Callaway Epic Flash Sub-Zero
Some day, as we finally concede to our robot overlords, we may look back at Callaway’s new Epic Flash series of drivers as the thing that started it all. The drivers use artificial intelligence and machine learning to test 15,000 different variations of its new Flash Face technology, which is designed to transfer energy from the face to the ball. The Sub-Zero variety also includes the clubmaker’s “Jailbreak” technology, with two stabilizing bars to stiffen the crown and sole at impact, promoting ball speed even as it reduces spin. It also has an adjustable head, perimeter weighting, and all the top tech you’d expect. Put it all together, and the club offers the kind of speed and precision we as humans just can’t compete with. Just do what it says! $599, www.callawaygolf.com — DS
TaylorMade M5
Looking to inject some life into your game? TaylorMade’s got the stuff to literally take you to the limit, with its new M-series of drivers. The M5 and M6 feature resin-injected clubheads designed to initially exceed the USGA’s allowable COR, then pulling it back to just inside the line. The result is a killer club your competition will never see coming— but they’ll sure hear it when it goes boom. $549.99, www.taylormadegolf.com — DS
Callaway Weather Apparel
Summer golf in shirts and shorts is fine, but it takes the right apparel to make spring and fall comfortable for the serious golfer. Callaway’s Fall Weather Series features waterproof clothing for men and women designed by Perry Ellis International. Items include heathered fleece sweaters and vests with insulated thermal material for warmth and water repellant outer fabric, the full-zip puffer jacket and vest designed to offer warmth without interfering with range of motion through the swing, and a waterproof seam-sealed jacket that features splash proof zippers and adjustable storm cuffs to keep water out. The line also includes waterproof pants and the fully lined and insulated women’s quilted Thermore jacket.
www.callawayapparel.com
Titleist TS2 and TS3 Drive
The “S” in Titleist’s TS drivers stands for speed, not surprising in that Titleist says its TS2 and TS3 models were the result of two years of building new drivers that would put “greater speed into every detail.” The drivers feature what Titleist calls the thinnest titanium clubface in the game and a refined shape to increase clubhead speed for more distance. The TS2 allows a player to swing more aggressively with more forgiveness across the face, while the TS3 offers an adjustable sweet spot “for speed-tuned performance.” $499. www.titleist.com
Nexbelt
Nexbelt “the belt with no holes” uses a unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit to allow the wearer to adjust in smaller increments than traditional pin/buckle style belts, guaranteeing a sure fit. For 2019, Nexbelt offers a new premium series of pebble grain leather belts. Wearable both off and on the course, the flip-down face of the buckle reveals a hidden magnetic ball marker. Available in more than 150 different belt and buckle combinations for men and women. $59 and up. www.nextbelt.com
IGOTCHA Ball Retriever
Every golfer knows the dilemma: water, water everywhere and not a retriever in sight. IGOTCHA’s new line of Jawz retrievers for 2019 feature colorful rubberized surfaces that can easily be seen in the water and single-piece head designs with no moving parts to grip the ball securely from either side. The retrievers come in three sizes — 10-foot, 14-foot and 18-foot reach lengths — and the stainless steel handles can collapse from 15.5 to 21 inches. $29.95-$49.95. bagboycompany.com/products/igotcha.html
Bentley Golf Accessories
Not many of us will ever drive a Bentley, but for about the price of a single car payment any golfer can stand proudly on a green with a Bentley ball marker. The line of Bentley accessories, like the company’s line of golf clubs, carry price tags that might make the average muni player blanch, but for the one-percenters for whom price is no object, how about a milled stainless steel Bentley ball marker $130, pitch mark repair tool $170 or cap clip $170? If that’s making you sweat, you might need the Bentley golf towel, made of premium cotton fabric with leather touches $75. www.bentleygolf.com
Six-Wheel Travel Cover
There’s nothing more frustrating that lugging an oversized golf club travel bag through a crowded airport. The Bag Boy Company’s new Freestyle Six-Wheel Travel Cover comes, as advertised, with six rotating wheels to give its user the ability to push or pull while the case is completely upright or tilted and pulled in the traditional manner. With room for a full-size cart bag and clubs inside, the cover also features a large external pocket and four handles for ease of getting it in and out of a car trunk or baggage carousel. When not in use it folds down to a small package that can be placed in an included storage bag. $219.95. bagboycompany.com/freestyle.html
Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Wedge
How about a shot-saving wedge that comes with a hip-hop name and design to match? Callaway’s Mack Daddy 4 wedge features two types of milled grooves depending on the loft and a new way of increasing surface friction between the grooves. Instead of cutting into the flat surfaces, the MD4 mills ridges that Callaway’s designers say “rise from the surface to create more contact points” for increased spin on even the shortest shots. Available from 46-64 degree lofts with four sole grind options. $150. www.callawaygolf.com
Tour XDream Putter by MLA GOLF
How about a putter that pairs science with golf? MLA, for Multiple Line-detector Activation, employs a new patented alignment technology based on the theory that all humans have internal guides to compare and analyze sensory information that control the line and pace of putts. MLA putters are designed to take advantage of those guides, using input from a long-time expert who has for more than 20 years performed studies of the science between the human’s perceptions and his motor skills. MLA putters promise to deliver the top aim in golf. Starting at $129. www.MLA.golf
Odyssey Exo Putter
The leading maker of putters continues to ride its popular White Hot insert in the Odyssey Exo line of putters. These mallets come in a variety of styles, from the wing-back Exo Seven, to the more traditional rounded Rossie putter, but all feature multiple-material construction and Microhinge technology to offer immediate forward roll for better accuracy and distance control. $299. www.odysseygolf.com/exo-putters
adidas adipower Golf Shoes
The new line of adidas adipower shoes was designed to offer golfers more stability without adding to the weight of the shoe. The company first examined how weight shifts in the feet during the swing to determine where more stability was needed. Then it used a process called forging to heat-press, or harden the material, in that part of the shoe to provide extra support. The adipower line includes spiked shoes for both men and women (adipower 4ORGED) and a spikeless version for men (adipower 4ORGED S). All models feature adidas’ BOOST midsole for more energy return and cushioning. $130-140. www.adidas.com
Short Par 4
Are you someone who can’t get enough gear? Short Par 4 offers a subscription membership that will deliver a box of new golf clothing and accessories to your door every month. Simply take the gear survey to let them know your style preferences and Short Par 4’s curators will choose items to fit both your body and your personality. The Fairway membership box (from $49.95 per month) will contain a two-item outfit or one item and two accessories. Also available are the Executive membership ($99.95) and, for the truly flashy golfer, the Rickie Fowler Tour Experience membership ($125), offering gear from Fowler’s sponsors. www.shortpar4.com
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