Now, they haven't been released officially, but word is already out as are photos all over the net of what look to be the sweetest PING irons to date. It's been a long time, dating back to the 1960s since we've seen a forged iron from the company who literally ushered all of golf into the era of cast-made irons. We're excited to see how they look, feel and perform.

When the official release is out and we give 'em a try and post a full-length review right here.

And no, they aren't "Ready To Buy" yet. Look for em later this fall.

Labels: anser, forged, new, ping irons

Tell us what you think. Will a new putter help cure Tiger's putting woes?

Either way, Tiger ditched his Scott Cameron Newport 2 (a putter he has used for more than 11 years) in favor of the Nike Method putter. Which, speaking of, closely resembles the Newport 2, with exception to the putterface. The Method has "polymetal groove tech" that according to Nike, helps promote a faster, truer roll.

Tiger isn't a fan of slower greens like they have this week at St Andrews, so he made the switch to the Method (model #001, by the way) to help manage the long, sometimes ridiculously long, putts that golfers face out on those greens. The Method also happens to be the same putter Stewart Cink used last year to with the Open Championship. Hmmm...

And yes, you can buy one for about $250 bucks. See it right HERE.

(See the Newport 2 right HERE.)

Labels: british open, change, method, nike golf, open championship, putter, scotty cameron, st andrews, tiger woods

So, it was the first time I had used a push cart in a long, long time. And well, after trying one recently, I can't help but feel foolish having gone so long carrying a heavy, awkward, shirt-tearing, neck-blistering golf bag on my back...

A couple days ago I put the new Trekker TC Freestyle Push Cart into play. After what I feared would be a laborious process (I remember back when a push cart was called a pull cart and they were a pain in the rear to not only use, but to pack away in the trunk), the Trekker immediately proved itself to be a cinch to use.

Assembly: First off all, I didn't take a peek at the directions. Why? I really didn't need to. The cart unfolds and folds up in probably the easiest, most intuitive way possible. The only part that I had to think for oh, about 10 seconds, was how to fold the wheels up. But like I said, it hardly strained my thoughts. A push and click here and the cart was easily assembled, the bag was simply secured. And after the round, it was just as easy to pack away into the trunk.

Portability: There are some carts that may be a little smaller when transformed into what I call "trunk mode", but I'd be hard-pressed to find a lighter, easier-to-handle configuration. It's light, but not too light. This is a good thing because it aids in stability when you actually use it.

Stability: When using the Trekker out on the golf course, because the bag sits relatively upright I was a bit nervous the thing would tip over. Mind you, I was playing on a hilly course, the Trekker never once fell over. Don't tell, but I even let the cart "ghost ride" down a few small hills, again, with no club spills whatsoever. I'm not saying I recommend doing that, because the cart could definitely topple over if you're reckless, but under normal conditions, stability is hardly an issue.

Usability: I liked that the Trekker has not only a drink holder, but a compartment that is magnetically sealed right by the handle. It felt so secure that I stored my valuables such as my phone and keys in there (yes, the phone was off--sorta). It's more designed for a scorecard, but it's big enough to hold some goodies in there as well. (There's also a mesh pouch for bigger items.) The grip on the hand felt fine, and the adjustability of the handle up or down seemed simple enough as it worked the same way pull carts have worked for years. Loosen the handle, realign the teeth at the desired height, then tighen it down.

However, if there is one thing I would liked to have seen regarding the handle adjustablity, that'd be a better locking system. The teeth and handle are both non-metal (plastic), meaning not only did it feel less secure, I actually thought I could break it quite easily if I had tightened it too much or if I didn't have the teeth aligned properly. So, as a result there were a couple instances where the handle actually feel down because I was a bit reluctant to tighen the handle too much. A moot point by some, and no, I didn't break anything after tightening the hand a little more than I was comfortable with. Nevertheless, I think if this mechanism was metal it'd be better.

Finally, I used a carry bag with the Trekker, but I'm assuming any size bag will work will on this cart. I did have to lay my bag on it's side to get it secured, but that's because my carry bag has legs and they got in the way if I had situated the bag in the traditional way. Not a big deal.

Wheels/push-ability: It's a piece of cake to use and easy to maneuver all over the course. The wheels are large, stable and smooth. Better yet, this cart makes no noise. There are no rattles, squeaks or creaks. Ahh, that's how it should be.

Braking system: One of the best features of the Trekker TC3 is the easy to use, handlebar-style brake lever. Its right where the hands are, and it easy engages and disengages at the click of the lever or button on top of the handle (to release it). It also prevents the unwanted "Oh no, there goes my bag," situation.

Conclusion: I'll be using the Trekker again. And again. It's very well made, very intuitive and easy to use. My only gripe is the handle adjustment mechanism, but even still, that doesn't come close to deterring me from using the Trekker TC3. It really does make playing the game a lot more fun, not to mention it takes the unwanted stress off your shoulders, back and neck.

And at at $189, it's a great buy. www.trekkercaddy.com

(++++1/2) out of five +'s

Labels: golf equipment push carts trekker clubs test editors pick gear golf bag

Been wondering what shaft Bubba Watson is using in his driver? You know, the bright pink one with the steel section towards the tip? It's actually a Grafalloy prototype that's not available to the public (yet, we hope). We suspect the steel section aids in keeping Bubba's smashing drives from ballooning, thus helping him milk out drives that regularly pass the 310-yard mark.

We can't help to be reminded of this shaft, though... It's the True Temper Bi Matrix shaft, also with a steel tip and graphite shaft. Hmmm...

Labels: bubba watson, driver shaft, equipment, grafalloy, pga tour

Labels: adidas, equipment, golf, golf tips, shoes, taylormade

Labels: equipment, golf tips, hybrid, raylor, rescue, taylormade

Labels: equipment, golf tips, r9 irons, taylormade

From Golfsmith.com:
The Scotty Cameron California Putter has a classic design with modern weighting. This club provides clean aesthetics while offering better balance and higher inertia for a solid feel. Select Weight Technology offers greater choices for length and weight to enhance performance for all types of players. Milled from soft, 303 stainless steel, the California putter has a soft sound and feel that promotes precise distance control. A honey-dipped finish provides a deep, rich non-glare appearance while the stepless steel shaft provides a clean, uninterrupted look at the ball in the address position as well as promoting better putter head feel throughout the stroke. The black Cameron Tour grip creates a soft, controlled feel for precise feedback.

Additional Features:

• Draft Sole Design: Keeps the putter square in the playing position for proper alignment
• High-Toe Profile: Aids alignment and eliminates the tendency to raise the toe at address causing a player to aim the putter to the left of the target

Models:

• Monterrey- A double-step flange with a pocket and plumbing neck
• Coronado- A double-step flange with a flow neck
• Sonoma- A compact mallet with a plumbing neck
• Del Mar- A mid mallet with a flow neck

Labels: california, golf, new, putters, scotty cameron

According to the product description:

The Titleist AP1 710 Iron Set 4-GW with Steel Shafts are the essence of advanced performance with multi-material, dual cavity forged irons that provide improved feel, great looks, shot control and higher flight with forgiveness for the avid to skilled golfer. The stock shaft is the Nippon NS Pro 105T and the stock grip is the Titleist Tour Velvet.

Now, we have yet to try these irons ourselves, but if the previous AP1 irons were any indication, these irons might be the most playable forged irons (for golfers of all skill) that we've seen out of Titleist---ever. (They won't be shipping until mid-November, but pre-orders are available.)

Labels: ap1, equipment, fall, iron set, irons, new, titleist

According to Cobra,

"The new multi-material Cobra S2 Irons offer improved accuracy, distance and forgiveness in a high-performance package. The new cavity design with optimized heel-toe weighting utilizes lightweight polymer materials that allow discretionary weight to be pushed low in the heel and toe, to increase MOI. Plus, the unique Mid-Width Stepped Sole offers superior turf interaction. Cobra S2 Irons will appeal to avid golfers of all skill levels due their superior playability, feel and design."

We think they look pretty sweet, not to mention very playable. Look for them at retailers NOW.

Labels: cobra, equipment, golf, irons, new, pga tour