Some of the latest golf clothing from the more established companies has become eye-wateringly expensive, so it’s no wonder that we’re seeing the emergence of alternative brands that offer something more affordable to the everyday golfer. One of these brands is Druids Golf.

Founded in Ireland but based in Edinburgh, its mission was to make high-quality golf apparel and sell it directly to golfers at a price that made it accessible to all. A classic example of this being its rainwear and the prices may have you falling off your chair. You can get a fully waterproof suit consisting of a rain jacket and rain pants as well as a complimentary beanie hat for £99.99 right now. Yes, you read that right. But is this too good to be true or should Druids Golf be a brand you seriously consider? I took its cut-price suit, which comprised the Rain-Tek jacket and Infinite Rain trousers to the course to find out.

The first impressions of the suit are very good. The Rain-Tek jacket comes in a whopping 12 color options and looks well made - no errant stitching or pinching of the material in key areas. It has Velcro cuffs and two zipped pockets at the front for convenient storage. More importantly, when I’ve worn it in the rain it has kept me dry underneath, which is the main thing a waterproof jacket needs to do. The water beads off almost immediately, leaving barely a trace of moisture behind. I even subjected it to a prolonged jet spray from my water bottle on the fabric and zips - once again, nothing got through.

Admittedly I’ve only worn it twice when it has rained and the true test will come in years two and three to see if it has the longevity of a Galvin Green jacket, for example, but it’s hard to fault it so far. The jacket actually comes with a 3-year waterproof guarantee under ‘normal use’ (so don’t wear it when trying to retrieve your ball from a prickly bush). It really looks the part too - not too baggy and while there isn’t an elasticated hem or a great deal of stretch in the fabric, it’s a perfectly playable waterproof jacket providing you get the right size.

The pants also surprised me in a positive way too. They’re a little baggy, but they’ve got plenty of features that enhanced the wearing experience. Notably the choice of three popper settings on the ankle for the right fit and the drawstring at the waist. The ankle zip could have been longer but just like the jacket, it kept water at bay when it rained on the course for me.

One thing is clear - there’s a lot to like about what Druids Golf is offering golfers, especially what you get for your money. Its website is very easy to navigate and there is an abundance of choice, both in terms of colors but also the type of products you can buy. It even offers an ambassador pack where you can choose any jacket, mid layer, polo shirt, trouser, cap or belt and even socks for £99.

This is by no means a paid-for promotional feature - just a first person account of my initial experience with a new, up-and-coming golf apparel brand. Admittedly I’ve only tried the waterproofs, but if the quality of the rest is comparable to what I have encountered then the value for money here appears to be unmatched. I also have friends at my home golf club who wax lyrical about Druids Golf and I'm now beginning to understand why.

When you’re short of form on the greens, you’ll try anything to get the ball in the hole. Manufacturers understand your pain and are therefore always coming up with new ways to help.

As you can see below, it seems when it comes to putters, anything goes. Now we are not saying that unusual necessarily means bad – we would never want to be seen to be stifling innovation or creativity.

But in the quest for extra performance, perhaps things were taken a step too far in the case of the 12 most unusual putters of all time we’re counting down here. Hold on to your hats...

Ping Doc 17

Originally launched in 2004, the large, semi-circle “udrainium”Doc 17 putter had the highest MOI of any Ping putter at the time. This is no wonder, given it was 15cm in length from heel to toe.

Its stability and forgiveness proved surprisingly popular and Ping brought out different versions later that year, like the mid-length Doc 15B and the centre-shafted Doc 15C. Whilst it may have worked at the time, the oversized concept never really took off and as time passed, manufacturers including Ping figured out ways to build in similar levels of stability into smaller head shapes.

Cleveland Smart Square Stubby

In 2015, Cleveland unveiled the TFI Smart Square putter, featuring two squares that created parallel lines framing the ball at address and easily highlighting when the putter is misaligned.

But then during the Joburg Open in 2017, Jaco van Zyl used a much smaller version called the Smart Square Stubby. Originally launched as a training tool, it had just one square and the face on it was barely wider than a golf ball. Watching him using genuinely made us feel nervous, there's certainly a few golfers out there who would have an airshot with this club!

Nike OZ 6

We know that spreading weight to the perimeter of a putter increases forgiveness. Well Nike took this concept to another level with the launch of the OZ 6 model.

Forming an oversize, reverse number 3 shape, this putter offered great stability, but at the cost of unconventional visuals. 

Odyssey Flip face

When you lead the way in the putter market and bring out as many new products as Odyssey do, you’re allowed the occasional own goal.

The Flip Face from 2012 was arguably one of those, comprising a rotating face with two different inserts offering different feels. In theory it saved buying two different putters for different green speeds and conditions, but this was solving a problem that didn't exist. It was also quite expensive at the time, which somewhat negated any cost savings from only buying one putter.

Orion BlackHawk

Matt Every caused a stir on tour in 2012 at the Sony Open when he put a putter in play that seemed to closely resemble a black brick on the end of a shaft.

It was in fact a BlackHawk, a putter that could stand upright on its own, had no loft and a sweetspot that was supposedly three balls wide. He got himself into contention too, so it clearly worked. Sandy Lyle also used the BlackSwan version in more recent years, featuring a cutout semicircle in the rear of the clubhead for alignment aid.

LAB Golf Directed Force

LAB stands for Lie Angle Balanced, a design said to eliminate torque from the putter, giving all golfers the ability to consistently repeat their stroke.

Why the head had to be such an unusual shape, who knows, but there must be something in it given Adam Scott put a similar version in play for a number of weeks.

Axis-1 Eagle 

Recent launches from Axis-1 have been more traditional in looks, enabling Justin Rose to use one for a number of seasons to great effect.

But the original models, like the Eagle and Umbra, were fairly divisive. This was down to the patented heel counterweight that placed the centre of gravity right on the centre of the striking face and perfectly aligned with the axis of the shaft.

Scotty Cameron Futura

Scotty Cameron is best known for his pure, traditional blade putters, like the classy Select Newport franchise, but in 2003 a far more unorthodox design was unveiled.

With 75 per cent of the weight being in the stainless “horseshoe” at the rear, the original Futura offered great forgiveness and almost immediate roll. Despite its overbearing visuals, it notched up wins on tour but Futura designs did become less funky in the years that followed.

Bryson DeChambeau Side saddle

Never one to be afraid to think outside the box, the ‘scientist’ Bryson DeChambeau thought he’d come up with a completely new way to hole more putts.

For nearly two months, he adopted the side saddle method, a technique also used by Sam Snead towards the end of his career, where he hit putts standing to the side of the ball, facing the hole.

The USGA though, had other ideas, and deemed his original side saddle putter non-confirming. While a new version was deemed to be compliant, DeChambeau ditched the method after less than a handful of events.

Ice Block

Unquestionably one of the more eye-catching products launched in 2017 was the Ice Block putter.

Made in Switzerland, the transparent material used on the head of the Ice Block putter is supposed to provide more precise alignment.

It also stands up on its own, so you can check the alignment and position your hands in the same place every time.

Odyssey Backstryke

In 2010, Odyssey unveiled a putter where the shaft of the club entered the back of the head to place the axis of the shaft as close as possible to the centre of gravity. This was said to help to produce a more stable stroke and also set the hands in the correct position.

As unusual as it was visually, it gained some traction on tour, most notably with Thomas Bjorn who used one for a while, including during his win at the Qatar Masters.

Cure RX5

Not only does the Cure RX5 putter turn heads because of its shape, but it also intrigues with its adjustability.

Golfers can adjust the weights in the heel and toe that offer extreme forgiveness but also the lie angle, which is a feature unique in the market place.

Even Russell Knox was sold on the benefits for a brief while out on tour and while its shelf life might be limited, the forgiveness will undoubtedly help golfers who often miss-strike their putts.

We recently had the chance to sit down with Mark Greaney, Principal Engineer for TaylorMade golf and talk about the technology and design behind the Stealth 2 franchise. In this interview we discuss what changes were made from the popular Stealth franchise in terms of aesthetics and performance and the challenges behind building what is considered by many one of the best drivers released this year.

Stealth 2: The Fargiveness Story

What made TaylorMade initially choose to come to market with a carbon face and what are the benefits of carbon over the likes of titanium?

Great question, we started this project almost 23 years ago, so we’ve been working on it a long time. I started working on the project in 2003, so it’s been almost 20 years for me. If you remember back to the early 2000’s, drivers were less than 400cc’s, like the 400 series. So initially it was about maximizing the volume and redistributing the mass. Composites are significantly lighter than titanium, we knew we wanted to make the driver bigger and lower the balance point of the driver because drivers were spinning a whole lot more than they are now. We knew that by lowering the center of gravity and moving the weight back, we could decrease the balance point, increase the launch, lower the spin and at the same time maximize inertia.

We were replacing a part of the golf club that was extremely heavy and replacing it with something that is really light. This is something we’ve worked on and evolved over the years and nowadays it’s all about maximizing ball speed. We knew 20 years ago what we had with composite was better, but because it was so expensive, we couldn’t justify passing that onto the consumer and launching the product. We actually had a composite face R7 and composite face R9, we would always prototype it in composite so we could directly compare the titanium and composite.

The original Stealth product was very popular, especially within the hands of better players, what are some of the key design features that have been implemented to make the Stealth 2 range a success?

You hit the nail on the head, the original Stealth was incredibly popular among better players. Our Tour Players did really well with it last year and we won the Masters which was fantastic. Across the board we saw ball speed increases at all swing speeds, but the one piece of feedback we were hearing from the marketplace, was that when it was hit near the middle of the face it goes a mile, but when the middle of the face was missed, it didn’t provide as much forgiveness as those golfers would like. That is the reason we focused on forgiveness while trying to maintain that ball speed and so the design of Stealth 2 was about keeping the ball speed, but spreading the COR area and increasing inertia, so that off-center hits would go further than those on the original Stealth.

There has been a push for forgiveness in the Stealth 2 range, what made TaylorMade pursue this over focusing their efforts on things such as more ball speed for example and how has the driver been made more forgiving?

Speed and forgiveness are always things that we’re looking for and we’d already found the speed. They’re both very difficult and technical challenges, but we knew we had it already from the composite ring, with carbon crown and sole in the SIM, but we didn’t have time to implement that in the original Stealth. We know where we want to go, it’s just the clock is always ticking and we need to maximize the product in the time that’s allowed.

We already had the ball speed pretty much at the limits but the forgiveness was something we could improve on. We don’t want the mass in the crown because the ball will spin like crazy and don’t want mass in the middle of the sole because then you lose the inertia. We want the mass low and further back and that's why we have that chunk of metal at the back with composite in between.

Why is the face made of 60 layers of carbon and do you believe this number may be raised or lowered in the future to alter performance?

The ball speed is determined by the flexibility of the face and the flexibility of the face is determined by the stiffness of the face. If you look at a beam and are three-point loading it, the stiffness of the beam really matters and that’s a property of the material, but also the thickness matters. The thickness actually has much more of an impact than the modulus and material.

So the reason we have 60 layers is because of the materials we’re using and the limits on ball speed. We could change the material so the composite is composed of fiber and resin, or we could change our thickness or we could change both and so we are really limited though as to how thick that face can be. Going fast hasn’t been an issue, it’s spreading out the COR within the limits of the rules and optimizing materials and thickness to maximize ball speed.

The Aesthetics have seen some refinements, was there a particular reason from reverting from a matte finish back to a gloss finish this year in the Stealth 2?

The feedback talking to the guys who are in the player test meetings and performance test meetings, it was mainly a cosmetic decision. They like that premium look of the gloss, but it’s a polarizing issue as some people love the matte and some people love the gloss and so a lot of it is personal preference. There is a performance benefit from gloss in terms of fingerprints and as silly as that sounds, there was feedback that the matte finish left fingerprints. We now use a special paint that doesn’t leave fingerprints, so that was one performance aspect in some regards. We look at other industries such as cell phones to see how they solve problems to help come up with our own solutions.

What impact has the Carbon Reinforced Composite ring has had on the Stealth 2 models?

That’s a technological challenge that really gets overlooked in my opinion. That was a major challenge, it’s an injection molded composite, so it’s short fibers that get melted and injected into an injection molding tool and it’s significantly stronger than your standard plastic part, because it’s reinforced with composite. It allows for precision because it’s not a metal part that’s hand ground or polished, it comes out of the tool and it’s pretty much ready to be bonded into the head. There’s sometimes a little trimming that needs to happen but for the most part what comes out of the tool is the same every single time. It really is the frame that holds the entire structure together, so the crown, sole and the rear mass is featured in that as well.

Making it durable was the hardest thing about making the ring, it’s composite, but composites are plastic and so plastics are inherently less strong than metal. Metal you can stretch and it will break at around 10 to 15 percent elongation, but composites break at two percent. The ring does go a little bit more than that because it’s not continuous fiber, it’s short fibers so we can stretch it a little more, but it needs to withstand Rory McIlroy's 185mph ball speed every single day and so making it durable was definitely the biggest challenge.

We have seen the introduction of the Carbonwood age in the last two years in drivers, are we ever likely to see this develop in the fairway woods or hybrids?

That’s an interesting question because obviously fairway woods and hybrids are much smaller in face profile than drivers and so our current construction is that we have a composite face plate that's bonded onto a titanium shelf. As you shrink that down your infrastructure doesn’t get that much smaller but your face does and so the ratio between the area of the face and the mass of the infrastructure behind it is less beneficial. We would actually lose mass in terms of discretionary mass if we were to shrink it into a small package. I won’t say never but under our current construction which is a face sitting on a shelf, it doesn't make sense from an engineering standpoint.

With the emphasis on forgiveness in the Stealth 2, all the heads are 460cc, in the past the TP models or now known Plus model would have been 430cc. Is this something we are likely to see again to please the better ball striker?

It’s an interesting question because there is a subset of players out there that like to look at a ‘smaller head’, but 430cc is still pretty big. Now why is that? Some of it could be legacy right, because they remember the 510 TP model and the other 430cc drivers we have launched and because they were smaller. It allowed us to have deeper faces and lower the balance point and so my own theory is that these players remember that and so they like that high launch, low spin feeling and so they associate that look and sized head with that.

We have all the benefits we had in the past from the smaller volume driver, now in a bigger more forgiving package. If you look at the way Stealth has been adopted on tour, instantaneously everybody put it in the bag. Tiger asked to play it before it was ever launched which is something we haven’t had happen before - we’ve had people request it, but their names weren't Tiger Woods. The tour acceptance with that shape in particular at that size has been really good and so I think we’re maximizing the performance by going to a 460cc head. There are definitely some people out there who think they prefer that and maybe they actually do, but we just haven’t had the market demand for it.

The Stealth 2 range sees double the amount of carbon compared to the original Stealth, how have you managed to maintain swing weights and a similar feeling of past drivers?

So mass is something we are always trying to find. If we could make the frame of the driver zero grams and just have one chunk of tungsten somewhere in the head, we would do that.  The reason we’re using composite is because it is so light, I have actually made a 460cc driver that is 140g and it was part of a performance investigation that I was doing to see where the sweet-spot was in terms of head speed and ball speed. So I conducted a test from 140g up to 240g in 20g increments and took it out to our player testing panel, which is a group of 100 guys who test every week. The funniest thing is that every single person topped the 140g driver and these are all scratch golfers, but the first swing was always a top. This is because it just doesn’t ‘droop’ anymore because it’s 65g lighter than what they are used to. At the end of the study we found out that the sweet-spot is around 200g, and that mass hasn’t changed a whole lot over the years and so it’s amazing that golfers settled on that without launch monitors and just figured it out.

Is Carbon here to stay?

Yes! I’m looking at new materials and processes and we’re generally five to ten years out but I haven’t found a material that is better than carbon composite material. I would imagine we will see different fiber types, maybe stiffer fibers and different resin types, but if you know of a material that’s as strong and lighter than composite then I’d love to know because I haven’t found it.

Arccos has more than doubled its membership since the beginning of 2020

Arccos Golf has seen a dramatic increase in membership and rounds played by members using its Arccos Caddie platform over the past year, as golfers continue to embrace the advanced stroke recording technology across Europe.

Arccos has more than doubled its membership since the beginning of 2020 and according to data analysed across the first nine months of 2021, there were big increases in the number of tech-enabled rounds played compared with the same period last year.

For example, Arccos Caddie members in Britain recorded a year-on-year increase of 77% in rounds played between January and September, despite beginning 2021 under national lockdown when most golf courses were closed until April.

Related: The best golf shot tracking apps and devices

While there has also been a significant increase in Arccos Caddie members during the period, these figures show that golfers are leveraging technology to improve their performance more than ever before.

Dutch, Italian and Spanish golfers using Arccos’ pioneering technology were Europe’s busiest performers in terms of rounds played compared to last year.

In The Netherlands, rounds played recorded by Arccos Caddie were up by 101%, while in Italy and Spain there was a 79% increase.

Other strong European showings for avid Arccos Caddie members were in Austria (66%), Belgium (65%), France (62%) and Germany (35%).

"Even with frustrating course closures, these growth numbers highlight the level of commitment and passion golfers in Europe have for playing the game and wanting to improve,” said Steve Obsitnik, Arccos President/COO.

"Our commitment to delivering products like our Link wearable and feature innovations like Strokes Gained Analytics will provide golfers with more ways to play smarter and improve faster," he added.

Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics.

The system includes the world’s first A.I.  powered rangefinder, smart club averages for each club and caddie advice for any hole on earth.

These combine to help golfers of all skill levels make smarter decisions, improve faster and shoot lower scores.

In 2020, the average new Arccos member improved their handicap by 5.02 strokes.

The renowned data analytics expert and 'golf stats pro' is set to help take insights for golfers to the next level.

Arccos Appoints Lou Stagner As Data Insights Lead

Arccos – the pioneer of big data and artificial intelligence for golf – today announced the appointment of Lou Stagner as its Data Insights Lead, working with a team of scientists, engineers and architects devoted to harnessing the power of golf’s largest and richest on-course dataset, which now includes more than 475 million shots taken by Arccos Caddie members worldwide.

A self-proclaimed ‘golf nut and data nerd’, Stagner has become an influential figure in the golf data space by combining a lifelong passion for the game with his background as a business intelligence and analytics executive.

Through his popular Twitter feed, @LouStagner, and co-hosting the Hack It Out Golf podcast, he has become a highly respected voice among Tour players, coaches, elite amateurs, golf equipment manufacturers, members of the media and recreational players around the world.

In his new role, Stagner will focus on the refinement and expansion of Arccos’ existing data offerings, such as the personalised Arccos Strokes Gained Analytics platform.

He will also play a key role in the conception and development of new projects.

“It’s literally a dream come true for me to be able to dig into a golf dataset of the size and scope of the Arccos database,” said Lou.

“I’m going from a scenario where analysis and insights were typically derived from hundreds or thousands of data points, to an environment where the scale is in the billions. There is massive potential to expand the already-impressive Arccos products with offerings that take a customised approach to helping players of all skill levels play smarter and shoot lower scores,” he added.

Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics. The system includes the world’s first A.I.-powered rangefinder, smart club distances and caddie advice for every golf hole on earth. 

Arccos members have recorded an astonishing 8 million rounds with the system while playing courses in 194 countries.

This feeds the world’s largest on-course dataset, which now includes 31 billion separate data points that are analysed to help golfers perform their best. In 2020, the average new Arccos member improved their handicap by 5.02 strokes.

The company’s latest launch monitor is set to deliver uncompromising accuracy and performance, both outdoors and indoors, at a price that puts Foresight in reach of more golfers than ever before.

Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor Revealed

Foresight Sports has today announced the launch of the GC3 launch monitor.

The release of the GC3 comes more than a decade after the launch of the GC2 - known today as the industry's all-time best selling performance launch monitor technology.

The latest addition to the GC family will provide more golfers than ever before with the unmatched data accuracy and true-to-life simulation experience Foresight offers.

Built on the same advanced photometric technology found in the company’s flagship launch monitor - the GCQuad - the new GC3 features a three-camera system that measures ball and club performance data, both outdoors and indoors, with industry-leading precision.

RELATED: Best Golf Launch Monitors

The GC3 will be available at a price that puts its advanced capabilities – from the range, to the course, and the golf simulator – within reach of even more avid golfers who demand the best. 

Rick Cuellar, Foresight Sports Global Sales Director, said: "The GC3 was designed from the start to fill the gap between our original ball-data-only GC2 and the unmatched data insight of our GCQuad."

"It delivers the essential ball and club data players need to reliably improve their game as well as power a true-to-life virtual golf experience. No other product on the market comes close to delivering this range of options – nor this level of indoor/outdoor accuracy – at this price."

RELATED: Best Golf Simulators

It is also available with all the simulator options from Foresight Sports Europe, including the revolutionary Sim-in-a-box range. 

The GC3 is launching in the USA initially and coming to Europe in early 2022, with European pricing and purchase information set to be released in due course.

As demand is expected to be high, Foresight Sports Europe recommends those interested in owning a GC3, or GC3-powered simulator solution, register their interest as soon as possible.

To register your interest now, visit the Foresight Sports Website.

What Happens During A Putter Fitting?

Watch Joel Tadman go through the putter fitting process with SIK Golf

Most golfers understand the need to get custom fitted for a driver but the putter is often the club that gets bought off the shelf paced predominantly on how it looks. But could a more technical approach unlock better performance? We went along to SIK Golf's new National Performance Studio at Silvermere Golf & Leisure to see what the experience was like and if it could make us more prolific on the greens.

I arrived with an idea as to the style of putter that was right for me - a blade putter with lots of toe hang to keep the face open and stop me pulling putts. This was flipped on its head after talking with fitter Collin about the intricacies of putter design. He was using Quintic, widely regarded as the best system in analysing putting, to quantify the performance of the putters I tried and while my own putter fared well, the amber readings showed there was room for improvement.

SIK do the excellent Pro C blade putter but I’ve recently acquired a soft spot for the wide blade, which SIK offer via the Double Wide 2.0 C model. But to determine which sightline to choose (full length on the flange or shorter on the front) we needed to do an eye dominance test - I was right eye dominant, which apparently meant the longer sightline should work best.

The adjustable shaft/hosel system SIK offer meant I was able to try different set ups and while the short slant hosel, which promotes strong toe hang, did ok, it was by switching to a face balanced double bend shaft that my putting became almost robotic - the blue and green readings on the screen proved this - reducing side spin and getting a more consistent launch angle.

This is something SIK believes is the holy grail. Having a full shaft offset versus a half shaft offset also allowed me to start the ball more online - another factor golfers often overlook when choosing the best golf putters for them.

The process involved me hitting six putts with each set up for the Quintic to create an average reading of ball speed, backspin, sidespin, skid (distance to true roll, the point and which the ball is rolling end over end) for each. I was then able to gauge trends with each putter design and also how consistent I was with each. Despite only doing it over a 12-foot putt, the results were truly mind blowing and I ended up with something different to what I was expecting, which goes to show you should always go into a fitting with an open mind.

I went away with a much greater understanding of how a putter's design can influence the way it moves during what is a relatively short action. For any golfer that wants to get into the nitty gritty of marginal gains on the greens a putter fitting, like the one I went through with SIK, is an experience I would thoroughly recommend.

The next generation features on the Arccos Caddie platform will give players even more accurate analytics.

Arccos Golf Releases Smart Club Distances & Putt Data Tracking

Arccos - the pioneers of big data and artificial intelligence for golf - has announced new features on its Arccos Caddie platform that includes a next-generation Smart Club distances algorithm and enhanced putt data tracking.

The update also includes a first-of-its-kid weather and location scenarios tool too.

Developed by Arccos’ leading team of data scientists, architects and engineers, the latest Smart Club Distances machine learning algorithm takes accuracy to a new level by providing a precise estimation of how far a player hits a well-struck shot with each club in their bag. 

Related: Arccos Strokes Gained Analysis

Mishits, exceptionally long shots, and recovery efforts are now automatically identified and eliminated from the calculations, which helps to fuel Arccos’ A.I. caddie club recommendations.

Golfers can now filter the total number of shots included by the algorithms at any given time to facilitate analysis of any recent changes in their swing, equipment or other game aspects.

Further extending the value of Smart Club Distances is the weather and location scenarios tool.

This graphically intuitive feature allows Arccos members to easily select from a wide range of weather conditions and altitudes,  then using machine learning to assess the impact of these adjustments across the Smart Distance of every club in that player’s bag. 

Related: What Is Stokes Gained Analysis?

Significant enhancements to Arccos functionality on the greens are being added at the same time.

These include the addition of second and third putt distance tracking for even more accurate putting Stroke Gained analytics, a green grid view toggle and the ability to enable walking path tracking for better post-round identification of pin and putt locations.

Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics. The system includes the world’s first A.I.-powered rangefinder, smart club distances and caddie advice for every golf hole on earth.

Cobra One Length clubs three season review. Editor Mike Harris offers his verdict after enjoying an extended period with the clubs

Cobra One Length Clubs Three Season Review

Until March 2019, I’d never played with any Cobra Golf clubs - not once in 30 years of playing the sport. However, as part of a partnership project with Cobra to follow my game over an extended period (and hopefully see some improvements), I got fitted for an entire set of Cobra metalwoods, irons and wedges.

Even before the initial fitting, I was keen to try Cobra One Length in the irons, because I was intrigued by the principle - and this is a good place to start.

Cobra Golf One Length Concept 

Cobra Golf One Length clubs are all built to the same specification as a 7-iron. The idea is that golfers keep the same ball position and make the same swing with each club. 

In the longer irons, engineers have added head weight, and with the shorter irons, weight has been taken away. As a result, the golf swing should feel the same with each club.

Cobra Puma Golf staff player, Bryson DeChambeau, has enjoyed great success with these clubs, and he’s the pioneer behind One Length. 

Related: Bryson DeChambeau What's In The Bag?

The concept gained recognition, and they’ve proved popular with club golfers seeking more consistency. I was certainly keen to see if they could help, as iron play is an area of the game where I’ve tended to struggle in the past. 

Cobra Golf One Length Review 

I was fitted Cobra One Length clubs from 3-hybrid right through to pitching wedge, and opted for variable ‘speciality wedges’ - so my 50, 54 and 58 KING Forged wedges were not all the same length. I tried the One Length wedges, but found it very strange having longer wedges - it felt almost like a trick shot club, plus I like to grip down on certain wedge shots, and this made it feel a bit unusual. It might be the same for you - a case of sticking to what you know - which is fine, because you can mix and match when you spec the set. 

My long iron play has benefitted the most. They’re unquestionably easier to hit and I’ve never felt more confident in this department, so much so that my One Length hybrids have become my favourite clubs in the bag, along with the 6-iron (more on this club below).

As well as a great option off the tee and from bad lies, their versatility around the greens has added a new dimension to my game. In the past, I’ve always tended to hit bump and run shots with a 7-iron. However, with a larger head, on a shaft length the same as a 7-iron, you can bump the ball out of slightly thicker rough and really get the ball rolling at the flag, and you don’t have to think about gripping down on the shaft.

What I would say is that the long irons do tend to produce a slightly flatter ball flight. If you’re playing a course where you need to send the ball high and land it softly, this might cause a few issues, but for anyone who plays a lot of links golf, like I do, you’ll really be able to reap the rewards.

Something that was also borne out in the data - and you can really get a clear picture of your game using Cobra Connect, which is powered by Arccos - was that I hit my 5, 6 and 7-iron a similar distance. It seems to be a common gapping issue at the top of the bag, which is something to bear in mind when you have a fitting. 

A word on my 6-iron, too; I’m hitting more greens-in-regulation with this club than my pitching wedge. I’m not sure what this says about my short game, but what it does say is that it’s done the job in helping me to become more consistent with my irons. 

Cobra Golf Metalwoods

Over the last three seasons, I’ve also played Cobra metal woods. I started off with the Cobra King F9 driver and fairway, and then played Speedzone in 2020, and this year I’ve been playing Radspeed. I have loved all of them and found the annual switch an easy one and I've seen small but noticeable year on year performance gains.

Cobra has always been regarded as an innovative high-performing metalwood brand, but I think it slightly lost its way in the early 2010s with what seemed to more of a style over substance approach with the focus on different coloured heads of AMP and Bio Cell, when it felt (maybe just a perception) as though it wasn’t so much focused on performance. However, the last three iterations of metalwoods have stacked up against any of the other premium models I have tried on the market. 

Related: Best Cobra Drivers

Cobra Golf One Length Verdict 

When learning to play the game for the first time, beginners often start off with a 7-iron - it feels comfortable, so the concept of One Length makes perfect sense. 

Making the change from ‘conventional’ irons to One Length would obviously be quite a big step for a lot of golfers, and one they’re not willing to take, but it’s a fantastic concept and one that’s really worth looking into, especially if you’re open-minded to change, or if you’re a beginner. 

I’ve alway been a tinkerer - I love golf equipment - and this has been the longest period in 30 years where I’ve not changed clubs, and even though my handicap hasn’t improved, my best golf (especially iron play) is now better than it’s ever been. I'd say my lack of improvement has been down to some short game issues. 

If you have been playing a few years and make the switch to One Length, it will take some time getting used to - you can’t just put them in the bag and expect to start playing better golf straight away. However, if you spend some time on the range and get the makeup of the set right from the start, One Length can certainly help you to play better, more consistent golf.

My next set of irons have a lot to live up to. Thanks Cobra - it’s been a blast!

Check out how you can get your hands on the cool Ralph Lauren hoodie here.

The United States Ryder Cup team was not only turning heads with some stellar golf during the first day of the event at Whistling Straits.

No, the team was also causing quite the stir online with their attire too, chiefly in the form of the Ryder Cup hoodie many of the players were wearing.

The team's attire is made by Ralph Lauren because of the partnership between the brand and the PGA of America, which has been as such for a number of years now.

Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele were all pictured wearing the hoodie during the practice rounds and first days play.

Buy Now from Ralph Lauren

Available exclusively at Ralph Lauren, the RLX Golf U.S. Ryder Cup Cashmere Hooded Sweater comes in a navy finish and has a number of patriotic details for the American players.

The drawstring hood is lined with red and white, there’s a Ryder Cup patch at the left chest, “USA 20” embroidered at the right cuff and “United We Stand” written on the back.

Buy Now from Ralph Lauren

Obviously, golf hoodies are becoming more and more popular at the moment, with Thomas in particular also wearing one at The Open this year. This, as you would expect, has often caused considerable debate.

However this Ralph Lauren hoodie shows that the best golf hoodies can look great on and off the golf course, whilst also being simple and classically finished to make it suitable for just about any golf club.

Clearly the game of golf is changing and the USA Ryder Cup team, along with the PGA of America, seems to welcome that.

Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas both wear Whoop straps, giving some incredible data.

5 Incredible McIlroy And Thomas Whoop Insights

It has been well documented that Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas both use Whoop, a fitness and recovery tracker that measures strain, recovery and sleep.

It is technology designed to help top athletes perform at the highest level with the combination of the strap and app giving tangible numbers and insights.

For example take a look at the five stats below showing the duo's Whoop data.

They are statistics from the latter stages of the 2021 season and show just how important sleep and recovery can be to the professional golfer, let alone two of the calibre of McIlroy and Thomas.

Related: Whoop 3.0 Review

Sunday 8/1, Olympics final round:

Justin shot a 6-under-par 65. His heart rate variability (HRV) was 59 ms, significantly above his average of 49 across other competition days.

Additionally, his resting heart rate (RHR) was 53 bpm compared to an average of 56. As to be expected, Justin’s recovery was in the green (77%).

Thursday 8/5, Day 1 of WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational:

Justin was 3 under par (67) after sleeping for 9.3 hours, his longest night’s sleep of July and August.

Sunday 8/8, last day of WGC-FedEx:

Rory shot a 4-under 66 following 7.6 hours of sleep, a full hour more than his competition average of 6.6 hours.

Thursday 8/19, Northern Trust Day 1:

This was Justin’s best round of the year, a -8 (63).

He had 94% sleep efficiency (vs a competition average of 92%) that included an impressive 3.19 hours of restorative REM sleep (17 minutes more than usual).

Thursday 8/26, BMW Championship Day 1:

Rory’s best round of the year was also a -8 (64).

He had an outstanding 81% recovery that morning with an elevated HRV of 60 (7 ms above his norm during tournaments).

Related: Whoop - the wearable technology changing professional golf

Ready to go for the Ryder Cup

The data suggests both McIlroy and Thomas are primed for competition at the Ryder Cup too.

In the past 10 days, Thomas has recorded his best recovery of the year (99%), as well as his longest sleep (9.3 hours) and time spent in bed (10.8 hours).

Similarly, over that same span Rory has also logged his lowest RHR (46) and most efficient sleep (96%) of the season.

Additionally, for both Justin and Rory, their highest average recoveries during tournaments came on Sundays.

We would normally expect that the strain of golf tournaments would takes its toll as the weekend unfolds but clearly both players manage their workload so they can peak on Sunday.

This might be necessary too given the Ryder Cup can be a very close affair.

For more gear news, check out the Golf Monthly website.

Take a look at the new golf collection from Nike and music artist Drake.

Nike Launches NOCTA Golf Collection

In 2020 music artist Drake announced his new Nike sub-label called NOCTA, a brand name that is a direct reference to Drake's nocturnal creative process.

Speaking at the time he said; "I remember watching all these athletes repping Nike — each doing the unthinkable — and how inspiring it was," he said. "I always felt like there was an opportunity for Nike to embrace an entertainer the same way they had athletes. I thought about how crazy it would have been and what it would have meant for an artist to have a flagship Nike deal."

Well in 2021 he has expanded this further by introducing the NOCTA Golf Collection, which is a testament to Drake’s admiration for the game, fuelled by childhood rounds with his uncle, Steven Sher.

Related: Best Nike Golf Shoes

The collection consists of apparel and accessories designed to help players transition and adapt from the course to the road.

Spanning 10 pieces, including eyewear, the NOCTA Golf collection combines NOCTA's design ethos, with Nike's cutting-edge technology.

Check out some of the pieces below...

NOCTA Golf Track Jacket

NOCTA Golf Mock-Neck Top

NOCTA Golf Jacket

NOCTA Golf Polo

NOCTA Golf Crew Neck Top

NOCTA Golf Vest

NOCTA Golf Pants

NOCTA Golf Cap

NOCTA Golf Sunglasses

The NOCTA Golf collection releases on September 23 on SNKRS, NOCTA.com, and at select retailers.

For more gear content, check out the Golf Monthly website.

Which club is best in your bag? Arccos has analysed its millions of shots to determine which club would work best for you

3 Iron Vs 3 Hybrid: What The Stats Say Is Best

It’s a conundrum many golfers face but it can be tricky to know which route to go down for this crucial slot in the bag.

Our data partnership with Arccos gives us greater insight into the actual performance differences of both these clubs from data set of more than 300 million shots recorded over 5 million rounds and it unearthed a few interesting trends.

RELATED: Arccos Caddie Link Review

The first is that the 3-iron is not dead. In fact, handicaps of 10 and below hit their 3-iron further than their 3 hybrids. It isn’t until a 17 handicap where the 3 hybrid becomes the longer club.

And even then, it’s nominal, with 17 handicappers averaging 166 yards with their 3-irons and 167 with their 3-hybrids

This is possibly because 3-iron shots will have lower spin and therefore run out more after landing. The second trend is that golfers are selecting the 3 hybrid on shots where a 3-wood is actually the correct choice!

Handicaps of 5 and under typically pull their 3 iron or 3 hybrid facing shots of 220-230 yards but actually average 197-210 yards with their 3-wood. With a 3-wood, they could decrease the disparity between how far they think they hit the ball, and how far they actually hit it, by 10 to 15 yards.

Interestingly, for higher handicap Arccos players in the 20 to 25 range, the extra distance provided by the 3-wood’s loft, lie and shaft length is negligible (five to seven yards) over the 3-iron and 3-hybrid and with the 3-hybrid being a much easier club to get airborne off the fairway, and it’s dispersion being lower, it’s the smarter play for bogey golfers.

Arccos players with 20-handicaps (bogey golfers as defined by the USGA) select 3-irons on 213-yard shots but only end up hitting it 162 yards. For 3-hybrid, it’s 220 and 163 yards, respectively.

Food for thought!

The brand new designs seek to further the brand's mission of ending plastic waste.

adidas Introduces New ZG21 Motion Golf Shoes

Earlier in 2021 adidas unveiled the ZG21 golf shoe which quickly found itself on the feet of world class professionals like Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, whilst it also got a five-star rating in our comprehensive review.

Now adidas has looked to build on that by introducing the newest addition to the collection - ZG21 Motion - which is a shoe designed to perform as well as the ZG21, but with a new high-performance upper made with recycled materials. It is also designed to be waterproof as well.

This textile mesh upper is made with a minimum of 50 percent of recycled materials, further showing how adidas is leading the way when it comes to environmentally-conscious designs, and how it is taking the goal of using only recycled polyester in its products wherever possible by 2024, very seriously.

Related: adidas ZG21 Golf Shoe Review

“ZG21 really filled a hole that we felt existed in the industry when it came to lightweight spiked footwear, and we’ve heard nothing but positive feedback around its design,” said Masun Denison, global director of footwear, adidas Golf.

“That being said, we wanted to push the limits and see what was possible in regard to how we incorporated more sustainable materials without sacrificing performance, that when we say ‘zero compromise’ we truly mean it.”

Part of the collection is the new ZG21 Motion BOA shoe for both men and women.

In addition to the engineered textile upper made in part with recycled materials, the shoe features a higher cut design and sock-like opening, alongside the new PerformFit Wrap powered by the BOA Fit System.

Related: Best adidas Golf Shoes

The ZG21 Motion BOA will also offer players a one-year waterproof warranty to protect them from the elements.

There will be three silhouettes in total: the laced version alongside a BOA version for both men and women.

All three are available today from adidas and retailers worldwide.

For more gear news, check out the Golf Monthly website.

The new wedges from Ping are engineered for golfers who are searching for more versatility and improved shot making around the greens.

Ping Unveils New Glide Forged Pro Wedge

Ping has today unveiled its latest wedge, the Glide Forged Pro, aimed at providing golfers with more versatility, spin and control on the important greenside scoring shots.

The tour-inspired, high-spinning design is offered in two grind profiles and multiple loft options to fit players who rely on precision and control to shoot lower scores.

The smaller heel-to-toe head, which is forged from 8620 carbon steel, creates a captured look at address, giving players the confidence to manipulate the head to help execute any shot they are facing.

Related: Best Golf Wedges

In combination with the precision-milled face and grooves, the new Emery face blast adds more texture to the hitting surface, creating higher friction and more interaction between the club and ball for more spin and a lower launch.

The 50° and 52° lofts feature wheel-cut grooves with a 20° sidewall to optimise performance on full shots commonly associated with gap wedges.

Related: Best Wedges For Chipping

Meanwhile, the 54° to 62° options are milled with a 28° sidewall and tighter radius to provide more spin and precision on the finesse shots around the green and from the sand.

Two grind options in multiple lofts expand the offering to ensure a wedge choice is available for a wide range of golfers to match specific playing conditions and angle of attack.

The S grind comes in seven loft and bounce configurations and features a moderate bounce with a rounded lead edge to produce an option that will cater to the broadest range of golfers.

The T grind has a narrower sole with approximately 3° less bounce than the S grind to make it more precise around the green. It's available in three lofts, including a 62°, which offers low bounce and high loft for the most greenside versatility.

Golfers can also choose from eight custom grinds through Ping Wrx, the company's facility that custom builds the majority of its Tour and college equipment.

Finally, Ping has created an EYE2 wedge in the Glide Forged Pro range.

Inspired the “S” grind 59º option, which is distinguished by the high-toe design made popular by Karsten Solheim’s iconic sand wedge developed in the early 1980s, it features a blended hosel and a more traditional sole design than the original with approximately 1.5º less bounce than the other “S” grind lofts.

The custom-fit, custom-built Ping Glide Forged wedges are now available to pre-order at authorised Ping retailers around the world and have a RRP of £199.

The new Ping i59 irons revealed today promise improved forgiveness and feel over the iBlade it replaces from five years ago

Ping i59 Irons Revealed

Since 2016 the iBlade has represented Ping’s compact cavity back iron for the better player and so its replacement has been long overdue.

Step up the new i59, a three-piece forged iron that has already made its way into may tour players bags including Viktor Hovland and Johannes Veerman, who won the Czech Masters on Sunday with a full set in the bag.

The big technology story is the AlumiCore that sits inside the hollow head. This is an Aerospace-grade aluminium insert that saves around 30g of weight per iron combined with forged 1025 carbon steel body and 17-4 SS laser-cut face to ensure trajectory control, forgiveness and precise shot-making.

Each iron in the set requires a different size aluminium core, adding to the precision and complexity of the manufacturing process to ensure quality and performance in every iron.

Increased toe and shaft tips weights makes the i59 as forgiving as the i210, a larger cavity back iron in the range. Golfers will also notice the new Friction face design with new MicroMax grooves that have narrower spacing (there are four more grooves than on the iBlade) with steeper sidewalls.

RELATED: Ping i59 Iron Review

The result, Ping says, is reduces fliers from the rough in the short irons, helped by the Hydropearl 2.0 finish, and more consistent spin on long iron shots.

The i59 actually has the same bounce angle, blade length, and offset as iBlade but with a thinner sole.

The 7-iron of i59 is traditionally lofted at 34°, the same as the outgoing iBlade and the Blueprint, and it is available in power and retro specs for golfers that want more or less distance respectively.

The Ping i59 irons go on sale at the end of September with an RRP of £239 per club and a Project X LS shaft as standard with multiple other no upcharge options, including Ping AWT 2.0, Dynamic Gold 120 and KBS Tour.

For a more detailed insight into the design, here's an exclusive Q&A with Dr. Paul Wood, Ping's VP of Engineering...

What differences will iBlade users notice with i59?

We think users will notice the significant increase in forgiveness. This is most noticeable on the significant mis-hits. “Significant” is in the eye of the beholder. My mis-hit is a little different to someone like Viktor Hovland’s, but he’s able to notice a pretty fine difference on the course. It helps both our games. There is also a significant difference in the look of the iron. We wanted to make the i59 look more like it’s little sister, the Blueprint, but with as much technology behind the scenes as we could pack in. From the back, the iron looks like a pretty pure blade, so the player doesn’t see all of the multi-material technology. They will see the distinctive toe weight – this iron uses our “tip and toe weights” to concentrate mass at the extremes of the club while allowing for a very precise build to swingweight.

Did you do a lot testing with different numbers and configurations of grooves to determine the optimum amount?

We certainly did. We use a technique called “design of experiments” which is a statistical way of testing multiple variables in the most efficient manner to establish which variables have the most impact on performance. There are many aspects we can change on the face of the club (groove depth, groove width, radius, face roughness etc) and the club regulations on grooves are rather complicated. Fortunately we have plenty of maths/stats graduates in our team to work on this. There is still a lot of noise in the data (humans are prone to a lot of variation, as I’m sure you’re aware if you’ve ever tried to play to your handicap consistently) so we need to keep running player tests and leaning on our ever improving test methods. “Optimizing” golf clubs is somewhat of a never ending quest.

Tell us something about the idea/design of the Ping i59 irons not many people know?

90% of the research and development work was in the manufacturing. It’s one thing to have the idea to sandwich aluminium between layers of steel – it’s another thing to make all the pieces fit seamlessly together in large scale manufacturing. So, the idea was kind of the easy part. Golfers will see the elegant, clean iron with amazing technology and surprisingly great performance for such a simple look. The work behind the scenes was focused on precision forging, optimizing weld lines, multiple part tolerance stack-up calculations, optimizing visco-elastic tape layers etc. Oh, and naming. Naming is difficult. It took us ages to come up with Alumicore, but I like it. The name describes what it is: Aluminium in the Core.

Check out what Team Europe will wear when trying to win the Solheim Cup once again.

Ping Unveils Team Europe Solheim Cup Collection

The world of golf turns its attention to the upcoming Solheim Cup soon as the world's best players from Europe are set to take on the Americans at Inverness Club in Ohio.

As a result, Ping, a company that has a long standing relationship with the event as it was subsequently named after Ping founders Karsten and Louise Solheim, recently unveiled a new apparel collection to be worn by the Europeans

Lisa Lovatt, Managing Director of Ping Europe, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Ping to be the Official Apparel Supplier of Team Europe, in a competition that everyone at Ping holds so close to our hearts.

“Our apparel design team has created a very technical, eye-catching range. I am excited to see the collection front and centre on the global stage in just a couple of weeks’ time and showcase our commitment to the women’s game.”

Inspiration for the collection has been drawn from flowers native to Ohio, whilst also placing a modern twist on recognisable European colours and themes.

Related: Solheim Cup Team Europe 2021

The opening day’s outfit (above) has been inspired by the milkweed flower, a native flower to Northwest Ohio, where this bloom has been incorporated with the European Shield of Stars to create a unique print design that pays homage to the tournament’s host state.

To coordinate with the star flower patterned skort or short, the players will wear a royal purple polo shirt that features star detailing.

The second outfit is based on the vibrant yellow colours of the European flag while still incorporating the traditional blue and gold stars.

For the final competition day, Ping has created a design that utilises the classic European blue and white colourway, with metallic gold star highlights, as Team Europe attempts to retain their Solheim Cup title.

Each outfit has a coordinating cap or visor that completes the look of the three unique designs.

Should the weather turn in Ohio, Ping has also designed a SensorWarm fleece, in line with each of the three outfits, as well as a white waterproof suit engineered from SensorDry fabric (below).

Commenting on the designs, Global Creative Director for Ping, Fiona Reilly, said:

“It has been a pleasure to be involved with the designing of Team Europe’s apparel collection for the Solheim Cup. Our goal in creating the 2021 Solheim Cup uniform was to provide Team Europe with unique, clean and contemporary designs that reflect a distinctly European aesthetic. Comfort and freedom of movement is of paramount importance for the athletes and, to ensure this, all of the garments are engineered from our performance Sensor technology fabrics.

“To be part of such a prestigious and globally recognised tournament is brilliant and we can’t wait to see our apparel collection being worn by some of the world’s best female players.”

You can get final day's outfit for a limited time on the Ping Collection website.

Take a look at the new Biom H4 BOA design from Ecco Golf.

Ecco Golf Introduces Biom H4 BOA Option

We are huge fans of the Ecco Biom H4 golf shoe as shown by all our review content along with its inclusion in our best golf shoes guide, and in 2021 Ecco has looked to take the design further with the introduction of a new BOA option on both men's and women's models.

The BOA micro-adjustable system uses unique dial, lace, and guide configurations to deliver unprecedented fit and performance, thereby its introduction to the H4 design is an attempt to make an already very comfortable golf shoe, even more so.

As worn by Erik Van Rooyen in his PGA Tour victory at the Barracuda Championship, the H4 golf shoe features a variety of technologies and design flourishes that make it a top performer right now.

Chief among which is the Fluidform Direct Comfort Technology which uses fluid materials to ensure a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound to deliver dynamic comfort.

Additionally Ecco has also implemented the new BIOM 2.0 technology which offers a modern, updated look, and combines with the Natural Motion Technology to keep the foot close to the ground and mould the shoe around the foot like a second skin.

As you can see above the outsole is quite striking and adds a pop of colour onto the shoe, but it isn't just about aesthetics here. The MTN Grip design has been created to give traction, ground penetration and rotational support across the three different sections.

The T.PU element also wraps around from the outsole to the midsole to give a further degree of stability.

The shoe’s uppers are crafted from premium and durable performance leather, made in Ecco’s own tanneries, providing natural protection from wind and water. Gore-Tex technology is then added to make these shoes 100% waterproof and comfortable in all conditions.

The new BOA option comes in Black or White colourways for men; complementing the Black, White, Silver Grey and White/Concrete colourways available in the laced version of the shoe. The men's BOA version will have an RRP of £200 with the laced version coming in at £170.

For women, the H4 is available in three new colourways for Autumn/Winter 2021, with Ombre in the laced option, and Black or White/Silver Grey in the BOA Fit System. The design also comes in White, Limestone, and White/Silver Grey laced options. The women's BOA model will have an RRP of £190 and the laced version costs £160.

For more gear news, check out the Golf Monthly website.

The two brands have teamed up in 2021.

Arccos Golf Teams Up With Samsung For Galaxy 4 Watch Series

Today Arccos Golf, one of the leading brands in golf in relation to data and artificial intelligence, has announced it is teaming up with Samsung to launch the Arccos Caddie app for the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, thereby using Samsung's Wear OS platform to benefit golfers around the world.

Related: Best Golf GPS Watches

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 users will now be able to use Arccos Caddie to receive precise GPS distances while in-play and review their shots and clubs used post game.

“Samsung has long been a global leader in wearable technology and Wear OS Powered by Samsung comes with some major enhancements for developers,” said Ryan Johnson, Arccos’ Vice President of Software Engineering. “Our team has found the platform very easy to develop on and the result is a seamless integration between our app, the Samsung Galaxy Watch-4 Series and Android smartphones.”

The Arccos Caddie platform is incredibly useful to golfers everywhere because it automatically tracks shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics.

Additionally it can give distance averages for each club and caddie advice too so golfers of all skill levels can make smarter decisions on the golf course which could lead to better scores and lower handicaps. For example, in 2020, the average new Arccos member improved their handicap by 5.02 strokes.

With this new partnership with Samsung, Arccos continues to lead the way in on-course performance tracking and later this year it will incorporate Health Services API information into the Arccos Caddie app for Wear OS Powered by Samsung, as well as enable users to see a variety of statistics from previous rounds.

For more gear news from the world of golf, check out the Golf Monthly website.

Check out the new environmentally-conscious 'No-Dye' Collection from adidas.

adidas No-Dye Footwear Collection Revealed

adidas has been very clear in its environmental objectives over the last few years especially when it comes to ending plastic waste.

Today the brand is going a step further by introducing the No-Dye Collection - special footwear models where the upper is made entirely with the material’s natural colorway.

This 'no-dye' technology works with a material’s natural color to cut out the water-thirsty part of the process – the pre-treatment phase of conventional dye techniques.

Whilst the naturally-colored fabrics do require some kind of treatment to ensure the same level of performance from the shoes, the collection still achieves an average of 60 percent of savings on water and energy.

This new design will feature on the ZX Primeblue, and ZG21 Motion shoes for both men and women.

adidas has taken the upper of the ZG21, one of the best golf shoes on the market that was first introduced in January, and re-designed it to be made in part with recycled materials.

This special No-Dye version will incorporate a textile upper made with a minimum of 50 percent recycled materials.

The line also introduces a new BOA model for men and women that features a sock-like opening for added stability.

Along with the BOA system, the shoes then have a new PerformFit Wrap - a 'Y' strap design that fits securely over the foot

The final model in the new collection is the ZX Primeblue.

The timeless ZX design has been part of adidas for three decades now and first came to golf in September 2020 with the ZX 8000 Golf.

The new No Dye version features a textile upper made with yarn containing a minimum of 50 percent Parley Ocean Plastic, which plays into adidas' goal of ending plastic waste.

Related: Best adidas Golf Shoes

“We’re continually evaluating ways to reduce our environmental impact when it comes to our products,” said Masun Denison, global director of footwear, adidas Golf.

“With this collection, we’re giving golfers another reason beyond just style and performance to feel good about the shoes they’re wearing.”

The No Dye Collection will be available worldwide on adidas.com, the adidas app and at select retailers on Friday, August 20

For more gear news, check out the Golf Monthly website.

The Approach R10, a lightweight, portable golf launch monitor, provides real time metrics such as club speed, ball speed and estimated distances via the Garmin Golf app.

Garmin Unveils Approach R10 Portable Launch Monitor

Garmin has unveiled its latest device, the Approach R10, a lightweight portable golf launch monitor designed to help golfers improve their game at home, indoors or the driving range.

The device shows dozens of key metrics in real time, including club head speed, ball speed, ball spin and launch angle to name a few. The metrics are displayed via the Garmin Golf app which is available on compatible smartphones.

Other metrics monitored by the Approach R10 are launch direction, smash factor, club path, club face angle and estimated distances.

When paired with the Garmin Golf app, players can also use Driving Range Mode to help recognise areas of strength and areas for improvement, automatically record video clips to analyse their swing and utilise the entertaining Home Tee Hero golf simulator to master and enjoy over 42,000 golf course worldwide.

Related: Best Golf Launch Monitors 

Driving Range Mode allows golfers to track stats for each club in the bag and can easily break down a shot dispersion chart based on estimated ball flight.

Users can then enjoy the Home Tee Hero simulator and take their game worldwide on 42,000 golf courses.

Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, said on the launch of the Approach R10, "The Approach R10 golf launch monitor combines lightweight portability with a fun, easy-to-use platform so you can work on your game wherever and whenever you’d like."

"Whether you are tied up with a busy schedule or facing impending weather on the range, you can still work on your golf swing from home or virtually take a shot where the pros will play this weekend. Either way, the Approach R10 keeps you golfing."

Those who purchase the Approach R10 will recieve a 30-day free trial of the Garmin Golf app premium membership, allowing them to test the Home Golf Hero simulator first.

Premium members also receive access to weekly tournaments that offer a new, randomly selected course each week to test your skills.

The Approach R10 includes a versatile phone mount that golfers can easily attach to a golf bag or place on the ground as a kickstand to improve viewing during play and accessibility with the Garmin Golf app.

With up to 10 hours of battery life, the Approach R10 is available from today with a SRP of £529.99.

The new range of shoes are some of the most sustainable adidas has ever produced and come in three colourways.

Adidas Launch Adicross ZX PrimeBlue Shoe

Adidas has expanded its ZX line of footwear for the golf season with its new addition to the range, the adicross ZX PrimeBlue.

It follows the release of the limited edition ZX 8000 golf shoe in September last year.

The new model is now more sustainable and infuses style with performance through a unique silhouette.

The adicross ZX PrimeBlue (RRP £100) features a textile upper made with yarns containing at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.

Parlay Ocean Plastic is plastic waste which is intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities, and shorelines preventing it from polluting the ocean, all part of adidas' mission to help end plastic waste.

Related: Best Adidas Golf Shoes

The adicross ZX PrimeBlue also produces less leather waste by reusing cutouts and and includes adidas' Boost midsole to ensure all-day comfort.

It also features adiwear and Traxion outsole so that players can get solid grip from multiple lies out on the course.

The adicross ZX PrimeBlue is available in three colours, Cloud White/Core Black/Orbit Indigo; Core Black/Grey One/Focus Orange and Focus Olive/Core Black/Orbit Green.

The whole range is available from today from adidas authorised retailers, adidas.com and the adidas app.

Previously in beta, the new Arccos Caddie app for Apple Watch has received a major upgrade to use the latest Apple Watch OS at its fullest.

Arccos Golf Launches Arccos Caddie For Apple Watch

Arccos, the pioneer of big data and artificial intelligence for golf, has announced the official launch of its new app for Apple Watch, which allows Arccos Caddie players to record all of their shot data and access the game's first A.I. rangefinder without having to carry a smartphone in play.

Previously in a beta stage, the Arccos Caddie app for Apple Watch has received a major upgrade that leverages the latest enhancement to Apple Watch OS.

Optimised for use with Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE models, the golfer experience now includes extended battery life; an intuitive interface; A.I. rangefinder and caddie club recommendations; more accurate shot detection; shot data syncing; improved hole switching and a one-touch function to mark hole locations.

Related: Arccos Caddie Link Review

Steve Obsitnik, Arccos President and COO, said of the new Apple Watch app, "“Our goal is to give every golfer the freedom to ‘play the game your way,’ and this latest release for Apple Watch is a significant step in that direction."

“Along with the incredibly successful Arccos Caddie Link wearable, it allows players to harness the power of their on-course data to play smarter and shoot lower scores without having to carry a phone in their pocket.”

Golf's first A.I. platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics.

Related: Best Golf GPS Apps 

The system inlcudes the world's first A.I. powered rangefinder, smart distance club averages and caddie advice for any golf hole on the planet.

Arccos members have recorded 7 million rounds and over 460 million shots with the system while playing courses in 194 countries.

This information feeds the world's largest on-course dataset, which now includes 31 billion separate data points that are analysed to help golfers perform their best.

In 2020, the average new Arccos member improved their handicap by 5.02 strokes.

Golfers can now showcase their support for the European team with the new collection of branded goods.

Titleist Launches Team Europe Ryder Cup Special Editions

Titleist has revealed its new Ryder Cup Special Editions, a collection of branded goods that will allow golfers to show their support of the European team as they take on Team USA at Whistling Straits from September 24th-26th.

The special-edition range has been created following the announcement that Titleist will be the Official Supplier to the European Ryder Cup Team until 2025, providing the Team Bag and a variety of other products that will carry the iconic blue and yellow colourways, alongside the European flag and Ryder Cup trophy print.

The flagship model of the collection is the replica Team Europe Tour Bag, which closely resembles the one all 12 team members will be using throughout the week in Wisconsin.

It will be accompanied by a variety of cart and stand bag options, including the immensely popular StaDry Cart, the Players 4 Plus StaDry stand bag, and new Premium Carry. 

Titleist has also produced a host of travel items, including the Players Backpack, Duffel, Sackpack and Toiletries Bag, so fans can carry the Team Europe colours wherever they go this year.

Related: Is The USA Set To Steam Roll Europe At The Ryder Cup?

David Moore, Titleist Gear Category Manager, said, “We are excited to launch the European Ryder Cup Special Editions to dedicated golfers this summer. Not only does the range provide fans with the opportunity to support Team Europe on and off-course this year, it also allows them to choose from a line-up of industry leading products."

"We hope to see golfers across the country donning the famous blue and yellow colours on-course and we will be cheering on Team Europe this September.”

Pádraig Harrington, European Ryder Cup Captain, said, “We focused on the performance of the golf bag, making sure that it is lightweight, durable, and has everything that both the player and caddie need, before we then looked at the design."

"Titleist has done a great job in producing this bag for the Team Europe players and caddies.”

The new replica range is now available to purchase from The Official European Ryder Cup Online Store, via Titleist Authorised Retailers across the country, and on the Titleist website. 

Take a look at some of this limited edition British & Irish Lions Titleist rugby gear.

Titleist Unveils Limited Edition British & Irish Lions Gear

Do you want to combine your love of golf and rugby together?

Well now you can as Titleist has released a range of limited edition golf gear to celebrate the 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa, which is about to enter the Test Series stage of the tour.

Titleist is a company synonymous with high-quality golf equipment and the collection of bags and balls below are no exception. Obviously what differentiates them are the colours and logos that signify the Lions, which some would argue is the peak of rugby.

The Titleist Pro V1 is one of the best golf balls in the game, why do you think so many professionals use it? Well it gets better with this speciail edition Lions design that noy only comes with a very slick black and gold box, but the balls themselves are stamped with a gold Lions logo too.

If you want to go down a notch then the TruFeel offers performance suited to higher handicap players or beginners. Like the Pro V1 above it comes with special edition packaging and instead of a gold Lions logo, you get the traditional Lions badge with all the colours of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Another great gift option is this Barrel headcover. Made from performance material and genuine leather, it will protect your driver nicely, and the Lions logo has been expertly stitched into the top.

Or you can go for this headcover with lots of Lions logos printed on a white background.

Moving onto bags Titleist has also released a cart and stand bag too. The cart bag above is the Cart 14 Lightweight

At just 2.5kg, this is one of the lightest cart bags on the market right now, and that’s impressive given the amount of storage the Titleist Cart 14 Lightweight offers.

It is convenient to use and there are no fewer than 11 pockets including two good sized apparel pockets and large beverage pocket.

The red colour and Lions logo really helps it stand out.

The other bag to get the Lions treatment is the popular Players 4 stand model. Once again you get the red finish and Lions branding, but as the name suggests it comes with high-grade aluminium legs and advanced hinged bottom for stability.

You also get plenty of pockets and a new premium double strap.

For more golf deals check out the Golf Monthly website.

For all the latest from the golf world, follow our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Have you thought about taking out a subscription to Golf Monthly magazine?

Subscriptions are available in both print and digital editions through our official online shop Magazines Direct and all postage and delivery costs are included.

• Golf Monthly is packed with all the information you need to help improve your game.
• Take your game to the next level with tips, drills and advice from top Tour Pros and the UK’s top coaches.
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest equipment will ensure you buy the best whatever your budget
• If you are looking to venture away with friends Golf Monthly will give you plenty of ideas of where to play and stay.

Premium Japanese forging house, Vega, has teamed up with iconic Swedish fashion brand, J. Lindeberg, to create a limited-edition range of irons and wedges.

Scottsdale Golf And J. Lindeberg Announce New Limited Edition Irons

Scottsdale Golf has teamed up with Swedish fashion brand J. Lindeberg and golf club forgers Vega to create a limited edition range of irons and wedges.

Forged to exacting specifications by the team at premium Japanese forging house Vega, the J. Lindeberg LTD 4 MB & CB irons have been limited to 50 sets.

The J. Lindeberg LTD 4 Satin wedges have also been limited to 50, creating with it some of the most exclusive and desirable irons currently on the market.

Each club head has been meticulously constructed using Vega's eight stage forging process and each of the JL irons and wedges have been subjected to some of the most stringent procedures in golf manufacture.

The J. Lindeberg LTD 4 MB irons are a classic muscleback blade design that offers stunning looks and amazing feel golfers expect from this style of golf club.

Related: Best Golf Irons

An amalgamation of Vega's craftsmanship and JL's world renowned flair for design has created a classic blade that features progressive offset through the set, a thin top line and the ability to control the trajectory and shape of a golf ball at will.

The J. Lindeberg LTD 4 CB irons are the more forgiving of the two models and will help golfers achieve more forgiveness from off centre strikes.

Both sets are available in 4-PW.

Related: Best Golf Irons For Mid Handicappers

Meanwhile, the J. Lindeberg Satin wedges offer the ideal combination of bounce and grind, offering golfers the versatility needed to feel confident around the greens.

Slight heel relief allows these wedges to work confidently with the face open, allowing golfers to manipulate the height of the chip shot they want to play.

Available in 52, 56 and 60 degree lofts, the wedges and the irons are available exclusively through Scottsdale Golf's express custom fit service.

Choose a preferred shaft using the comprehensive shaft matrix, add your preferred grip and select your length, loft and lie before your clubs get sent off to be built.

Once the order has been processed, the clubs will be delivered within four days.

The limited edition sets of irons and wedges launch on the Scottsdale website on Monday July 19th at 8pm BST via the Scottsdale Golf website.

Take a look at some of the best hoodies we've seen at the final men's Major of 2021.

The Best Hoodies Seen At The Open Championship

The fashion debate has been stirred up a lot by the ever-increasing presence of hoodies out on Tour.

It seems more and more brands are designing hoodies that not only work on the golf course, but can be used off it too.

Just look at The Open Championship for example, as there were several players who wore hoodies during competition...

A model that made our buyers' guide on the best golf hoodies, we believe Justin Thomas was wearing the Koko hoodie from Greyson during the tournament.

It is a minimalist hoodie that has a blend of cashmere and wool giving a very soft and comfortable feel.

•   Read our full Greyson Koko Hoodie

Hatton was obviously the player who helped start the hoodie revolution in golf when he won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in one. It makes sense then that he also opted to wear this adidas Novelty hoodie at Royal St George's too.

It is made from recycled polyester which has been a massive focus for adidas recently, and it offers a sporty look and lightweight feel.

•   Read our full adidas Golf Novelty Hoodie

Have you thought about taking out a subscription to Golf Monthly magazine?

Subscriptions are available in both print and digital editions through our official online shop Magazines Direct and all postage and delivery costs are included.

American Kisner was also opting for a hoodie but a full-zip design from Peter Millar instead.

It is crafted in Europe from Italian Merino wool giving it a refined feel, whilst the performance yarn also provides stretch, complete shape retention and wrinkle resilience.

For more buying advice and gear content, check out the Golf Monthly website.

•   Read our full Peter Millar Excursionist Flex Full-Zip Hoodie 

The Amsterdam-based innovation organisation is now selling the Kaddey Switch trolley across the UK and over Europe direct to consumers.

Kaddey Launches All New Switch Trolley

Dutch based company Kaddey has launched its innovative new Switch trolley across the UK and Europe after a successful year of selling direct to consumers in the Netherlands.

The Kaddey Switch has been innovated to change the way golfers use a trolley, offering players the opportunity to effortlessly shift between pushing the trolley downhill or while on the fairway, to pulling the trolley uphill or through the rough.

Nick van der Plaat, co-founder of Kaddey, said about the ethos behind the Switch, "We attach great importance to quality in design, use of materials and service. Kaddey only develops, designs and creates products that we would like to use ourselves out on the course."

"When building the Kaddey brand we think about our experience playing links golf, where having a local caddie is a real asset to your performance because they know the course like the back of their hand. They’re there to make your day. At Kaddey our role is the same: to make our customers' day on the golf course by designing world class products."

Related: Best Golf Push Trolleys

Van der Plaat also spoke on how the team at Kaddey came up with the idea for the Switch, saying, "The spark happened at the parking lot of golf clubs around Amsterdam. Golfers unfolding their ‘small’ packages, packed and dirty trunks, twisting bags, broken brakes – we witnessed a lot of frustration from golfers, and that’s no good for your mentality when you’re about to head out onto the course."

"We believe in less is more, that golf products can be more functional and stylish by removing all of the clutter. This results in products that make the golfer's life easier and allows them to get on with the more important things on the course."

Kaddey was founded just over a year ago with a direct-to-consumer business strategy based almost solely in the Netherlands.

With the recent success of the Kaddey Switch, the company is now opening itself to the market in the UK and across Europe.

The Switch recently won the prestigious 2021 Red Dot Design Awards – an annual competition where innovative products and concepts are judged.

The Kaddey Switch was awarded a Red Dot for Product Design, noting ‘The Kaddey Switch is a clever combination of stylish design and sophisticated function. Its easy manoeuvrability is just as impressive as its stylish aesthetic combined in this golf trolley. The quality and presentation is also exceptional."

Available directly from the Kaddey website, the Kaddey Switch is available now for €319 and includes a wheel cover, thermos bottle and bottle holder. Standard free shipping is available on all order over €100 within the EU and UK.

Take a look at the new Q-Star Divide golf balls from Srixon which launch in mid-July.

Srixon Introduces Q-Star Tour Divide Golf Balls

After getting a thoroughly improved design in 2020, Srixon has gone a step further with the Q-Star Tour in 2021, by announcing the Q-Star Tour Divide golf ball.

It features a new thermoplastic urethane cover that has been infused with bright pigments rather than being painted on. This 50/50 Matte Urethane cover delivers high contrast without dampening the spin and overall performance you would expect from the original Q-Star Tour golf ball.

The two-tone design has been implemented as a way for not only players to ensure better putting alignment with the 360° line, but also for players to see the speed and direction of spin on every shot.

“The new Q-Star Tour Divide looks great, but it’s so much more than that,” explains Joe Miller, European Product Manager. “Easier putting alignment and increased visual feedback on your chip and pitch shots really adds to the greenside performance. It’s a ball every golfer must try.”

Related: Best Mid Price Golf Balls

Of course the ball has Srixon's FastLayer Core which is said to offer distance and soft feel thanks to the gradual transition from soft inner core, to firm outer edge.

Additionally the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern helps to increase lift and maximise distance as well.

When we tested the original Q-Star Tour ball we were impressed with the overall performance as it gave players the chance to play a ball with tour-performance credentials that is not only softer for greater control into and around the greens, but also comes at a price that many more will be willing to pay for all-round performance of this standard.

With this new design, this performance should remain whilst also giving a more clear alignment aid to those who need it.

There will be three designs to choose from; Yellow/Red, Yellow/Blue & Yellow/Orange.

The ball will go on sale on the 15th July 2021 and will retail at £34.99/€40.

For more gear releases, information, and buyers' guides, check out the Golf Monthly website.

The Major winning golfer is releasing some new premium CBD oils to help golfers' play better.

Darren Clarke CBD Launches Premium Range Of CBD Oils

Darren Clarke OBE and Sana Lifestyle, distributor and licensee of CBD and other plant-based wellness products, is launching a new range of premium CBD oils.

“I’m thrilled to have teamed up with Sana Lifestyle to launch a range of oils for consumers actively exploring CBD-based wellness products that they can trust,” commented Clarke. “I’ve always looked to find marginal gains when it comes to my golf, and we are always searching for ways to improve our personal wellness. 

“It will give golfers of all levels a better state of mind to remain calm under stress, allow them to deal with disappointment and keep the focus on the game ahead. I can’t wait to share our products with the golfing community.’’

Clarke's partnership with Sana Lifestyle was announced back in February as a way of helping golfers in a variety of ways.

Darren Clarke CBD provides golfers with a product which acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system; a network of receptors that interact with various cannabinoids to maintain vital functions and improve sleep quality, reduce pain, lessen anxiety levels, and boost immune system response.

On the golf course CBD oil also helps golfers maintain focus and reduce nerves which can be absolutely vital on the first tee or over that nasty four-footer. CBD can also help after the round as it has been said to help with muscle recovery and joint aches.

Setting Darren Clarke CBD apart from its competitors, the products are comprehensively tested by third-party regulators and assured to contain 0% THC, meaning that they are safe, non-psychoactive and ready for consumption.

Commenting on the upcoming launch, Ben Hamburger, Managing Director at Sana Lifestyle, added: “Everyone at Sana Lifestyle is extremely excited to launch Darren Clarke CBD, and this is a fantastic opportunity to break through into the golf market.

“Darren is the ideal ambassador for both our brand and the sport we all love, and we can’t wait to take our first steps into the golf industry.”

Darren Clarke CBD is initially launching two flavours of premium CBD Oil; Precision Orange and Precision Forest Fruits. These flavours will be available in two strengths: 1000mg and 2000mg, with a recommended retail price of £49.00 and £69.00, respectively.

For more golf gear news and information, check out the Golf Monthly website.

Shot Scope users will now be able to view extensive Strokes Gained data

Shot Scope Completes Strokes Gained Implementation

Shot Scope has completed the final phase of its Strokes Gained platform implementation, which will allow users to benchmark their game more accurately than ever before via the mobile app.

This final update in the three-part implementation programme will allow Shot Scope users to compare their performance statistics against six different handicap levels – 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25.

The upgrade gives Shot Scope users the opportunity to see how they compare to golfers of a similar handicap range and allows them to set goals based on each defined benchmark.

Golfers can identify areas of the game in which they perform particularly strongly, as well as comparing statistics against lower handicapped golfers in order to identify possible avenues for game improvement.

On top of this, the latest update will allow golfers to gain an even deeper insight into how they can improve their golf with more detailed Strokes Gained data available for every aspect of the game.

Shot Scope users will now be able to review their front-nine and back-nine Strokes Gained data in isolation, while also separating data for par-3s, par-4s and par-5s.

There are also new statistics available via the performance pages of the Shot Scope online dashboard and mobile app, with different distance and lie filters being added to categories such as green success, proximity to hole, short game proximity, and up-and-down percentage.

Related: Shot Scope surpasses 100 million tracked golf shots

Strokes gained is a way of analysing where a player sits when comparing every aspect of their performance with players in the rest of a dataset.

This approach to performance analysis will allow Shot Scope users to gain a greater understanding of which areas of their game they may need to work on to help improve their overall scoring average.

It will do this by isolating individual aspects of a player’s game and comparing it to the entire Shot Scope dataset to deliver efficient results.

“We are delighted to have completed the development of our final phase of Strokes Gained implementation within our performance tracking platform,” said Shot Scope CEO, David Hunter.

“This final software upgrade has given us the platform to continue developing what is the most comprehensive Strokes Gained analysis system in the game.

“Golfers will now be able to assess their game against others in greater detail than ever before, allowing them to create realistic performance and development goals that will help them to play better golf,” added Hunter.

Shot Scope V3 users have unlimited access to Tour-quality performance statistics at the touch of a button.

More than 100 different analytics can be reviewed via the Shot Scope V3 mobile app or Shot Scope’s online dashboard on different clubs, tee shots, approaches, short game, and putting.

The new brand has launched its new Supernatural Performance collection, combining performance and style all while being rooted in sustainability.

WYLD1 Unveils New Sustainable Golf Apparel Collection

New golf apparel brand WYLD1 has launched its first collection - named Supernatural Performance - that combine performance and style while firmly rooting its practices in sustainability.

Based out of Boulder, Colorado, WYLD1 was launched by a group of close friends to pioneer solutions to help protect the planet, a necessity for golf's future.

The collection - which features apparel ranging from polos, tees, quarter zips, shorts and accessories - has been crafted to bring a refreshing and responsible perspective to modern men's golf apparel.

Ed Wunsch, Founder and CEO spoke about the brand's commitment to sustainability, "Global apparel production generates CO2, water pollution, and waste causing harm to our planet and putting the future of golf at risk."

"Many golfers are unaware of the negative impacts with traditional apparel manufacturing and virgin polyester-based apparel.  Our goal is to help educate golfers and provide sustainable apparel options that deliver a compelling, premium experience with no compromise to design or performance."

Related: Best Golf Jumpers

The WYLD1 Supernatural Performance collection features four technical blends of premium sustainable materials - Thermal Drive, Positive Energy, Sport Wool and Dynamic Motion - that are designed to provide performance and comfort on course.

The Supernatural Performance collection uses technologies such as SeaCell and Solotex to create high performance, comfortable and breathable golf apparel with sustainability at its heart.

SeaCell uses uses a patented process that embeds seaweed positive properties within the cotton fibre while Solotex uses high-quality recycled polyester fabric with an innovative 4-way stretch construction to create apparel that is both sustainably sourced and manufactured.

Related: Best Golf Polo Shirts

Some highlights in the Supernatural Performance collection include the All Day polo (RRP $90) which uses the sustainable fabrics to create a breathable, lightweight polo for everyday use that also features UPF protection.

Also in the collection, the Moving Day trousers (RRP $115) uses Solotex fabrics to create an ultra-soft, moisture wicking and breathable golf trouser available in three colours.

The whole WYLD1 Supernatural Performance collection is available directly from the WYLD1 website.

Ellesse athlete Mel Reid has signed to partner the Italian sportswear brand for another year and has launched a second clothing collection

Mel Reid "Very Excited" About Second Clothing Collection With Ellesse

After the success of her first clothing line, Mel Reid has once again teamed up with Italian sportswear brand Ellesse and American Golf to release a second-generation range.

In aiming to bring a more modern look to the game and improve the overall quality and choice that women golfers have when it comes to their on-course attire, Reid has enjoyed the collaborative design process and is proud of what they’ve been able to achieve in such a short space of time together.

“I think that for women’s golf clothing there isn’t a huge market,” said Reid, who led after round one of last week’s US Women’s Open. “When Ellesse got in touch a couple years ago I thought it was a great opportunity, especially when they said, ‘we would love you to have some input in the design’.

“I’m really proud of the development they’ve had over the couple of years with a little bit of my input. The ideas they come to me with; I just basically tell them what I know that women golfers, or girls who play on tour, like their clothes to look like, fit and perform.

“I’m excited about the line that just dropped - I think it’s the best they’ve done so far - and I’m very excited to wear it and showcase it a little bit this year.”

Podcast: Mel Reid interview, Rahm's Covid withdrawal and Lexi's collapse

Reid shot to fame at the 2007 Women’s Open when she finished in a tie for 16th place at the Old Course in St Andrews to take home the prize for low amateur. And since then, the now 33-year-old has gone on to record seven professional wins - six on the LET Tour and one on the LPGA Tour at last year’s ShopRite Classic, having moved to America in 2018.

However, just as much as she is a champion on the course, she is also a leading voice for the female game off the course, and hopes this latest clothing line will inspire more companies to follow Ellesse’s example.

“I think the way a lot of women’s collections fit don’t necessarily fit the athletic woman very well,” she continued. “I think it fits the 50-year-old country club woman extremely well, but for somebody kind of young or coming into golf, I can see why it’s not very appealing for them.

“And so, I think that’s what Ellesse has done really well. When I first had a meeting with them, I said, ‘look, if you design clothes that fit really well in the right places, and you can play golf and then literally go and meet friends in a pub without them realising you’ve played golf, that’s the ultimate goal’.

“I hate wearing clothes that look like I’ve been on the course, which is why I think they’re doing a really good job in the women’s clothing space because I feel like they tick all the boxes.

“They’ve done a great job, and like I said, I wish more companies did really nice and good-looking golf wear for women because there aren’t enough.”

Modern styling has proved a talking point in the men’s game in recent years, with the rise of, in particular, golf hoodies and joggers which seem to trigger many of the ultra-traditionalists out there who now have a growing number of platforms to air their opinions.

Related: Rory McIlroy congratulates Yuka Saso on historic US Women's Open win

However, that’s of no concern to Reid, and from her new range, she is especially enthusiastic about launching these two items into the sphere of women’s golf.

“They’re bringing out golf joggers - I’m very excited about that. It’s something I’ve been pushing for like a year now. And obviously the golf hoodie - I love playing in hoodies and I just think they look really good. 

“I’m excited to wear them and see how they perform in different kinds of weather conditions.”

For those who want to check out and keep up to date with Ellesse and Mel Reid's women's clothing collection, head to americangolf.co.uk.

Take a look at the new Primeblue collection from adidas Golf.

adidas Launches Sustainable Primeblue Apparel Collection

adidas continues to lead the way in terms of producing sustainable golf products and the company has now introduced a range of apparel which features a new recycled material; Primeblue.

Primeblue is a high-performance recycled material that’s made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. These plastics were intercepted from beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing them from polluting the ocean. Every day, the equivalent of 1440 dump trucks of plastic waste enter the Earth's oceans, so this is one small way to keep some waste out of the oceans and use it for purpose.

Related: adidas Unveils New Codechaos 21 Golf Shoes

For apparel products to be considered Primeblue, they must meet a minimum standard of 40 percent recycled content overall. The products which make up the range have a minimum of 95 percent, with a majority being made with 100 percent recycled polyester.

“Our goals are ambitious to eliminate all virgin polyester from our line, but this offering shows just how close we are to getting there,” said Shaun Madigan, director of global apparel, adidas Golf. “We pushed ourselves in new ways with design and materials development to bring this apparel to life. We know golfers around the world will appreciate the performance features, but they will also feel good about buying a product that in a small way saves our oceans from plastic waste.”

This new line is part of adidas' continued commitment to reach the goal of only using recycled polyester in all of their products by 2024.

The apparel featured, which you will see Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele wear at the US Open, as part of this line includes:

Made with 100 percent recycled polyester - Features a hybrid set-in raglan sleeve with a medium-weight breathable fabric. There are three colours to choose from.

Made with 100 percent recycled polyester - Soft, lightweight feel, all in a modern silhouette.

Made with 100 percent recycled polyester - Breathable feel, specifically designed to keep golfers cool in hot weather. Available in three colours.

Made with 95 percent recycled polyester - Light, wind-resistant fabric with a subtle v-neck opening and water-resistant sleeves.

Made with 97 percent recycled polyester - Lightweight with a Raglan sleeve construction to enhance movement through the swing.

Made with 100 percent recycled polyester - Stylish look with racerback construction featuring a quarter-zip collar. Available in two colours.

Men’s made with 95 percent; women’s made with 100 percent recycled polyester - The men's shorts feature a ventilated heavy mesh fabric with front and back pockets. The women's shorts have zipped front pockets and one back pocket.

A snapback hat made with 100 percent recycled polyester featuring the unique Primeblue logo will also be offered as part of the line.

The range went on sale on June 7th a select retailers.

For all the latest from the golf world, follow our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Have you thought about taking out a subscription to Golf Monthly magazine?

Subscriptions are available in both print and digital editions through our official online shop Magazines Direct and all postage and delivery costs are included.

• Golf Monthly is packed with all the information you need to help improve your game.
• Take your game to the next level with tips, drills and advice from top Tour Pros and the UK’s top coaches.
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest equipment will ensure you buy the best whatever your budget
• If you are looking to venture away with friends Golf Monthly will give you plenty of ideas of where to play and stay.

The new shoe design will definitely stand out on the golf course and in the clubhouse.

adidas Unveils New Codechaos 21 Golf Shoes

To go along with the primeblue apparel collection, adidas has also unveiled the new Codechaos golf shoe for 2021.

The original design, first released in 2020, was all about disrupting the golf shoe market and adidas has sought to continue that idea with the 2021 edition.

Related: adidas Codechaos Shoe Review

As a result it has a sporty design that reminded us of the adidas basketball shoes Kobe Bryant once wore when he started playing in the NBA. But what differentiates the 2021 shoe from last year's model, is the introduction of adidas' primeblue recycled yarns that contain more than 50 percent Parley Ocean Plastic.

These plastics were intercepted from beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing them from polluting the Earth's oceans.

Related: Best Adidas Golf Shoes

Additionally the new shoe is waterproof and has a one-year warranty to provide golfers with solid protection for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at them on the golf course.

Stable and Comfortable

Performance is not just limited to the aesthetics though as adidas has implemented TwistGrip technology where they used heat-map studies to determine the most optimal location for the lugs, providing all players with the best grip possible. The torsion X stability bar also adds stability too.

There is also full-length boost cushioning for added comfort and they have a lightweight feel as well.

“We completely disrupted the market when we first introduced Codechaos last year,” said Masun Denison, global footwear director, adidas Golf.

“Building upon the success of that first model, Codechaos21 continues to redefine the definition of what a golf shoe can be by bringing the personality and performance that golfers will expect, just now in a more sustainable package. It’s a true example of where performance meets purpose.”

There are several colours to choose from for both men and women, and the Codechaos 21 will also be available with a BOA Fit System in both men's and women's models.

The shoes went on sale on the 7th of June for £130 in the UK and $150 in the United States.

•   Read our full adidas Codechaos Shoe Review  

For all the latest from the golf world, follow our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Have you thought about taking out a subscription to Golf Monthly magazine?

Subscriptions are available in both print and digital editions through our official online shop Magazines Direct and all postage and delivery costs are included.

• Golf Monthly is packed with all the information you need to help improve your game.
• Take your game to the next level with tips, drills and advice from top Tour Pros and the UK’s top coaches.
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest equipment will ensure you buy the best whatever your budget
• If you are looking to venture away with friends Golf Monthly will give you plenty of ideas of where to play and stay.

MacGregor Golf is backing its latest line of affordable golf putters to buck the trend of the £400 plus putters.

MacGregor Introduces Mactec X Putter Line

MacGregor Golf has introduced its latest line up of affordable putters that aims to deliver premium results on the green at a refreshingly realistic price.

The new Mactec X putter line is available in four head shapes that cover a range of styles aimed to suit any eye on the green.

Related: Best Putters 2021

Each putter in the Mactec X line up is packed with technology designed to give golfers the best chance of holing more putts while the £54.99 RRP aims to offer fantastic value for the quality on offer.

Related: Best Mallet Putters

Graeme Stevens, owner of MacGregor Golf, said of the new putter line, "Our Mactec X series is designed to give golfers every advantage in that respect. We have high MOI designs, milled faces for improved roll and distance control and a range of alignment markers that help you start the club on the right line. For a very affordable price tag, you are getting a fantastic range of putters that will help you hole more putts."

Each model in the line up comes with Arc Tech Face technology, which is a finely milled insert that delivers a true forward roll and improved distance control.

The various shaped heads each come with a strong alignment marker that helps set the golfer's eyes and head over the ball and on the correct line, while the larger mallet putters feature a high MOI that helps stop the blade twisting too much on off centre hits.

With an attractive two-tone design between the face and chassis of the club and a refreshingly realistic price tag, the Mactec X line of putters is a great option for a golfer who wants premium performance on the greens, but doesn't want to break the bank in the process.

The full range is available with either a traditional grip (RRP £54.99) or a thicker parallel grip (RRP £59.99) - the 003 model is the only putter in the range available as a left hand option.

The pioneer of big data and artificial intelligence for golf has announced a limited release Black Edition version of its Link device.

Arccos Golf Introduces Limited Release Black Edition Link Wearable

Arccos Golf has today launched a Black Edition of Arccos Caddie Link, the company's wearable device that allows Arccos members to automatically capture shot data without having to carry a smartphone on the course.

The Black Edition of Arccos Caddie Link (RRP £119.99) is being manufactured in a limited batch of only 2000 units and comes in a matte-black finish to provide golfers with a sleek looking option to wear on the course.

First introduced in July 2020, Link quickly became a favourite for golfers who recognise that a data-driven approach is the quickest way to improve scores out on the course.

The ultra-lightweight device allows golfers to keep their smartphone in their golf bag, cart, or pocket when playing while the device automatically detects golf shots when connect to Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors.

Related: Arccos Caddie Link Review 

Worn on a player's belt, waistband or pocket, Link seamlessly pairs with the Arccos Caddie app and sensors to track shots in real time - including which club was used and precise GPS locations.

This then automatically transfers that data to a user's smartphone via Bluetooth, either during or after a round.

Link is already being used by tens of thousands of Arccos Caddie members worldwide and is compatible with iPhone and Android devices.

Weighing less than 25 grams, Link has a 10 hour battery life and quickly charges via a standard micro-USB cable. Additional functionality includes the ability for a player to mark the exact hole location by simply pushing a button on the Link device when stood next to the pin.

Related: What Is Strokes Gained Analysis?

Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics.

The system includes the world’s first A.I. powered rangefinder, smart distance club averages for each club and caddie advice for any hole on earth. These combine to help golfers of all skill levels make smarter decisions, improve faster and shoot lower scores.

Your chance to win this limited edition Arccos Caddie Link Black Edition with Smart Sensors worth £290!

The new shoe's upper is made up of 50 per cent recycled plastic and will be released June 15.

Adidas Launches Solarthon Golf Shoe

Adidas has launched a brand new golf shoe called the Solarthon that is both lightweight and comfortable, helping to keep players fresh for longer days on the course in the summer.

Inspired by the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, Adidas is releasing the Solarthon in a limited-edition grey, blue and white colourways.

The new shoe features Adidas' Primeblue textile upper, a recycled yarn containing at least 50 per cent Parley Ocean Plastic, to help the company's End Plastic Waste initiative.

RELATED: Best Spikeless Golf Shoes

The shoe also incorporates a full-length Boost midsole, with a spikeless Fishscale Traxion outsole that is said to provide better grip and stability on the course.

A film around the edges of the upper makes the shoe water resistant, while an external TPU heel counter ensures golfers stay locked in during both their swings and when walking the course.

“Golfers get excited this time of year because there are more hours of sunlight, which ultimately translates into the opportunity to play more of the sport they love,” said Masun Denison, global director of footwear, adidas Golf.

“We wanted to capture that excitement and eagerness to maximize their time on the course, so we created this lightweight, comfortable option to help keep them playing, even if it’s from dawn to dusk.”

Adidas will release the Solarthon in the limited-edition colourway on June 15th, with a further two new colourways set for release July 1st. It would appear this new model from adidas is one of the best golf shoes for walking on the market and we're excited to try it out.

The two new colourways will consist of a black and gold shoe, and a grey and yellow shoe.

They will feature the same properties of the limited-edition Solarthon that utilises recycled materials, while still maintaining the performance of the golf shoe.

The Italian golf fashion brand, known primarily for its golf shoes, has added matching gloves to its range.

Duca Del Cosma Adds Golf Gloves To Its Range

Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma is introducing a new collection of super-soft, stylish golf gloves designed to pair up with a selection of the most popular models in its 2021 range of premium golf shoes.

Duca del Cosma launched its 2021 range of golf shoes in March this year alongside the announcement that European Tour pro Joost Luiten has designed his own shoe with the brand.

Aimed at both men and women golfers, the gloves are colour coordinated with the most popular shoe models from the Duca del Cosma range.

Related: Best Golf Gloves

They come in both right and left handed options in sizes Small, Medium, Large and a M/L and XL size for men.

There are two glove options in both the men's and women's collection. The men's Elite Pro glove (SRP £20) is an all leather glove that comes in White; White/Blue and White /Tan while the Hybrid Pro (SRP £16) is a synthetic leather hybrid in a Red/White/Green or White/Blue/Red colour option.

Related: Best Spikeless Golf Shoes

The women's collection consists of two synthetic leather hybrid models - the Pro Style glove (SRP £16) comes in Zebra and Giraffe patterns while the Designer Pro glove (SRP £16) comes in White/Pink; White/Blue and White/Grey colour options.

Some of the highlight glove and shoe pairings in the men's collection include the Tomcat shoe in Navy and the Elite Pro glove in White/Blue and the Kuba 2.0 shoe in Italian white, red and green paired with the Hybrid Pro glove in White/Green/Red.

In the women's collection, the highlighted combinations are the Marquessa in Animal Print/Gold paired with the Pro Style glove in Giraffe print and the Queens Cup shoe in Pink with the Designer Pro glove in Pink/White.

Shot Scope has now tracked more than 100 million golf shots

Shot Scope Surpasses 100 Million Tracked Golf Shots

Shot Scope has surpassed the landmark figure of 100 million golf shots tracked using its performance tracking golf watches.

David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope, commented: “This incredible milestone is testament to the rapid development and understanding of the performance tracking category.

"With greater knowledge, golfers are able to make more informed decisions out on the course, and we are proud to say that so far, our technology has helped golfers, on average, improve their handicap by over three strokes.

“By analysing the data collected from all 100 million shots, we have been able to identify five key themes and findings that we are confident will help amateur golfers to continue lowering their scores."

Related: Best golf shot tracking apps and devices

Having measured over 100 million shots, Shot Scope has a huge amount of data to help golfers play better.

Here are five key points for golfers to consider...

We should all take more club when approaching the green

Overall, golfers miss the green short 46% of the time – so taking more club could be a simple way to find more greens in regulation.

Lower lofted clubs could be the key to improving up-and-down percentages from around the green

Typically, lower handicap players use a wide range of clubs around the greens, with a high success rate, while higher handicaps elect for their most lofted club too often. Getting the ball on the ground quicker could be an easy way to improve chipping stats.

Putting practice is key to improving scores, no matter your handicap

For higher handicap golfers, lag putting to within four feet of the hole is key, and for lower handicap golfers, improving the number of putts holed inside six feet is crucial to a good round.

Bunkers are just as hazardous as they appear

Fairway bunkers cost golfers an average of 1.4 shots per hole, and at first attempt the ball is left in a greenside bunker by a staggering 20% of golfers. Avoid them at all costs.

Finding the fairway might improve your score, but improving your approach play from the rough could unlock your best scores yet

Lower handicaps don’t his as many fairways as you might think. They are however significantly more accurate from the rough, and better when out of position than higher handicaps – so improving from those areas could lower your scores.

First introduced in 2014, Shot Scope’s performance tracking technology has helped more than 50,000 golfers improve their game by collecting round data that can be reviewed and analysed later, via either the Shot Scope app or online dashboard.

Most recently, with the advanced third iteration of Shot Scope’s flagship product, V3, users benefit from over 100 Tour-quality performance statistics and ultra-accurate GPS technology in a perfectly sized package.

Related: Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch Review

“Our team is passionate and driven to continue delivering game changing solutions to help golfers around the world shoot better scores,” Hunter added.

The 2017 Masters champion and Ryder Cup record points scorer is back with TaylorMade

Sergio Garcia Returns To TaylorMade - "I’m Back With My Family"

He's back. Sergio Garcia has re-signed with TaylorMade for 2021, having spent 15 years with the company earlier in his career.

The 2017 Masters champion won his Green Jacket with a full bag of TaylorMade products and used the company's clubs in most of his 36 professional victories.

He has the TP5x golf ball in play as well as TaylorMade SIM woods and P750 irons, his Masters-winning irons, all of which he has been using throughout 2021.

Sergio is currently testing the new SIM2 Max driver in 8° and 9° lofts as well as a Spider EX putter - although it looks like the SIM2 could be going into the bag this week at the PGA Championship.

The Ryder Cup record points scorer will use a TaylorMade staff bag, TaylorMade TP glove and a TM logo on his cap.

"I’m very happy to announce that I’m back with my family, with the TaylorMade family that I’ve spent many years with," Garcia told Golf Monthly.

"Took about a three year break but excited to be back obviously always loved the equipment and the people, everyone that works there, they do an amazing job.

"Even without having a contract with anyone I have been playing mostly TaylorMade equipment this last year and a half so, so yeah it’s exciting and can’t wait to get started.

"I think it was a combination of obviously it’s where I’ve played my best golf and I’ve always felt comfortable with it," Garcia said on his return to TaylorMade.

"Talking to them we felt like the love for me was still there and it was easy to have a conversation with them and see if there was a way to get back together and we obviously found a way and we’re excited for it.

Key to re-signing with the brand is the golf ball, which Sergio has been using all year in the form of the TP5x.

He was the first golfer to put a TaylorMade golf ball into play on the PGA Tour back in 2006.

"I think it was the TP Red if I remember correctly," he said.

"It was exciting, it was exciting because it was the first actual TaylorMade ball.

"Obviously TaylorMade bought Maxfli in the early 2000s but that didn't quite work and I remember talking to Mark King at the time who was CEO of TaylorMade and trying to see what we were going to do and I kind of told him, ‘Mark why don’t you run down and think about instead of trying to make the Maxfli ball better’ and stuff like that because the Maxfli ball at the time was more like a mid amateur kind of ball so I said ‘the TaylorMade brand is a great brand so why don’t you just call it TaylorMade and start from scratch?’

"Obviously they talked about it and I think they liked the idea and here’s where we are now."

He’s used our golf ball for the longest time out of any player," TaylorMade Senior Manager - Tour, Adrian Rietveld told Golf Monthly.

"Even with his gap, he is basically one of the forefront guys of the TaylorMade golf ball. Our new 2021 golf ball, he was the first guy to play it in a tournament. He played a TP5x in Hawaii I think at the beginning of the year. 

"If Sergio turns up playing a golf ball that’s a brand new golf ball from TaylorMade, everybody on tour knows TaylorMade, they know TaylorMade, they know Sergio, and if Sergio has turned up with that, the players are queueing up to ask Sergio why? The golf ball is a big reason why he’s coming.

"The golf ball is everything. It’s such small margins but for the best players in the world that little bit of dispersion, that little bit of distance, it all matters."

Rietveld is confident that Garcia's move will help him achieve his goals in this next stage of Sergio's career.

"This is a partnership between Sergio and TaylorMade and I think the equipment is the reason why he is doing it but it’s also kind of secondary at the moment because it’s a fresh start.

"The main thing is he is doing it for the right reasons and you look at the Ryder Cup and the Olympics and the Majors, he is doing everything he can to play his best and he sees this as that.

"I’d be shocked if we didn’t get straight to work and he went into finding products that are even better for him.

"I have no doubt this is going to be a success. I have no doubt that everybody’s going to turn around and go ‘Wow that worked.’ I just know the guy, I just know how he works, I know when he buys into something he’s the best in the world."

Garcia makes his second debut as a TaylorMade staffer at this week's PGA Championship, where he seeks to win his second Major title.

The Spaniard has come close to winning the Wanamaker Trophy on a number of occasions, most notably in 1999 at Medinah when he and Tiger Woods had a memorable final day battle.

He was also T2nd in 2008 when Padraig Harrington took the title at Oakland Hills.

The leading Japanese golf brand has extended its super-premium Beres putter line up with the launch of two new models.

Honma Extends Its Luxury Putter Range

Honma has added two new putter models to its super-premium Beres range of clubs - the P303 and P308 putters.

Today's announcement comes after Honma revealed its Beres wedge line up last month, another part of the luxury Beres range of golf clubs.

The new P303 and P308 models are aimed at golfers seeking high performance and luxury golf equipment, with the new mallet styles being designed to deliver increased stability over long and short putts as well as offer a confidence inspiring look at address.

The P303 and P308 models have been created at Honma's headquarters in Sakata, Japan by more than 100 Takumi - Honma's master craftsmen.

The Takumi apply meticulous club building expertise and combine it with modern club building concepts to deliver performance on the greens.

The Beres P303 is a fang-mallet style with an aluminium sole that helps ensure weight is evenly distributed across the entire club from to-to-heel.

Related: Best Mallet Putters

The weight distribution leads to a high MOI for increased stability through the stroke and a more consistent roll off the face.

The P303 has a forged CNC milled putter head with double milling across the face to ensure the ball stays in contact with the grooves for longer, providing a soft feel and enhanced control on the greens.

Three sight lines run from back to front on the head to help golfers confidently line up and strike the ball out of the middle of the face.

The P308 comes in a distinctive T-shape style, which also provides a high MOI for increased stroke stability and forgiveness from off-centre strikes.

Honma has moved the aluminium sole wight low and back in the P308 putter head, which creates a deeper centre of gravity to deliver optimal launch and spin, a 13% improvement in roll compared to Honma's previous PP202 mallet.

Related: 11 Things You Didn't Know About Honma

Like the P303, the P308 has a CNC milled head with double milling on the face as well as three sight lines to to assist alignment and help with a consistent, central strike off the face.

Across both putter models, options range from the steel shaft version to the more luxurious 2 to 5-star putters that are graded on technology and materials used in the hand-rolled ARMRQ shafts, plus the gold and platinum embellishemnts in the club heads, ferrules and grips.

Both models will be available across Europe from June 2021 with an RRP of £629.

The Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has introduced a new line of Equalizer II forged wedges that are aimed to simplify the wedge selection process.

Ben Hogan Introduces Equalizer II Forged Wedges

Ben Hogan has introduced its Equalizer II forged wedges that aim to combine a classic design and aesthetic with contemporary technology and engineering.

The company has touted these as its best performing wedges ever and, as with all Ben Hogan irons and wedges, are forged from soft 1025 carbon steel that provides soft feel and feedback through impact.

The Equalizer II wedges come off the back of Ben Hogan releasing its 2021 putter range in March.

The size of the club head has been enlarged slightly from previous generations of the Equalizer wedges to provide a larger effective hitting area while discretionary weight from the perimeter of the club has been removed, allowing the Ben Hogan club designers to optimise the progressive centre of mass.

Scott White, President and CEO of Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company, said of the removal of perimeter weighting, "We’ve managed to reposition more weight than ever before at different, precise locations in the various wedges to maximise performance."

"In the lower-lofted gap wedges, the Center of Mass is located much higher on the face to create more penetrating, controllable trajectories. Then it moves lower in the sand and lob wedges to provide progressively higher trajectories."

Related: Most Forgiving Wedges

Equalizer II wedges also have an improved version of the company's proprietary V-Sole technology, which combines a high-bounce leading edge with a lower-bounce trailing edge.

For golfers, this translates into excellent turf interaction and minimises the impact that side hill or downhill lies have on loft.

Ben Hogan has also introduced a Texas Grind for the Equalizer II wedges, inspired by some of the better players at its office and other players in Fort Worth, Texas.

It is inspired by the windy and dry conditions in Texas that create very hard fairways, the Texas Grind incorporates extreme toe and heel relief making it easier to pick shots clean off tight lies.

Related: Best Lob Wedges

Right handed Ben Hogan Equalizer II wedges are available in even numbered lofts from 48 through to 62 in both a traditional nickel-chrome and Diamond Black Metal finishes and the Texas Grind model is limited to the 50°, 54° and 58° models. Left handed models are limited to 50°, 54° and 58° models in the nickel-chrome finish.

The Ben Hogan Equalizer II wedges have an RRP of $125 in the nickel-chrome finish and $130 in the Diamond Black Metal finish.

Team Europe will wear Ping apparel for the first time in the event's history

Ping Announced As Apparel Supplier For European Solheim Cup Team

Continuing with its unwavering support of women’s golf, Ping Apparel has been announced as the official supplier for the European Solheim Cup team at the next two editions of the tournament in 2021 and 2023. 

For the first time in the iconic event’s history, the best female golfers in Europe will wear Ping as they descend upon the Inverness Club in Toledo for the 2021 staging, looking to defend the trophy they won in such spectacular fashion at Gleneagles in 2019.

Captain that day, Catriona Matthew, who will lead the team again this year, has played Ping clubs since 2016 and believes there is no better brand to help Europe record just their second victory on away soil.

She said: “I have been playing Ping clubs for five years and I will be wearing their apparel this season for the first time, so when I was looking at team uniforms, I could not think of a better brand to help us look good, feel great and perform to our very best.

“Ping are fantastic supporters of the women’s game and the Solheim Cup and I have thoroughly enjoyed working together with them on the new designs.”

Indeed, Ping’s links to the biennial contest are undeniable, with the company’s founders, Karsten and Louise Solheim, playing a pivotal role in the tournament's conception.

Related: Best Ping Fairway Woods

Ping is one of three global partners of the event and also supports the Junior Solheim Cup, becoming the official clothing supplier of Team Europe in 2015. 

Discussing the upcoming partnership, Ping Europe Managing Director, Lisa Lovatt, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Team Europe as the Official Apparel Supplier and this partnership exemplifies our unwavering commitment to supporting the women’s game.

“Style and technology go hand-in-hand in Ping Apparel, which is designed and engineered to inspire golfers to both look and play their best, providing the comfort and protection to play through the seasons.

“We look forward to seeing the designs being brought to life when Team Europe tee it up later this year and wish them the best of luck in their quest to retain the trophy that they won in such thrilling style at Gleneagles in 2019.”

Captain Matthew has already been hard at work, collaborating with the new clothing partner to design the outfits for this year’s tournament days. 

Related: Kim Kardashian Shows Off Her Golf Swing

Paying homage to the host venue, inspiration has been taken from flowers native to Ohio, while recognisable European themes will also feature.

And as for the all important Sunday singles, the Scot has kept it traditional, opting for the blue, white and gold colour combination that is synonymous with Team Europe.

The 2021 Solheim Cup takes place at Inverness Club, Toledo from September 4-6, 2021.

The iconic shoe model has had a refreshing and limited edition update in 2021.

Adidas Unveils Limited Edition Stan Smith Golf Shoe

The iconic Stan Smith shoe is getting upgraded this year and adidas has gone a step further by unveiling Stan Smith Golf versions too, so golfers have a versatile and more sustainable option out on the course. Recently adidas showed us the model finished in green and now the brand has introduced a classic model finished in white as well.

Speaking of sustainability, the shoes feature a PRIMEGREEN upper made with high-performance recycled materials which makes a statement that speaks to adidas' journey to end plastic waste.

adidas Stan Smith Golf Shoes

Stan Smith Interview

We spoke with Stan Smith in an interview to get his thoughts on the new shoe and what it means to have his name affixed to such an iconic line.

"It was exciting to see that happen way back, actually in 72 we started talking to adidas about it, the shoe was designed by Horst Dassler who was Adi Dassler's son and Robert Haillet, a top French player at the time, and it was the first leather tennis shoe which is pretty interesting, and then in 72 they wanted to get a stronger presence in the US and I was number one in the world at the time.

"So we arranged it to have my picture on the shoe, then we had a lot of different iterations, and then as they say the rest is history.

"It's been a real honour to be involved with adidas because at the time and over the years it has continued to be, if not the top brand in sports, one of the top brands so it has been a fun adventure for me."

Buy Now from adidas for £85

Q. And what has it been like to work with adidas for that long? And how involved were you over the years?

"Well adidas has gone through a lot of transitions over the years but it has always been a leader in technology and in fashion too so it has been interesting to see the designs that have taken place. My shoe is like a canvas, being white in most cases so you can do almost anything with it and we have had all sorts of colours and materials.

"Speaking of which this new shoe is made from recycled materials, not the leather feeling, so we went from the very first leather tennis shoe to now trying to do our part to end plastic waste.

Q. So you spoke of the versatility of the Stan Smith there, do you think golf needs to go down that road a little bit more in terms of designing cool apparel?

"You know it has always been my opinion that, you know we were the first to wear pastel colours getting away from white and we have gone on to all sorts of looks and colours on the tennis court, and I would like to see more people playing golf and not be so concerned with wearing traditional collared shirts and all that sort of thing. So I think it is great we are seeing players wearing different things and I am excited about diversity and fashion in golf.

In addition to helping the environment, this version of the Stan Smith has an adiwear rubber spikeless outsole with traction inspired by the shoe’s original sole design. adidas has also added a die-cut PU sockliner and additional PU cushioning in the midsole to provide golf-specific support.

There is also a removable white kiltie that gives the shoe a distinctive look too.

“The Stan Smith is one of the most recognised footwear silhouettes in the world,” said Masun Denison, global footwear director, adidas Golf. “The shoe has become part of the wardrobe for so many people over the last few decades, so to finally bring that same vibe, personality and style to the course is something we know a lot of golfers will be excited about.”

Buy Now from adidas for £85

adidas Stan Smith Golf Shoes

For all the latest from the golf world, follow our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Have you thought about taking out a subscription to Golf Monthly magazine?

Subscriptions are available in both print and digital editions through our official online shop Magazines Direct and all postage and delivery costs are included

• Golf Monthly is packed with all the information you need to help improve your game.
• Take your game to the next level with tips, drills and advice from top Tour Pros and the UK’s top coaches.
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest equipment will ensure you buy the best whatever your budget
• If you are looking to venture away with friends Golf Monthly will give you plenty of ideas of where to play and stay.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way clubs are designed - which is good news for golfers

How A.I. Is Transforming Golf Equipment

Everywhere you look, there's evidence of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Computers are becoming increasingly adept at simulating human-like tasks. For example, when you ask Alexa for a weather update ahead of your match, that's A.I. It's clever stuff - and the good news is that it's even being used to help us play better golf.

We spoke to Dr Alan Hocknell, head of R&D at Callaway, about how and why the company started using A.I., the exciting direction it has taken them and what the future holds.

Why did Callaway start using A.I.?

"I was interested in trying to break out of a pattern of thinking too similarly to our competitors, particularly in driver design," explained Hocknell.

"Take face design, for example. Most faces are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, done one way or another, mostly with thin titanium. There was a thread that everybody was edging down the same path and I wanted to have some extra inspiration to think differently."

"We discovered we could take what we had built over the last few years, which is essentially a very accurate simulation capability for the collision between a club and ball, and we could use this large amount of data to try to teach a computer how to think about club design. Perhaps it would come up with some solutions or some design directions that we wouldn't have come up with ourselves?"

"I think A.I. is this giant ethereal thing that people hear about in all walks of their life, but they don't really know what it is. We're only using the machine learning piece of A.I., but we are doing something a bit unique in turning a lot of A.I. stuff into a physical good." In the case of Callaway, it is golf clubs that perform better than ever before.

"This has led us to hire new staff not from the golf industry that have more specialisation in numerical analysis. We did that on purpose so that they brought that ‘non-golf’ set of thoughts about how to set up the problems correctly for the computer with the type of data that you need to add."

For Callaway's engineers, the aim is to combine these A.I., data-driven design break-throughs with the knowledge they already have about what golfers like to see and feel from their equipment.

"If players can see vestiges of their input in the final design, then their desire for that product increases because they have a level of ownership of it," Hocknell added.

"That feels human whereas A.I. might feel cold and alien because it's generated by a computer, although the computer has been influenced by humans and it's not just like we press a button and the design comes out. But, including people in the feedback loop has genuine impacts on the final design, particularly for Tour players."

Changing The Face Of Golf

Many golfers won't concern themselves with what's going on in the clubhead, so long as it's hitting the ball long and straight. However, what makes A.I. so fascinating is how it's transforming the way clubs are being made - and it's playing a significant role in delivering huge performance benefits.

Callaway has always been a brand that thinks outside the box, and right from the very beginning it has recognised the importance of investing in R&D. Ever since the days of the Big Bertha, the manufacturer has strived to maximise the amount of ball speed a player can generate.

In 2019, it took this to a different level with a new Flash Face, designed by an $8m supercomputer, which used A.I. to cycle through 15,000 face design iterations and over 100 impact simulations.

"The computer came back with some face thickness pattern variations that we had never considered before," adds Hocknell. "A lot of the thickness patterns that we were looking at were generally thicker in the middle of the face and thinner at the edges in various forms. But this one came up with a series of thick areas and thin areas."

The 'chosen one' was Epic Flash. Its unique internal mapping consisted of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe that worked together to elevate COR in the face's centre region. It was, Hocknell says, an "aha moment".

Epic Flash won a lot of fans - us included. On that promise of extra ball speed and more distance even on off centre strikes, it delivered. However, Callaway is a brand with a rich heritage in innovation, and it has always looked to push technological boundaries. If A.I. could be used to change the design of club faces, what else could it do?

When Callaway upgraded its own supercomputer, we found out just how powerful A.I. could be. It worked its way through thousands more design iterations to deliver a new face for the Mavrik drivers. Flash Face SS20 was thinner than the one used in Epic Flash and, because A.I. had identified an even more powerful design, it needed to be made from a stronger material - an upgraded form of titanium - to withstand the pressure.

RELATED: Callaway Mavrik Drivers Review

Using A.I. To 'Personalise' Clubs

A.I. has played a crucial role in helping golfers to generate extra speed, but it's also taken personalisation to a different level. The Mavrik line-up, released in 2020, includes three distinct head shapes (Standard, Sub Zero and Max), and each head is uniquely optimised for different player types.

It wasn't just the driver that benefitted from A.I.'s influence, either. The Mavrik range comprises drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons, with each available in three player categories. Here's the crucial part: because each club has a different purpose, it has a different face design. So, each of the heads employs unique A.I.-generated face thickness patterns that vary by model and even by loft to further optimise performance benefits for different types of golfers, hitting different types of shots.

For example, with Mavrik's long irons, the faces are crafted for launch and speed, while the mid-irons are shaped for speed and consistency; meanwhile, the short irons are fine-tuned for spin and precision.

And just to emphasise how the use of A.I. is spreading into other areas of the design process, it has also helped Callaway engineers redesign the interior of the head, with sound ribs improving the acoustics, something which has delivered better feel, too.

RELATED: Callaway Mavrik Irons Review

New Epic, More A.I.

In the new Epic drivers for 2021, Callaway has used A.I. to influence another of its key speed enhancing technologies - "Jailbreak", the structure that joins the crown and sole. With improved stability in the horizontal and torsional direction, the new Speed Frame delivers more ball speed across the face. In fact, in combination with a new Flash Face (SS21) - also the work of A.I. - these are Callaway's fastest ever drivers.

"The Jailbreak Speed Frame is a classic example of how A.I. completely changed our thinking," Hocknell explains.

"The normal design process would be to ask how we could make Jailbreak better. An engineer would say it's very stiff in the vertical direction but it's not so stiff horizontally or torsionally - would stiffness in those extra dimensions help? So we'd go away and build a prototype that was stiffer in those extra dimensions and then test it to see if it worked."

"Instead with A.I., we said to the computer: "Here's Jailbreak, your design space allows you to change it if you want to with the goal of added ball speed". A.I. comes back with a design that achieved it. At the end of the day, the computer doesn't know what torsional stiffness is, it just knows math. So it's completely backwards, in a way, we're left to interpret what it has done versus setting out parameters of how the design will change."

The Epic range is comprised of three drivers - Epic Speed, Epic Max and Epic Max LS, whilst there are two fairway wood options. If it's not clear already, there's a model to suit every level of golfer and swing type. And because A.I. has optimised each head for different players, you can also be sure of getting the best possible performance from your Callaway woods.

RELATED: Callaway Epic 21 Drivers Review

Whatever the future holds, A.I. will continue to play a key role in golf club design. It's not a marketing concept - A.I. is affecting the way clubs are designed. Perhaps there will come a time when Callaway's R&D department - there's no danger of the supercomputer replacing the human experts - designs a bespoke face for each of its Tour players depending on their own swing.

"There's a whole lot of possibilities out there and we are looking at which ones are most effective for designing the better products we want," says Hocknell.

"I don't think it's too much of a secret we are using A.I. tools in golf ball design. I can say that in five years time, we'll be thinking differently as an R&D organization and using a different toolset than the one that we've used before."

It feels like this is very much just the beginning. Watch this space.

Wilson has launched its 2021 bag range of feature-packed cart and carry models designed to be a practical, lightweight and affordable way to transport golf clubs.

Wilson Launches 2021 Cart And Carry Bag Range

Wilson Golf has launched its 2021 bag range with a mixture of cart and carry models totalling seven different styles in 32 possible colour combinations for men and women golfers across the world.

The seven designs in the 2021 lineup are the Eco carry bag; Exo II cart and carry bag; DryTech cart and carry bag; Pro Tour cart bag; Feather carry bag; iLock cart bag and the QS carry bag.

Headlining the 2021 range is the new Eco carry bag (RRP £109), made from more than 50 recycled plastic water bottles.

In addition to this, each Eco carry bag is made with a production method that uses less energy than using new material, reduces CO2 emissions and keeps plastic out of landfills.

Related: Best Lightweight Golf Bags

The Eco carry bag is super-lightweight - weighing just 1.9kg - and features a five-way padded top with two full length dividers and an integrated handle for an easy carry.

The fully adjustable shoulder straps make for a comfortable carrying position and the premium YKK zippers protects the six pockets on the bag.

Wilson have two bags available in both a cart and carry bag variant and these are the DryTech II and the popular EXO II.

The carry version of the DryTech II (RRP £185) features lightweight and durable fabrics, heat-sealed seams and waterproof zippers to keep gear and valuables dry in whatever weather conditions golfers may face.

It also features a base that will fit well on trolleys - a great option if you want a bag you can carry or use on a cart conveniently - as well as a six-way top, three full-length dividers and weighs just 2kg.

The cart version of the DryTech II (RRP £220) features the same technology and materials as the carry version, but comes with a 14-way top and an extra garment storage pocket on the side.

Related: Best Golf Stand Bags 

The popular Exo bag also comes in a carry and cart option.

The carry option of the Exo (RRP £160) is Wilson's premium model that features five divided club sections; a non-skid base; 3D foam padded strap; and seven spacious pockets.

The cart version of the Exo (RRP £160) features nine pockets and 14 full-length dividers to ensure easy club organisation with an enlarged putter well to accommodate putters with larger grips.

Wilson has also offered two featherweight carry bags in its 2021 range, the Feather carry bag (RRP £90) and the QS carry bag (RRP £80).

The Feather weighs just 1.7kg and feature a quick and smooth integrated stand activation; a padded strap; six pockets; a 5-way top; and two full-length dividers.

At 1.4kg the Wilson QS carry bag is the lightest in its 2021 range. It is a quiver-style bag and its ideal if you're looking to get out on to the course quickly with half a set.

It features a 3-way top with full length dividers, offers four pockets and a four-point ergonomic strap for easy of carrying.

Finally in Wilson's 2021 bag range are two cart bag offerings, the iLock cart bag (RRP £185) and the Pro Tour cart bag (RRP £399).

The iLock is made from a water resistant fabric - although there is a non-rain resistant version RRP £145 - and secures each club in its own section for added protection for your clubs.

There are nine iron holders, four protected dividers for woods, and an oversized putter section so each club has its own protected and individual section.

The iLock is fully seam-sealed to keep the elements out and additional features include an umbrella holder at the back, a padded strap, a rain hood and seven pockets.

Related: Best Golf Push Cart Bags 

Finally, the new Wilson Tour Pro cart bag delivers convenience, function and design in the standout Wilson red and white colours.

Inspired by feedback from Tour pros and their caddies, the Pro Tour bag features a 6-way top with strong mesh wrap shaft protection and two integrated side handles.

A 10" round base provides a comfortable fit on trolleys and eight large storage pockets include a detachable front segment ensuring every bit of gear can be taken on course if needed.

All bags in the Wilson 2021 range are available to purchase now from retailers.

The leading Japanese golf brand has unveiled its new Beres wedge for 2021, a luxury wedge designed for golfers who want high performing, luxury golf equipment in their bag.

Honma Unveils New Luxury Wedge Lineup

Honma has unveiled its new luxury wedge lineup for 2021 with its Beres wedges.

It is the first wedge model in the Beres series since it was rebranded in 2019 and the announcement comes after Honma announced its 2021 T//World wedge line up last month.

The super-premium Beres wedge comes in five loft version and combines Honma's craftsmanship with the most premium materials available to deliver maximum speed and spin performance, as well as offering a luxurious finish.

In creating the Beres wedge in Sakata, Japan, more than 100 Takumi - a word used by Honma to refer to its master craftsmen - apply expert club building techniques and fine attention to detail to create a product that delivers unrivalled short game performance.

Related: Best Wedges For Chipping

The design of the Beres wedges incorporates what Honma call Slide Zones and Spin Zones that help the wedge deliver premium performance.

Forming the Slide Zone, the sole of the Beres wedge incorporates nickel-chrome plating with a low co-efficient of friction, as well as a smooth camber, to ensure the club head slides through the turf and sand for optimal speed at impact.

In the Spin Zone, a proprietary black nickel plating on the CNC milled face produces a high amount of friction and maximum surface roughness for spin control.

The combination of the 'zones' in the Beres wedges, along with the high-CG reverse taper blade design, ensures the ball stays in contact with the club face for longer to deliver maximum spin and optimal distance control across all lofts.

The Beres wedge is available in two grinds - the I-Sole and the C-Sole.

The I-Sole - available in the 50° and 52° wedges - features a thin trailing edge which slides under the ball easily on full shots to deliver consistent distance in the lofts where golfers are more likely to be hitting full approach shots.

Related: Best Gap Wedges

The C-Sole - available in the 56°, 58° and 60° wedges - delivers heel and toe trailing edge relief with a flat bounce surface for shot making versatility in the lofts where golfers are more likely to be opening the club face for smaller chip shots around the green or out of bunkers.

A lightweight True Temper Dynamic Gold 95 VSS Pro Steel shaft comes as standard in all Beres wedges, but there is the option to add the ultra-premium ARMRQ shafts as a custom order.

The new Honma Beres wedge is available now across Europe with an RRP of £249.

The new Masters champ has been a fan of Scotty Cameron putters since his school days

Hideki Matsuyama: The Pro With The Biggest Scotty Cameron Collection

Hideki Matsuyama won his maiden Major title at the 2021 Masters, becoming the first ever Japanese Masters champion as well as his country's first ever male Major champion.

Hideki holed the winning putt using his 2012 Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Tour Prototype, which was actually a new addition after putting it in the bag in his previous start.

Matsuyama testing out new putters is not a new thing, with the Japenese star actually being a huge Scotty Cameron fan.

Despite using his Newport 2 GSS (German Stainless Steel) out on tour for a number of years, he always loves to test out new models.

Many tour pros have large Scotty Cameron collections, including seven-time European Tour winner Bernd Wiesberger, although Scotty himself thinks that Hideki's collection is the largest.

A look at Bernd Wiesberger's Scotty Cameron colletion:

"I want to say it's Hideki Matsuyama," Scotty Cameron recently told Golf Monthly after being asked which tour player has the biggest collection of his putters.

"Early on he was a Cameron fan when he was at school then got into college and our fitting studio in Hamamatsu, Japan is where he would hang out.

"It's at a golf course but it's a separate building and it's a museum and gallery that was built for the Cameron stuff and the headcovers and the putters.

Related: Hideki Matsuyama What's in the bag?

"Hideki has been coming there since he was 16 and he maybe gets the most putters made for him.

"He loves to be surprised with a new putter, he says it energises him and gets him re-focused and excited on something new.

"So he's always looking for the next greatest Scotty, so I'm gonna say probably Hideki has one of the greatest collections.

"You know the Black dots he wanted black, didn't want red. He has three simple black bombs/black dots whatever collectors call them.

"He tries everything, he's a mallet guy, he loves mallets.

"He'll switch every once in a while to something new that we give him but he's loyal on that Newport 2 GSS with three black dots in the back."

Related: Podcast - The story of how Scotty Cameron started designing putters