I started this blog as another outlet to share with golfers,
information that will hopefully benefit all those who play this game we love so
much. Whether that be via golf tips, drills, best courses to play, golf
destinations, equipment reviews etc. This blog is designed to be a potpourri of
all things golf from one golf professionals prospective.
This latest entry is going to take a look at some of the
quality golf equipment on the market today that fly’s under the radar or gets
overlooked for a wide variety of reasons. Because the golf equipment industry
is so dominated by the big names, smaller companies need to rely on specific
(and limited) target advertising, word of mouth, quality customer service and of
course quality of the product.
Being in the business for a number of years I have been
fortunate to be able to hit, play, own and demo just about every club under the
sun. With that said, I have gone out of my way to do so in many cases because
inevitably a member, student, client or whomever will ask my opinion about
driver X or irons Y or this ball or that ball and I have always made it a
priority to be “UP” on whatever is out there that golfers need, want or think
they want….It comes with the territory. Let’s get started……
Ray Cook Wedges &
Putters: Ray Cook putters have been around for many many years having been
in the winning bags of every major winner from years past. If you’ve played
golf for at least 25 years you probably owned a Ray Cook putter at some point
as they were as good as any back in the day. Fast forward to 2014, Ray Cook is
still putting out quality equipment. And although RC is known for their
putters, I can tell you they have some nice quality wedges (Premium Black Nickel Wedges) as well. They have
even expanded their lines to include a full set of clubs and junior clubs,
bags, clothing, some training equipment and other unique items. Also in the RC
portfolio now is Solus wedges which I have recently hit and really like the
feel and weight. RC putters still have the solid feel (I like the Blue Goose BG 10) they have always been know
for and their wedges are very playable, eye appealing with that classic look …all for about a third of
the cost of the other guys.
Other Highlights
From Ray Cook:
Solus Tour 720 CS Wedges
MacGregor: Another
blast from the past and once a fixture on the PGA Tour. Now-a- days, not so
much. But what I think is important to note is that all things NOT on tour does
not mean a lack quality. Case in point, the new MacGregor MT Pro-C Forged irons.
Ball comes off the face solid with great feel in the hands and the overall
appearance is sharp, with that darker gun metal look. For the budget conscious
golfer these are overall a nice set of sticks….and forged!
Other Highlights
From MacGregor:
VIP Wedges
Lytham Putter
F2: If you like
different these may be the clubs for you. F2 is a company that brands itself on
Face Forward Technology. What that means is the face has been moved forward and
the hosel back. The look, just to give you and idea, at first glance reminds me
of the old Cleveland VAS irons. For those who remember, VAS irons had a radical
look but were really easy clubs to hit. I saw these wedges in a golf shop and asked
the pro if he happened to have a demo because my curiosity was rather high. He had
a 56* and was happy to let me hit it and asked for my thoughts as he was
thinking about putting them in his bag. In short, very accurate, loved the
weight of the club and how the ball felt coming off the clubface. Not sure
about spin as I did not hit any shots into a green. The price point on these
are in the same ball park (although
slightly less) than a Vokey, but for those who purchase based on what feels
best rather than purchasing based on what everyone else does or thinks, these
might be something to look at.
Other Highlights
from F2:
No other clubs hit
Thomas Golf: I
had heard about Thomas Golf but up until recently had never hit or tested any
of their products. Now, as a golf professional I can tell you my students come
to me with everything and anything ever made as you can imagine. And when I see
something in their bag I have never hit, I have to ask myself …do I feel
lucky….well do I? And as always the case in these situations, I inevitably
asked if they mind me hitting a few.
This particular club was a 9* Driver (AT 460 if memory serves me
correct) and to spice it up a bit it was a square headed club. Interestingly
though, unlike some of the earlier square headed clubs this (although squarish
in nature) club had a better eye appeal to me with much more rounded edges so
the appearance of “square” was not so prominent. Hit my first shot straight,
second shot straight, third shot straight…I was sold! Have never considered a
square driver before but if Thomas Golf would like to comp me one I will
proudly endorse it.
Easy club to swing, nice feel and also liked to sound. Distance was every bit
as good as my current driver. If you don’t know, Thomas Golf is a custom club
company and builds everything to your specs. If you have thought about custom clubs,
I would start here. Haven’t tried anything else by Thomas but you can bet the
next time a student comes through my academy with one, I might not wait until
after the lesson to try it!
Other Highlights
from Thomas Golf:
No other clubs hit
Powerbilt Golf: Again,
another blast from the past. A company that’s been around a loooog time and in
my opinion putting out quality equipment all the while. Companies like
Powerbilt are like aging rock bands most people think their dead but in reality
many are still putting out quality music….and PB is doing the same. I had the
pleasure of hitting their AFO Players Irons as well as their AFO DF Driver. The
PB mantra these days is NITROGEN! Yes, the clubs are filled with N7 to
pressurize the heads, allow the face to be thinner, create solid feel without
adding extra weight. Now I am not a scientist but I can tell you these irons
felt awesome and great playability! I would go so far as to say this…if you
could do a blind taste test (like the old Coke vs Pepsi ads) or club
test in this case and had X number of golfers hit these clubs along with 4 or 5
of the top brands and asked them to evaluate I would guess these clubs would
get as good or in some cases better reviews than the big names
Other Highlights
from Powerbilt Golf:
AFO DF Driver
So there you have it! An honest review on some of the clubs
I have recently hit and liked. I have always been one to pull for the smaller
guy in hopes they will make it big, with most people that’s probably the way.
So if you’re in the market for new irons, a flat stick or even a driver, with a
little extra effort you may find a real treasure that you might otherwise have
overlooked and the extra few buck you save you can take your significant other
out for a nice dinner…it’s a win win!
Have something you’d like me to review…. clubs, balls, bags,
whatever… contact me I would be happy to accept a “COMP” …shameless I know, but
someone has to do it!
Blog written
by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy
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