is a deep teal green that is classic yet fun; and Maize is a deep yellow that will spice up any wardrobe; and Nirvana is a soothing, timeless lavender-grey blend.
FOOTJOY
FootJoy layering system outerwear was developed from the No. 1 all weather brand in golf. FootJoy introduces the FJ layering system. Developed to meet the specific needs of golfers who desire clothing that regulates body temperature and adapts to changing weather conditions, the new system includes thinner, stretchable, breathable materials that allow for full range of motion throughout the golf swing.
It will make every day playable.
The DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Jacket (Outer layer) provides Tour proven waterproof protection, breathability, and maximum comfort during the golf swing.
Meanwhile, the Performance Half-Zip Pullover (Mid Layer) allows players to adapt to changing weather conditions. The four-way stretch fabric ensures the golfer can swing with complete range of motion.
The ProDry Performance Base Layer (Base Layer) was developed specifically for golf. The non-restricting construction fits closely to the skin to help regulate body temperature without interfering with the golfer’s swing. This is the first essential layer for cold playing conditions
GALVIN GREEN
The 2011 collection offers an outstanding combination of new, advanced fabrics and finely-tuned colours that take golf clothing to a whole different level.
The pinnacle of the latest collection is the Limited Edition range – stylish and functional golfing garments that transcend traditional rainwear, and jackets intended to perform in the most extreme conditions.
Designed by golfers for serious golfers, the 2011 Collection also demonstrates the extent to which Galvin Green has brought its Multi-Layer Concept to life. Not only do different layers of hi-tech garments work together to help performance and comfort on the course, but now there are fashionable colour combinations to coordinate the golfing wardrobe as never before.
Thanks to new, functional fabrics, Galvin Green is presenting exciting innovations in all areas of its Multi-Layer Concept – with the new GORE-TEX stretch fabric as a prime example. Following years of development work, Galvin Green can now provide rainproof clothes with 25 per cent more stretch.
The Limited Edition range special items are only available in limited numbers. One example is the stylish men’s jacket ACHILLES, which features a unique combination of three different GORE-TEX Paclite Shell fabrics.
It also includes Warm Layer clothing. BART (for men) is an attractive, soft jacket made of windproof WINDSTOPPER Soft Shell fabric lined with a structure of air channels to provide a warming effect. DENWERS (for men) is made of a completely new INSULA fabric mixed with wool to provide a comfortable fit and an exclusive look. The wide range of high-performance VENTIL8 golf shirts is now backed by trousers with the same unique qualities. Galvin Green is showing what functional golf clothing is all about.
Greg Norman Collection
Technology and innovation.
They continue to drive The Greg Norman Collection as it unveils its spring 2011 lines of golf apparel. It’s a collection with a new emphasis on sportswear styling, said its President/CEO Michael Setola in a recent interview with PGA Magazine.
When asked if performance apparel is shifting from athletic to more sophisticated styling, Setola said: “We are definitely seeing the shift, particularly among the better clubs that can sell a higher price point. Performance fabrics still rule, but with sportswear styling instead of the athletic look that dominated 12 to 18 months ago. The Tonal Bias Plaid polo from our spring 2011 collection is a perfect example of the evolution of performance styling.”
The men’s fashion offerings feature performance fabrics in sophisticated styling across three collections. And don’t forget the product enhancements. They include embossing, placed argyles and body mapping.
The popular tech pant and shorts have expanded to include solid, plaid and gingham check options. The colour block layering piece – a standout from last season – has been updated and is now available in six colours.
The spring 2011 outerwear collection features Epic Performance Fabric by Nextec.
Launched in fall 2010, it’s unlike other fabrics. Not only does it offer wind and water protection, but it also provides unparalleled breathability and comfort.
Epic’s patented unique silicon technology has revolutionized the performance of breathable weather protective systems. It allows both moisture and air to escape through fabric which creates up to three times greater breathability than conventional weather protective apparel.
Greg Norman Women’s Collection, under the guidance of designer Dana Coppolino, offers three distinct fashion deliveries that feature performance-based fabrics with contemporary styling that are easy to merchandise.
Stand out items include a feminine solid polo with ruching at the sleeve, a brush stroke plaid skort and a printed golf dress.
The tech short and perfect fit skort anchor the bottom offerings and are available in multiple colours. Additionally, the seasonal essentials package has been expanded to offer more colours per style in our best-selling key items.
H.A. SHELDON
This firm strives to set itself apart from the competition through design, quality, and customer service.
As in past seasons, its success is in offering a comprehensive collection of belts that complement today’s fashion both on and off the course.
• Men’s Collection: The strongest segment of the men’s collection continues to be fashion belts. An updated colour offering includes a more vibrant range of purple, yellow, orange, red, blue, and green, complementing the standard black, brown, and white offerings.
The very successful technical patterned leather has been expanded into additional styles for 2011, including two new reversible styles in the MODERN collection. For your more traditional members, be sure to check out the new web belts available in a range of colours and stretch & non-stretch constructions.
Women’s Collection: Exotic prints, patent leathers, bling buckles, and a wide range of fashion colours make for the most exciting range of women’s belts to date. Eight new styles complement last year’s best sellers.
Logo Buckle Collection: Be sure to check out the collection of styles suitable for logo application. Sold as a one-size strap, these belts are the perfect tournament gift. Logos can be applied to four different plaque buckles for any pro shop collection or tournament events. Strap widths range from 30mm to 40mm.
The key to maximizing sales and profits for the firm’s customers is proper product merchandising. In addition to 10 hook two-sided floor fixtures introduced last season, it’s now offering one-sided 8 hook floor fixtures. As always, free fixtures are offered with a minimum unit purchase.
The company appreciates and encourages feedback from its customers.
NANCY LOPEZ GOLF
Lopez Golf has defined the women’s game. Its new Spring 2011 fashion collection will offer up even more charm. Dubbed “Romantic Play”, the new fashion line brings a sense of whimsy but with performance features. Colour sets the trend and takes its cues from the most female floral gardens and mother earth herself. It’s all about pattern and texture. The prints and patterns are florals, stripes and vintage boudoir wallpaper and trellis styles. Necklines continue to offer variety, and trim details include pearlized buttons, snaps, ribbons and lacy inspired details. Getting performance with a feminine touch is what Lopez Golf apparel is all about.
A ‘Basic Bottoms Program’ features the Tee family (shorts, skort, capri and pant), Divine Skort and Pant and the Legacy long shorts. It’s the most extensive women’s bottoms program in the industry. These in stock basics can drive revenue with multiple garment sales while lowering a pro shop’s inventory risk and increasing turnover.
Nancy Lopez Golf is also excited about announcing Lopez Plus, a collection of basic and fashion golf apparel designed to fit and flatter the plus sized woman. A distinctive hang tag provides discreet but identifiable merchandising in your shop for Lopez Plus.
Another feature is the Lopez ‘Pink Ribbon Collection.’ These pink products – hat, glove, polo, skort/shorts, clubs, balls – will generate a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of lifesaving breast cancer research.
Like Nancy Lopez herself, the firm’s apparel line is all about excellence in performance – on and off the golf course. Visit www.nancylopezgolf.com
OTHER APPAREL
Hollas offers its lines in three colour groups – Urban, Island and Oasis – designed to appeal to a wide demographic. These collections feature performance polo shirts, woven dress shirts, pants, shorts and performance outerwear that offer function on the course with stylings that can be worn off the course.
Glen Argyle Distribution Inc. was recently named the exclusive distributor of Fairway & Greene and Zero Restriction products in Canada.
Glen Argyle handle their three brands – Fairway & Greene, EP Pro and Zero Restriction – in Canada, while its former distributor, Mint Green, will move on to focus their efforts on Cobra and Puma after the former was acquired earlier this year.
Abacus’ autumn/winter collection is a fusion between town and country. The women’s garments feature a softer logo. The collection contains inspiration from the fashionable 1950s and ‘60s. Here you will find cable-knitted sweaters, one of the latest trends in the fashion world. The first colour group for women is built on traditional colours–dark sea blue, navy blue, dark red, and vanilla.
Quagmire Golf is shaking up roll call with the launch of tie-dye and Colorfusion in its new spring 2011 collection for boys and girls. Quagmire Kids made its debut this past summer and promises to make recess even more fun. Depending on the style, state-of-the-art Colorfusion makes fabrics and screen prints change color in heat or sunlight.
The Sunice Golf 2011 colour palette offers updated blues and reds to brighten collections of basic black, grey and navy. A classic camel suit brings tradition into the mix and crisp windowpanes and black and red Glen Plaid also take a nod to the past. Sunice is all about freedom of play.
The A.U.R. Spring 2011 Collection hits on 3 main initiatives, namely, expansion of the ever-popular Aware Collection, a revived focus on the bottoms for both men and women, and a drive to create a collection with the diversity expected by its followers, and that is “trend-right”.
Lija’s LABEL 3 is a directionally forward line with unique, future-focused silhouettes designed to pioneer a bold and brave new movement for what’s possible in the sport of golf and beyond. Dress stylishly… move confidently… play beautifully. Ignite your game with momentum. Focus will make you feel as though anything is possible. Envision your destiny. Awaken to a world that elevates you beyond anything you have experienced before. Take style to a new level with Elevate.
A limited number of LIJA pieces can transform into an endless wardrobe of stylish
options for golf and beyond.
Second Skin, introduces its collection of popular Drywick pullovers to the U.S. for Spring 2011.
The collection of long-sleeved, 1/4 zip pullovers features designs for men and women. Each style is offered in a variety of colour combinations.
Eliminate your slice and hit longer drives and fairway wood shots with the Bazooka HT Max Draw woods. These metal woods utilize multiple layers of technology to minimize slicing and help golfers lower their scores. Features include: Offset head makes hitting straight easier than ever. The offset promotes faster clubhead rotation and makes it easier to square up the club face at impact and eliminate slicing. Forgiveness is maximized by eliminating the skirt, sloping the crown, and placing a fixed weight screw in the rear of the sole. This design feature moves the centre of gravity low and back for reduced clubhead twisting. For added forgiveness, the HT Max Draw has four internal weight cavities in the rear of the sole that increase the club’s moment of inertia (ability to resist twisting) for longer more accurate shots. Tour Edge is distributed in Canada by Golf Trends. For more information call (800) 668-1101, 905-795-8900 or visit www.golftrendsinc.com or www.touredge.com
Wilson Staff has launched the newest edition of its “Di” family of distance irons, the aggressively designed Di11 iron. The new Di11 iron features modifications and updates in virtually every performance area, all designed to deliver added power and greater accuracy for players of all skill levels. Features include low CG and ultra-wide sole for higher ball flight and to get through heavy rough. A wider sweet spot and perimeter weighting, combined with the torsional stability of a wide tip shaft makes Di11 a forgiving iron. In addition the lightweight shaft options are designed to work in concert with the low, wide head design and deliver faster clubhead speeds on the Di11. For more information call 1-800-267-7506 or visit www.wilsonstaff.com
The new Titleist 910 drivers feature the innovative SureFit Tour dual-angle hosel. Titleist 910 drivers, available in 910D2 (460cc) and 910D3 (445cc) models, deliver total performance with improvements in flight, fit, looks, feel and sound. Highlighting the new features is the latest advancement in precision fitting – the SureFit Tour Hosel. Nicknamed “Tour-Van-in-a-hosel,” SFT enables golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimize ball flight higher or lower, and for more draw or fade for a precise fit that results in increased distance and improved shot control. For more information, visit: www.titleist.ca
At various points of a golf season this golf industry business analyst finds himself playing the role of an occasional ‘sounding board’ for CPGA members.
Increasingly frustrated professionals/directors of golf are unhappy with the performance of their selected vendors, especially ones who over-promise then under deliver on shipments. Also those whose service level neither meets the criteria described during the vendor- pro courting period and others that do not meet the timely expectations of customers (who want things done yesterday). Then there are the vendors who prove to be high maintenance for pros when it comes to something as simple as returning a phone call, email or text message.
Here’s the good news: this is by far more the exception than the rule. With the marketplace as competitive as it’s ever been, industry vendors – or at least the ones who have maintained positive working relationships – continue to be diligent in how they do business with their customer network.
But in a billion dollar a year industry with both domestic and foreign options for equipment, soft-goods, outerwear and other categories seemingly at an all time high, there are vital steps to be considered when choosing the right vendor(s) for your operation. This is according to Tracy Moffatt of K&K Consulting, one of the PGA Merchandise Show’s busiest educational seminar hosts. The long time member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers Education Team suggests the decision process for choosing vendors shows up in multiple areas of a business. But nowhere are these decisions more glaring than the bottom line.
“The right vendor or vendors allow you to make more money. There should be no question about that,” Moffatt told a well attended educational forum in Orlando, Florida this year. “If you choose wisely the right vendors allow you to have the right merchandise at the right time but also the right merchandise at the right price. From that your sell-through and turnover will improve resulting in higher profits.”
Moffatt’s experience in the industry dictates a thorough knowledge of your customers and their buying habits being a primary consideration for choosing a balance of two vendor types: core and peripheral. A shop’s core vendors provide the foundation for the vast majority of annual sales by classification. Peripheral vendors however can be the conduit to drive sales further and provide for more word of mouth consumer traffic.
“What peripheral vendors do is they can add some excitement to your shop and to how you merchandise it,” Moffatt says. “These can include seasonal items or gift categories. Women’s brands are exploding right now. Small amounts of product from the right peripheral vendor can make people take that long second look.”
A question from the audience about how much peripheral vendor product comes with a Moffatt red flag.
“You have to make sure you’re a buyer and not a shopper,” she says. “It’s important to be careful of that. It’s easy to get caught up in what you might like. Be the buyer who knows what his customers want.”
When choosing vendors Moffatt adamantly suggests ones who want to work with you and not dictate how you run the business, or, as she says, “call the shots”. From there it’s about finding out if a vendor offers the right product (variety, consumer desirability and price point), what their profit margin in your shop is, and whether you are confident about working with this company. She says you might also think about the possibility of having a single vendor fulfilling multiple shop needs.
“It can streamline things and make the job easier when one vendor can take care of a number of areas,” Moffatt continues.
Shipping must also be considered. Right up front are a couple of key questions: can they ship on time and ship complete orders without constant backordering? Do their delivery dates fit your selling season especially those utilizing open to buy? Are special order requests available?
What about customer service, an area where more demands are being asked of pros and their staffs? A key question is the return policy vendors employ, according to Moffatt. She also says it’s important to find out about restocking fees, logo charges and minimums, local sales representation, availability for Demo Days, trunk shows/fashions shows and something she believes is critical: customer service in the form of a real person and not a message system.
“This is where vendors become your business partners,” she says. “You have to work with a very direct, open line of customer service communication. First calls, of course, should always be to customer service not to a sales rep.”
When it comes to vendor analysis there are some other steadfast rules to live by. Moffatt believes an analysis of all your vendors must be done each season – no exceptions – with six areas to consider: cost of sales, gross margin, turnover, stock to sales ratio, shipping and quality of merchandise. It is, she says, where the numbers do not lie.
“You have to remember you are running a business, not maintaining personal relationships,” she says. “Analysing vendor performance will indicate if you need to make big changes, small changes or no changes. Certainly it will help identify if you have the right number of vendors in each of your classifications. That said it’s vital to stay up on industry trends. You can’t lag behind because customers want the latest and greatest technology available. There’s also the option of surveying your members. One more thing to keep an eye on is your clearance rack. Take a look at what’s on there. It’s another good indicator.”
Choosing the right vendors for your shop does not have to involve a great deal of stress. However, having the wrong ones certainly will add to it.
2010 was a year about recovery for most. The official recession is said to be ‘over’ in our Canadian marketplace, although I’m sure some don’t feel the effects of recovery as strong as others. Also the weather has brought some unique challenges across the country. In most of Ontario we had full summer weather since April. For those in BC there was an early start to the season (who can forget the sunshine and warmth we saw on TV during the Olympics?), but the rain and cold came back and stuck around for much of the late spring. For many it is hard to think about 2011 buying and fashion trends in the early fall before they are done selling for this season. I understand but encourage all of you, in order to make the very best decisions for your golf shop in 2011, to take some time earlier rather than later to preview and write your fashion-centric PO’s. In almost every case, the suppliers have long since placed their orders for 2011 and we as buyers are simply choosing from the ‘best of what’s left’. The earlier you buy the better your choices are!
Here are some fashion and retail trends I would watch for in 2011:
Men’s Bottoms – The fashion choice for men next season
Men’s fashion shorts and pants are the fashion item in men’s golf fashion for 2011. It feels like we have spoken about this for several seasons, and I honestly keep expecting it to cool off but there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight from the designers that build our golf collections to our consumers’ interest in trying a new colour, fabric or print. Male consumers seem to reach for a new pair of shorts to freshen up their wardrobe first before thinking to add another polo to their closet. Most brands have dramatically increased the number of prints, plaids, colours and fabrics to choose from. I would encourage everyone to have more options for your customers in 2011 under all these banners: plaids/prints, colours and fabric. For colour I think the must add colour is white. Choose it in a technical fabric to ensure coverage and avoid sheerness. For plaids/prints, I would simply choose more. I would try to incorporate essential options like a khaki/white glen check and brighter, more fashion coloured plaids that co-ordinate directly with the fashion groups you’ve done. For fabrics there is a very healthy mix of cotton, poly microfibre options as well as technical options in the marketplace. Most of us will need to include all three to our assortment for 2011.
Spikeless shoes
We have had spikeless golf shoes with non-replaceable spikes, for several years in golf. This type of technology was relegated mostly to the women’s market. Some of the thinking was male golfers simply needed more traction or support than a shoe with a permanent spiking system could provide. Freddie Couples at the Masters in 2010 changed that for everyone! Freddie had been wearing (and winning!) with a spikeless golf shoe for a couple of weeks on the Champions Tour but it was him choosing this shoe (with no socks none the less!) to play in the most important golf event of the year that brought it front of mind to every golfer in the world. There were a couple of brands that offered spikeless shoes for men and women in 2010 but most of us were nervous about the adoption. Would our core golfers (30+ rounds a year, 50 years old and up) embrace the idea? Was it simply going to be a trend for younger, more casual players? I think we all know the answer to that – a resounding YES. In the late days of April, before the active golf season had even begun, the golf shops (on and off course) and manufacturers were sold out of all their styles that included this ‘non-removable spike’ technology. As a customer, they appeal on a number of levels: they’re less expensive than other models from the particular brand, they’re considered lighter and more comfortable without the removable spiking system, and as a purely fashion play, they look new and different in a way that makes it reasonable to think you really could transition from golf to a casual dinner out without changing your shoes.
I think this style of shoe is around for the foreseeable future. Ensure your footwear assortment includes both brands that offer this technology and include several options for your customers in 2011.
Knits – The must have way to keep warm in 2011!
Knits (sweaters, vests, cardigans etc.) have always had a home in golf fashion. There has always been some presence of knitwear in some brands, most specifically menswear type brands – those appealing to a ‘country club’ type of customer. They have typically been in wool and available mostly at the premium price point, over $100 to start. For 2011 I believe knits are going to be the item a customer – men and women – are going to be looking for to keep warm. There are going to be plenty of price points to choose from - at least one sweater option from most brands from the lower price point brands ($70 and under on average) to the ultra premium ($100 and up). Colour options are abundant; there are plenty of essential black and navy options, but plenty more fashion colours (think deep burgundy for men, and saturated plum for women) than we’ve seen in recent years. There are plenty of silhouette options to choose from – anything from traditional v-neck vests and sweaters, to the more modern crew neck and cardigan. I would strongly encourage you to choose knits as part of your assortment for 2011. Perhaps as part of your essential line up or simply as a way to round out fashion deliveries.
Sizing – We really do come in all shapes and sizes
Sizing, specifically the need for a broader size range in your golf shop, is more of a retail trend than a fashion trend but important enough for 2011 to mention. The demand for more sizing at either ends of the spectrum, smaller and bigger in some cases is very strong from most customer bases. I would encourage you to consider:
Adding some Smalls for men to accommodate all your ‘tweens’, those 14 – 17 year old boys who have long since grown out of junior apparel but won’t be a medium for the foreseeable future
Adding some options in XXXL in men’s polos or at least know what you can special order for these customers. They are used to being left out and will be very loyal to whomever helps them find current golf apparel for their wardrobe
Don’t be afraid of fashion plaids up to sizes 40 and 42. This customer isn’t as afraid of fashion as you are of fashion in that size
Extend your sizing to include some (or more if you already do) size 2s and even consider 0s if you’re having success already with size 2s. Sizing in women’s golf fashion is often ‘vanity’ meaning if you are a real size 4 in your regular wardrobe, a size 4 in golf might be too big, thus the need for some smaller sizes in golf
Extend your sizing on the other end to include some plus sizes (there are great new options in 2011 in the market) to include selection for this market. I would encourage you to embrace real fashion choices vs. simply doing solid essential pieces. These customers have lots of options if they want a plain white polo. They’re looking to embrace the same fashion choices the core customer is
I encourage you to reflect on and hopefully embrace the fashion and retail trends above for golf in your shop for 2011. Customers of all ages look to you to reflect and interpret the trends for them as you choose your assortment. An exciting fashion portfolio for spring 2011 is setting you up for success next season. If you would like more details about trends for 2011 don’t hesitate to send me a note at Leigha@greengrassone.com.
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