When Golf Monthly was offered the chance to test men's World No.1, Scottie Scheffler's Nike Victory Pro 4 Golf Shoes, it made sense for the No.1 golfer in our team to wear them. Unfortunately, they were unavailable - as was everyone else anywhere near a single-figure handicap - so it was left to me.

However, while I and many others might lack the on-course ability of Scheffler, I can earnestly say that these shoes give you every chance to eek out as much of your potential as possible.

While helping to create the Nike Victory Pro 4 shoes, Scheffler outlined comfort and stability as the most critical factors for designers to focus on.

One of the key features of the Nike Victory Pro 4 shoe is the fly wing - a small part of the shoe which connects the midsole to the upper for optimal lateral stability. I'll be honest, I don't love the look of that particular piece of the Nike Victory Pro 4, but it is a very small price to pay for the benefits it provides from a practical sense.

For Scheffler - who possesses a particularly unique swing - he needs that support when pushing through the ground and unravelling into the ball. That's where the fly wing comes in.

Although my swing isn't quite as dynamic as Scheffler's, I always felt like I had full support to move as I needed, with the aforementioned design playing a significant part in helping the shoe retain its shape and performance while swinging.

Working hand in hand, I also found the levels of grip in the shoe to be unparalleled. It felt like the ground and the shoe's sole were velcro, even when rain had fallen or was falling - I just couldn't slip. When I tried dragging my feet along the floor, it would either not move at all or I'd slightly rough the ground up.

The Nike Victory Pro 4 offers a kind of confidence in terms of traction that I would have a tough time believing could be surpassed, yet alone equalled in the best spiked shoes market.

More specifically, the actual placing of the nine twisted spikes is what makes this shoe so impressive when it comes to those two factors the men's World No.1 was keen to focus on.

Scheffler's input saw a lone spike placed in the middle of the toes, which I found not only spreads the load of your body weight perfectly but also means you can rotate the back foot with full confidence that you won't slip.

In regards to comfort, I really couldn't complain at all once they were broken in. The stiffness of the shoe was something of an issue on the first wear, but after that, I could have continued to wear them all day. They really are a joy to have on your feet and one of the most comfortable golf shoes out there.

If I had a slight complaint with the Nike Victory Pro 4, it's that they could be slightly lighter. I felt the overall weight of the shoe was a little higher than you'd ideally want, but it's not like you're walking around with bricks on your feet and there was no extra ache in my legs after 18 holes.

Returning to the plethora of positives, though, the synthetic leather upper layer is waterproof and looks incredible after several uses - not just fresh out of the box. Another aspect of the shoe which I really appreciated was the internal foam collar which offered an extra layer of comfort around the ankle. I think the overall look of the shoe will appeal to many golfers as well.

At the Nike Victory Pro 4's current price point, it has to be considered one of the best Nike golf shoes out there - especially because it works well all year round. And if it's good enough for the men's World No.1 and the No.21 player at Golf Monthly, it should be good enough for you as well.

When you think of the best golfers from the past decade, chances are Brooks Koepka's name will be near the top of that list. A five-time Major winner, he has picked up multiple PGA Tour and LIV Golf titles, as well producing a number of memorable rounds.

Along with his golf, Koepka is known for his stylish Nike golf shoes and, right now, we have seen the new model he wears, the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% 2 NRG, now available to order from certain retailers.

First things first, Koepka has been seen wearing these shoes in different colors at multiple LIV events, with the American spotted donning them in Las Vegas and Hong Kong. Going forward, you will likely see them at Major championships, potentially in special edition models.

Nike are known for producing some of the best golf shoes on the market and, with these Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% 2 NRG's, we expect them to slide into this category, given the quality and updates over their predecessor. 

So, how do they compare to the original Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT%? Well, although we haven't tested them, according to the aesthetics and looking at the info released, this new model has more spikes, with the brand changing to a CMP foam and flattening the shoe out slightly. 

The original NRG's had two spikes on the forefront and two on the heel but, in the NEXT% 2, Nike have added another two spikes to create four on the forefoot and two on the heel. This is something we see on the best spiked golf shoes, and there's no doubt that they will provide the grip needed when out on the golf course, especially with an internal fit system and upgraded internal fit pods present to aid the locked-in feel.

Featuring a lower profile for better stability, the NEXT% 2 NRG's have CMP foam for more consistent comfort when walking. What's more, there is a lightweight stretch skin that provides waterproof protection, whilst the introduction of Fly Weave provides a lightweight feel and strength.

Available from multiple retailers, you can expect to find the shoes in different colorways and styles. Like the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3's, we wouldn't be surprised to also see special editions of the Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% 2 NRG in the upcoming months, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

I think it is fair to say that Tony Finau is what young people would call "the swaggiest golfer" out there right now. Why? Well a big reason for this is his attire and more specifically, his shoes. The model in question is the Nike Air Jordan Low 1 G shoes which feature a classic look that pays tribute to the original Air Jordans, first released in the early 80s. But these have been re-designed for golf and feature encapsulated air in the heel cushions that make every step a joy.

As soon as our shoe expert Dan Parker put these on out of the box, the fit was true to size and required no time to break in at all. He had never worn a pair of Jordan shoes before, and he was pleasantly surprised by the comfort on offer, particularly in the heel. After testing these for over a month, he never came off the course after 18 holes with aching feet or legs. This puts it right up there with some of the most comfortable shoes in its category in his opinion.

While the outsole has been adjusted to suit added grip on the golf course, it's still incredibly low profile. The adjustments on the outsole include a forefoot pivot circle, which offers extra traction on one of the most vital areas of the foot. He found no problems with my grip in dry and damp conditions. He certainly wouldn't wear these shoes in properly wet conditions, but the grip in damp morning conditions was impressive.

Dan summed up the review as such; "Despite the lack of medial support throughout the swing, I was impressed with how comfortable they were to walk in. Ultimately, these shoes exist to look really good on - and off - the golf course with the comfort I had while walking was an added bonus. With that in mind, these are brilliant casual spikeless golf shoes that I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing and will continue to do so for a long time to come."

Tony Finau started golfing in these shoes back in 2021 as the tweet above shows and he has continued to wear loads of different colors and finishes whilst competing out on Tour. And you can get the look as well. Nike regularly releases Tour only shoes but we can all get Jordan 1's, and to sweeten this further they are only 100 bucks at the moment! To quote Fry from Futurama, "shut up and take my money!'

Adidas Tour360 22 vs Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoe: Read our head to head verdict

One of the most important things any golfer needs is a reliable pair of golf shoes. After all, shoes are one of the only pieces of equipment you use for every shot during a round - so it's vital you get the right pair. Two brands that produce the best golf shoes on the market are adidas and Nike, with the company's premium models ranking as some of the most comfortable golf shoes that money can buy, as well as being some of the most breathable golf shoes too.

For 2022, adidas released the adidas Tour360 22 shoe. Having introduced the world to the Tour360 range almost 20 years ago, the German brand has gone back to its original designs, analysing what made them work and implementing those ideas into the new model. Has it worked? Well, five stars out of five in our review certainly answers that!

Nike on the other hand is the most recognised shoe brand in the world and unsurprisingly they are also a leading player when it comes to golf shoes, producing some of the best spiked golf shoes that money can buy, whilst the spikeless designs aren't bad either. For this comparison piece, we are specifically looking at the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 which is the shoe choice of Rory McIlroy also has a five star rating.

Although both received top marks in our review, what are the significant differences between the two and which one is better suited to your game? Here, we take a look. 

Looks

Both models are stunning looking shoes and offer a range of colorways that will match any outfit out on the course. In our reviews, we ranked both as some of the most stylish and modern looking shoes on the market.

Starting with the Tour360s, the 2022 model has a few design touches that make them look slightly different to past models. We were big fans of the older Tour360s because of the classic look and three-stripe design. However, with the new model, adidas has found a way of incorporating some modern flourishes that really stand out. 

We tested the white, blue and orange model and were very impressed with the small splashes of color that give a totally unique style. Importantly though, adidas has not gone too far with the design, which features in five colorways. As well as the colors, there are multiple different models with even more adaptability available, making these some of the best adidas golf shoes on the market.

It's a similar story with the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 as the shoe is stunning from an aesthetics standpoint and that is one of the reasons this shoe tops our list of the best Nike golf shoes.

The new Full-grain leather upper has a supple feel and sophisticated look. The swoosh and midsole sections look slightly different and better than the previous model in my opinion, and overall I think the shoe looks more refined. 

It looks like more of a traditionally sporty golf shoe that will suit a wide range of ages, whereas the previous model was perhaps better suited to younger audiences. I also loved the color I got sent, the fade of the shoe from blue to green really looks excellent and I did get a number of compliments on them. There are also several other colors to choose from, and there are special edition designs too for events like The Masters. 

Fit/Comfort

Having looked at the shoe from the outside, we now move to the inside, with both pairs providing unbelievable fit and comfort. Arguably, comfort is the most important factor when it comes to a golf shoe and no-one wants their feet to ache after, or even during, a round of golf. 

Both have innovative technology that is designed to give you the most comfort during your game, with adidas featuring an array of elements like 'Feet You Wear Last', which was first introduced in 1996. The idea is that it mimics the natural shape of the foot and accommodates movement in all directions, even throughout the golf swing. 

Along with the 'Feet You Wear Last,' it also has a 'Dualstack Midsole' which, although you can't see it, helps support your forefoot and the arch of the foot. Finally, there is a 'Geofit Collar Pad' in the top of the shoe, as well as an 'Insite Sockliner' to the rear. Both are specifically designed to conform to your foot, giving you a more personalized and comfortable fit which we really noticed during testing.

I can honestly say the Victory Tour 3 are one of the most comfortable shoes I have tested. The previous 2 was right up there in this regard but for me the 3 has taken it to a whole new level. This is thanks to elements like the extra thickness of the padding around the ankle which really felt soft and comfortable. As someone who can be prone to blisters in this area, I loved this design feature. 

Additionally Nike has added an internal strap on the inside of the shoe which actually contours to your feet, which is different from the mesh-like interior of the Tour 2 shoe. I think this change further elevates the 3 and while some golf shoes need wearing-in before they reach their peak comfort, we found this was not the case here. Nike also stitched a Zoom Air unit directly to the upper which delivered exceptional feel, and the foam towards the heel felt very cushiony, almost bouncy when walking on the course. 

Performance

So, after top marks in the looks and comfort department, how did the shoes perform out on the course? The answer, very well! Both provided ample grip and remained in pristine condition, making them very durable. Both rank amongst the best spiked golf shoes on the market. This is thanks to them having smartly designed cleat patterns on the sole that maximise grip in even the wettest conditions.

The grip and stability of the Nike shoes was top-notch. The shoes have a new seven-way cleat system with two different types of spikes. The new Softspikes Tour Flex Pro are fitted in three forefoot areas whilst there are Silver tornado spikes in the heel and other side of the forefoot area. 

The result of this? Well I tested the shoes in different conditions and the traction remained very good. During one round I played on brown, burnt-out ground which can be slippery, softer ground thanks to a deluge of rain, and, because I was not playing my best, in a variety of different lies and stances. Each time, my grip and stability was never compromised. 

Overall, we can see why these are Rory McIlroy’s preferred golf shoes. Nike has taken what was an excellent golf shoe in the Victory 2, and improved on it. The comfort here is outstanding as is the feel, the grip and stability is right up there and the look of the shoe is one of the best on the market.

With the Tour360s, we tried the shoes out in dry, damp and wet conditions and overall there was a good amount of grip. The grip comes from cleats that are directly injected into the base of the shoe which means you won't ever have to worry about losing them. This is an extremely clever design touch and, combined with a variety of spikes and traction elements, it really gripped us into the ground. 

Waterproofing

The last section surrounds whether the shoes are waterproof or not. Certainly it's a factor that is very important. How many times have you been playing in what you thought were waterproof shoes to find out your socks are soaked through?

Although the adidas Tour360 does not rank on our best waterproof golf shoes list, they are certainly very good performers, demonstrating waterproof qualities whilst out on the golf course.

Adidas has provided a premium rich leather in their Tour360, which is 100 percent waterproof, plus you get a one-year waterproof warranty as well which provides peace of mind. What's more, the company has also incorporated recycled materials into the design to continue the brand's goal of ending plastic waste. 

The Nike shoe is also 100% waterproof and features highly on our list of the best waterproof golf shoes. It also comes with a one year waterproof guarantee.

Which one should you choose

Choose the adidas Tour360 22 if…
- You are looking for a shoe that offers a unique style
- You want a shoe that matches an array of different outfits and styles
- You are after a shoe that provides superb grip in wet and windy conditions

Choose the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 if...
- You want a shoe that gives elite level performance
- You want to wear the shoes Rory McIlroy wears
- You want arguably the most comfortable shoe on the market

If you love your golf shoes then you will undoubtedly have seen videos and images of the upcoming collaboration between Nike, Air Jordan and rapper Travis Scott. 

The shoe in question is the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG Golf ‘Neutral Olive' being released on 13th October at Nike, the Snkrs app and select stockists globally with people like Tony Finau posting videos of unboxing them. But how can you or I get a pair? Well it may be tricky...

The best way is probably via the Nike Snkrs app at 8.00am (BST) on the 13th where you can enter into a draw for the shoes. If you are lucky, you win, if you are not, you won't, simple as that really. Additionally there are a whole load of other retailers doing raffles on the shoes as well so best to sign up to as many as possible to stand the best chance! That being said the chances of winning are very slim indeed as there have been rumors that there are only 10,000 pairs available, and given the millions who want it, the likelihood is slim. 

Before the 13th, one store in the UK found an ingenious way to ward off resellers - drive the ball over 200 yards. Retailer Trendy Golf is hosting an ‘exclusive pick-up experience’ for would-be buyers on Friday, October 13 at one of Pitch London’s sites - a golfing simulator experience for those in England’s capital city.

Anyone who wished to purchase the shoe via the golf gear retailer needed to enter into a raffle and hope their name was one of the lucky 72 pulled out. Those who won the chance to attend this special event have to complete a task which is - drive the ball 200 yards or more, or 150-plus if the participant is female, from two separate attempts in front of a simulator.

Should the player be successful, only then will prospective purchasers be able to claim the stylish golf sneakers and take them home in a commemorative shoe design tote bag.

Now of course not everyone got into this raffle successfully, yours truly signed up and didn't have a hope and neither did a few more of the Golf Monthly team. So how can we still get a pair? Well apart from getting lucky through the Nike website and/or Snkrs app, or getting extremely lucky with a raffle or draw, the options are very limited. What is clear is it looks like the shoes are going to sell out very very quickly and we also expect the reselling market to be intense, and expensive too. 

So what's the hype really about? Beyond Scott's involvement in the collab, the neutral olive-green colorway combined with the black and cream finish looks awesome. It also features a number of design changes to make it suitable for the course, such as the traction on the sole. 

When it comes to golf apparel, there are very few that do it better than Nike. For years it has sponsored the biggest name in golf, Tiger Woods, while also kitting out some of the best modern players of the game like Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood and Jason Day. 

For a while now, Tiger has had his own line of Nike apparel with pieces of apparel and accessories adorning the famous TW logo. For a limited time, Nike is currently running 20% off selected products with code ULTIMATE used at checkout. Not only does this include fully priced items, but it also includes items that are currently on sale. The 20% discount is available across the board on selected products, not just on golf apparel. So, if you don't even need any new golf gear at the minute, it's probably worth checking out the website anyway! 

Tommy Fleetwood is one of the most recognizable names in golf, with the Ryder Cupper appearing on the European side for a third time in 2023. 

It has been a good year for Fleetwood, who has posted many great finishes throughout the season, one of which came at the US Open, where he fired a seven-under round of 63 to move inside the top 5. Along with his incredible scoring, it was also an item of clothing that caught the eye of viewers during the final round at Los Angeles Country Club, with Fleetwood's hat gaining a lot of search volume. A question we saw a lot was 'how do we buy it?' because it wasn't actually available to purchase at the time of the event. This has now changed though as Nike has just put it on sale at $30.

You may wonder why a hat was gaining such popularity? Well, the model in question is the Nike Speckled Print Hat, which has an eye-catching paint splatter design of pink and black, as well as Nike Golf written in a flamboyant font.

It also has a classic six-panel design, with soft cotton and an adjustable strap making it a "one size fits all". It is not the first time that Nike have brought out limited edition products for big, major events.

We have seen plenty of special editions throughout 2023, with Brooks Koepka donning a yellow pair of Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% NRG's during the Masters. Along with the Masters, Nike staffers, including Fleetwood, were seen wearing Beatles-inspired footwear at The Open Championship.

Although Fleetwood won't be donning the Speckled Nike hat at the Ryder Cup, he may well be wearing a European version of their Air Max 1 '86 OG golf shoes, with the brand releasing a limited edition for the team event. Ranked as some of the best Nike golf shoes on the market, they have a yellow and white colorway, with stars running around the upper of the golf shoe. 

Along with the Nike, Europe will be wearing Loro Piana clothing, with the Italian design company providing the European side's apparel for a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup.

We look back through the archives and pick out the 10 best Nike golf clubs ever made

Following the dramatic news that Nike is to step away from club and ball making business in 2016, we picked out our favourite pieces of Nike golf equipment since the company first started making them back in 1998.

Nike was a relative newcomer to golf when it signed Tiger Woods in 1996 for a record $40m, five-year endorsement deal and his ‘Hello world’ line became world famous. It signalled the brand’s intent to move into hard goods, having already made golf shoes and apparel since the 1980s.

Nike’s clubs received some stick in their early years, famously from Phil Mickelson who claimed Tiger was using ‘inferior equipment’. But Woods won four straight majors after changing to the Tour Accuracy TW ball in 2000, became the first player in 30 years to win the Masters and US Open in the same year after changing to a Nike driver; and won a World Golf Championship in Ireland the week he switched to Nike irons. It wouldn’t appear his Nike equipment was holding him back.

The last ever Nike club launch, the Vapor Fly range, was a solid performer as good as anything else out there. During its 14-year tenure in the golf industry, the Nike brand created some excellent golf equipment. Here are 10 of the best Nike products ever made.

Nike VR TW Pro blades - 2008

Tiger Woods helped create this set that replaced the Nike blades he had used for over five years. The centre of gravity was positioned to Woods’ specs to provide added control and to aid shot shaping. The set has a slightly modified shape and thicker toe than the original Nike blade, which was well received by golfers.

Nike Vapor Fly driver - 2016

Distinguished by its bold blue crown with Volt color in the Compression Channel, the Nike Vapor Fly driver has three key technologies that are said to increase launch, distance and forgiveness while reducing spin. A lighter crown resulted in a lower center of gravity and higher MOI for higher launch, less spin and more forgiveness.

Another new feature is the HyperFlight face, which has been thinned out around the perimeter to minimize ball speed loss on off-centre hits. The Compression Channel seen on previous drivers has been re-engineered, creating a springboard effect to amplify performance on miss-hits.

Nike Precision Tour Accuracy TW ball - 2001

This ball caused quite a stir in 2000 when it was revealed the Tour Accuracy TW ball Tiger Woods used in competition was different to the version he promoted in Nike advertisements that was on sale to the public.

His version had a core and cover that was each 5 per cent firmer for a slightly lower ball flight with slightly less spin for his faster swing speed. The mass market Tour Accuracy ball was a non-wound, urethane covered ball that featured Dynafuse injection moulded technology.

Nike VR Forged Pro Combo irons - 2013

They looked like blades and offered similar feel and distance control, but with much more forgiveness built in. Arguably Nike’s best amateur better player combo set, the 3, 4, 5 and 6-irons featured a pocket cavity filled with a polymer Nike called ‘shot-making gel’ while the shorter clubs, from 7-iron through to pitching wedge, have split cavities, with the focus on shot precision.

High-frequency X3X grooves were designed to provide optimal spin.

Nike VR_S Covert driver - 2013

In an industry first, the back-middle section of this driver’s sole was removed in an effort to increase perimeter weighting for forgiveness and position the CG more forwards to reduce spin. It didn’t quite provide the feel golfers demanded but subsequent versions improved on this, right up to the Nike Vapor Fly driver launched earlier this year. It came in two versions, including the Tour version pictured above.

Nike SasQuatch Fairway wood - 2008

The legendary SQ fairway wood was a huge seller and popular on tour too. Tiger Woods still had them in the bag in 2010, and Charl Schwartzel used them to win The Masters in 2011.

The had a 'Monorail' sole to reduce drag and a face made from cryogenically tempered 'Cryo Steel' that was said to be thinner and stronger than Titanium for extra distance.

Nike T40 fairway wood - 2005

This was a cutting-edge fairway wood at the time because it featured a 40g tungsten plug inside the clubhead to lower the centre of gravity (CG) and increase the launch angle, which was much more tungsten than other manufacturers were using at the time.

Nike Ignite driver - 2004

As used by Tiger Woods in his early days, this driver featured a NexTi Titanium Face which Nike claimed was the hottest and strongest titanium ever created.

The NexTi face material allows for a head construction that results in an extremely wide COR or spring like effect. The original version of this driver would now be non-conforming to the rules of golf, it was that hot.

Nike RZN balls - 2011

Nike engineers first discovered in 2011 that they could make a ball core material that performed better than rubber. It was called RZN and went on to feature across many other different Nike product categories, including drivers.

There were four different RZN balls in 2016, the RZN Tour Platinum and RZN Tour Black for fast swingers and the RZN Speed White and RZN Speed Red for slower swing speeds. The core on the 2016 Nike RZN golf balls also had a Speedlock pattern that stop the balls’ layers slipping so they can compress more powerfully at impact, for more distance on mishit shots where you strike the ball with a glancing blow.

Rory McIlroy used the RZN Black in 2014 to win The Open and PGA Championship, his third and fourth Majors.

Nike Vapor Fly Pro irons - 2016

More compact than the Nike Vapor Fly irons, the progressive Vapor Fly Pro irons came with a black PVD finish aimed at both game improvers and better players. The now-legendary irons are still being used in 2023 by certain players in the 2/3 iron.

The set featured a modern muscle design that positions the centre of gravity (CG) in the middle of the face for added stability and a better feel at impact. It’s shape and size meant it offered more workability than a traditional game improvement iron.

The use of RZN material created lower and deeper weighting that encouraged a higher launch, and in turn, a steeper descent angle to help shots stop quicker.

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In this Nike Golf Air Zoom Infinity Tour Shoe Review, we give our verdict on the golf shoe designed for Brooks Koepka

Nike Golf Air Zoom Infinity Tour Shoe Review

Nike is a giant in the shoe market – never mind just golf shoes – and it has drawn on all that experience and know-how to create the Infinity Tour, following a 2017 request from Brooks Koepka to “design me a running shoe that I can golf in.”

The big talking point is the sole, which has three oversized cleats that are part of the moulded sole and not removable. A very large one on the heel and two slightly smaller ones on the balls of the foot that are designed to support weight transfer, and – in theory – boost swing speeds.

The outsole is certainly very stable and the cleats along with the other traction elements surrounding them certainly provide excellent grip in a variety of ground conditions.

There’s plenty of Zoom Air padding underfoot, which is very comfortable, and it is noticeably packed in tightly around the Achilles to stabilise your heel. It certainly does that, but it may take a bit of wearing in to get used to and feel completely comfortable.

RELATED: Best Golf Shoes

When you get them onto the course, they definitely feel like a performance golf shoe rather than a trainer that’s been adapted for golf. They are comfortable, but the more important take away is that you know the technology is there to help you swing with confidence.

They look fantastic with a nice blend of a reasonably classic silhouette and modern styling. The FlyKnit upper is lightweight and breathable but it’s also waterproof and pretty easy to clean because it’s covered in a thin and stretchy skin. They come with a two-year waterproof warranty.

Looking down on the loose tongue is a little strange - most golf shoes are quite snug in this area with the laces pressing the tongue into the top of your foot, but it doesn't feel like the foot moves around any more inside the shoe.

They are available in five colour combinations too so there's plenty of scope to find one that suits your taste.

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Here's the driver that would supposedly have been released by Nike last year

Pictures Emerge Of Nike Vapor Strike 2017 Driver

Nike exited the golf hardware market in August 2016 and it has completely shaken up the equipment universe.

Players like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood, Thorbjorn Olesen, Charl Schwartzel, Tony Finau and more were forced to suddenly look elsewhere for their golf equipment after the announcement.

Related: Nike to stop making golf clubs

We've been wondering 'what if' Nike stayed in the equipment market and now we may know what they would have come out with in 2017.

An ex-Nike employee Oli Willson posted images of a Nike Vapor Strike driver that was supposedly due to be released in 2017.

Scroll through the pics below...

The Vapor Strike driver would have continued on from the Vapor Fly which featured the bright blue coloured crown.

It appears to have an updated compression channel and has gone back to the black crown colour with a red Nike tick and red on the bottom of the club.

So this is the driver that the likes of McIlroy, Woods and Koepka could have been using last season and perhaps this season too.

Nike clubs are, of course, still prominent on Tour with some players.

For example, Tommy Fleetwood still uses his Nike VR Pro blade irons and a Vapor Fly fairway wood.

Brooks Koepka still uses a Nike Vapor Fly 3 iron also, which was in the bag for all three of his major wins.

Another major win of 2018 featuring a Nike club was in Patrick Reed's Masters triumph where he used his old faithful Nike VR Pro Limited fairway wood.

Expand Reed, Woods and Fleetwood: Three players still using Nike golf clubs on Tour

Reed, Woods and Fleetwood: Three players still using Nike golf clubs on Tour

Reed, Woods and Fleetwood: Three players still using…

Expand Tommy Fleetwood What’s In The Bag?

Tommy Fleetwood What’s In The Bag?

Check out what clubs the Englishman uses

Expand Tiger Woods What’s In The Bag?

Tiger Woods What’s In The Bag?

Check out the equipment Tiger Woods uses

Expand The 10 Best Nike Golf Clubs Ever Made

The 10 Best Nike Golf Clubs Ever Made

Do you agree with our selections?

Reed also went back to his old set of Nike VR Pro irons this year but quickly switched them out for his Callaway irons.

Kyle Stanley is another who still uses Nike clubs, as does Simon Dyson and Pep Angles. Kevin Chappell was also still using a set of Nike irons up until recently.

Let us know your thoughts on the Nike Vapor Strike driver on our social media channels... Would you have tried it out?

Nike SS17 Apparel Review - Technical Editor Joel Tadman gives his verdict on the Nike Spring/Summer 2017 apparel having tested it in a variety of weather conditions in Ireland

Nike SS17 Apparel Review

Tested by: Joel Tadman, Hcp 5

Garments tested: Nike Aeroreact half zip - RRP £59.99 Nike Zonal Cooling MM Fly Blade polo - RRP £44.99 Nike Flex pants - £54.99 Nike HyperAdapt Storm-Fit full zip jacket - £149.99

Styling

I was given some dark colours with a bright pink polo shirt – an unusual combination but it worked surprisingly well. The polo shirt’s design, with its unique metallic poppers and blade collar sitting smoothly against the neck to minimize distractions, won’t please traditionalists but it certainly did the job it was supposed to.

Fit/comfort

All the garments were fairly slim fitting but because of how thin, soft and stretchy the material was and while I didn’t feel restricted in any way during the swing, some people may feel to need to switch up a size. The jacket has drawstrings to customize the fit and the trousers weren’t baggy but also didn’t feel too tight, which was ideal. I enjoyed the elasticated waist and general stretchiness of the fabric.

Performance

The mid-layer offered a surprising amount of protection from the wind given how thin the material is. The polo shirt kept us cool and dry when the weather was bright on the first day and the trousers were comfortable and fitted well, not too baggy or loose. The waterproofs were tested to the max but held firm in the heaviest of downpours, keeping the layers underneath predominantly dry, but seemed to absorb the moisture rather than bead it off, seemingly adding weight that made swinging freely a more cumbersome task.

Rory McIlroy revealed the new Nike Lunar Control Vapor shoes at the WGC-HSBC Champions event in China, where he wore the futuristic spikeless footwear for the first time

Rory McIlroy revealed the new Nike Lunar Control Vapor shoes at the WGC-HSBC Champions, where he wore the futuristic spikeless footwear for the first time.

His T4 finish at the event in China comes after a mid-season break where he did some swing work in the Bahamas, as well as some secret final testing of the new Nike Lunar Control Vapor shoes.

The new spikeless style shoes have what Nike is calling an 'Articulated Integrated Traction outsole', a design you can see below that was inspired by the tread on snowmobiles.

It means the shoes have a series of protruding tooth-like tracks that increase its points of contact with the ground. This means it can continuously engage with the turf as your weight shifts from heel to toe during your swing. This maximises traction, with the channels between the tooth-like structures aiding better balance by keeping you lower to the ground.

Nike say this feature is something Rory McIlroy deliberately tested in detail with a range of shots from sidehill and downhill lies, bunkers and more.

As with the Nike FlyKnit Elite shoes, the traction system decouples the medial heel and lateral forefoot area to help propel the athlete through the swing.

It means the complete package provides not only great traction on all surfaces, but also less stud pressure to help look after greens. Not having to place cleats on the outsole also made more room for extra foam underfoot to provide improved cushioning.

In the Nike Lunar Control Vapor shoe, Nike’s new traction system (above) is married to a full-length Lunarlon midsole and Nike Flywire. Combined these elements help keep the foot stable and cushioned. On the outside a lightweight premium microfiber upper then keeps your feet dry, with a two-year waterproof guarantee adding value.

Nike Lunar Control Vapor Shoes Details

The new Nike Lunar Control Vapor shoes are available in men’s and women’s sizes in limited colorways via the Nike+ App on November 22nd, with additional colorways then launching on nike.com on November 25th.

Prices are yet to be confirmed.

The new Nike Flyknit Elite shoes are said to offer improved traction without losing out on comfort through a unique sole design

As every golfer knows, the golf swing starts from the ground up. Using the ground correctly and efficiently is how the likes of Rory McIlroy create power, accuracy and consistency in equal measure.

To facilitate better footwork during the swing, Nike designers created Articulated Integrated Traction in the new Flyknit Elite shoes. Developed via research and athlete testing, the all-new traction decouples the medial heel and lateral forefoot area to help propel the athlete through the swing.

"When our team of designers started creating what would become Articulated Integrated Traction we factored in foot performance through every aspect of the swing,” explains Gentry Humphrey, VP Nike Golf Footwear. “We also considered the various surfaces and angles a golfer has to play through each and every round and worked hard to create traction that performs in every condition."

The articulated channels also allow for better balance while keeping the golfer lower to the ground. A unique TPU tread design offers continuous traction that replaces traditional spikes without sacrificing grip.

Debuting on the new Nike Flyknit Elite, the traction is paired with a full-length Lunarlon midsole for responsive cushioning and a lightweight, breathable one-piece Flyknit upper. The first shoe featuring Flyknit specifically engineered for golf performance, it presents targeted support in key areas to keep the foot locked down and stable.

Dynamic Flywire provides midfoot lockdown throughout the motion of the swing while a mid-height collar conforms to the athlete’s foot and helps prevent grass and other debris from entering the shoe. A TPU skin for dew protection was added along the upper’s edge.

The Nike Flyknit Elite will be available in two colorways (pure platinum/cool grey and black/clear jade) from June 16th at nike.com and select retailers with an RRP of £220.

NEXT: 2016 US Open betting tips

Combining the classic design of one of Nike’s most recognisable shoe shapes with golf shoe technology and performance, the Nike Women’s Blazer shoe is an innovative product.

Nike Women’s Blazer shoe RRP: £90

Nike has long been at the forefront of sports shoe manufacturing and, in recent years, they have taken all their expertise and knowledge and applied this to golf shoes. Their products successfully blend style with performance – not only are you well supported and comfortable on the fairways but you also feel you’re making a visual statement.

Nike introduced the Blazer as a basketball shoe way back in 1972. Since then it has become an iconic design and has been adapted on a number of occasions, transforming from canvas high-top to leather mid-top and a casual low-top. It’s a proven look and it has now been used to create this innovative golf shoe.

The Nike Women’s Blazer shoe features flexible leather uppers that have a one-year limited waterproof guarantee and will keep you dry and comfortable on course.

It’s a funky design and is available in either plain, or more daring colours – look out for University Gold/sail/black with its animal print finish, and the camouflage swoosh on the Hyper Pink/white/sequoia (as pictured) … pretty neat.

The shoe’s Phylon midsole is flexible and lightweight, while the free inspired outsole is lightweight and naturally flexible, yet highly supportive.

The flex grooves and traction pods on the outsole should provide good traction in all but the most slippery conditions while the higher top finish will provide excellent support around the heel and ankle.

Overall, the Nike Women’s Blazer shoe delivers a bold statement but it backs it up with comfort and performance. Supportive and breathable, it will keep you comfortable and stable in all but the most severe weathers.

The Nike Women’s Flyknit Chukka shoe delivers cutting-edge style together with exceptional levels of support thanks to the mid-top profile.

Nike Women’s Flyknit Chukka shoe RRP: £150

Nike has long been at the forefront of sports shoe manufacturing and, in recent years, they have taken all their expertise and knowledge and applied this to golf shoes. Their products successfully blend style with performance – not only are you well supported and comfortable on the fairways but you also feel you’re making a visual statement.

The Nike Women’s Flyknit Chukka shoe is at the top end of the Nike pricing bracket, but it delivers a lot of shoe for the money. With it’s mid-top profile, it provides a round-the-ankle fit for exceptional levels of support and comfort. It also delivers a pretty bold statement on the fairways. So does the multi tone/colour finish to the uppers. Available in Black/white; Pink pow/black/white and Black/blue glow/bright crimson/white – the latter delivers a veritable kaleidoscope of colours!

Nike’s latest upper technology “Nike Flyknit” provides lightweight support but also breathability and a decent level of water resistance – although these shoes won’t stand up in the most severe of weather conditions.

The Flyknit upper integrates with Nike’s Dynamic Flywire technology which is designed to wrap the foot for the ultimate in fit and comfort, providing excellent lateral support.

The outsole features flex grooves that are designed to improve ground feel and allow for natural movement while still delivering good traction. The spike-free design and rubber outsole make these shoes effective on a number of different ground conditions, and wearable off the course.

Overall the Nike Women's Flyknit Chukka is an innovative and bold shoe that will make a statement on course. It will perform well in most weathers and offer excellent levels of support, cushioning, flexibility and breathability.

The Nike Women’s Lunar Control 4 shoe delivers contemporary and sporty styling married with exceptional cushioning and springy responsiveness underfoot.

Nike Women’s Lunar Control 4 shoe RRP: £130

Nike has long been at the forefront of sports shoe manufacturing and, in recent years, they have taken all their expertise and knowledge and applied this to golf shoes. Their products successfully blend style with performance – not only are you well supported and comfortable on the fairways, but you also feel you’re making a visual statement.

The Nike Women’s Lunar Control 4 shoe is the latest in the highly successful line of Lunar models produced over the past few seasons. It’s a highly responsive and stable shoe, lightweight and offering exceptional traction and cushioning.

Starting with the uppers – they are microfiber, synthetic leather for durability and impressive protection from the elements: These shoes come with a two-year limited waterproof guarantee.

The lightweight "Lunarlon" midsole is a key feature as it’s a key to such a high level of spring and cushioning, while the Nike Control Platform enhances stability underfoot and helps to ensure a smooth weight transfer when you swing the club.

The new TPU, assymetrical external heel counter adds to the support and stability given.

Dynamic Flywire technology is designed to wrap the foot for the ultimate in fit and comfort, providing excellent lateral support. Zarma Tour spikes provide great traction.

The shoe has a snazzy and sporty look and is available in a range of colours – Black/wolf grey/white; White/cosmic purple/anthracite; Pure platinum/bright crimson/midnight navy and White/wolf grey/black. It’s also possible to custom design your shoe.

Overall, the Nike Women’s Lunar Control 4 is a fine offering delivering a great mix of technology and style.

Nike’s women’s 2016 Vapor Fly range features a range of technologies to help make these the most lightweight and high performing women’s clubs Nike has released to date.

Nike Women’s 2016 Vapor Fly Driver RRP: £249.99

The key thing to note about the new Vapor Fly driver is how lightweight it is in comparison to earlier models. The crown is 30% lighter than the 2015 Vapor Speed. This does two key things – It means for the same relative effort, faster clubhead speed and so greater distance can be achieved. In addition, the centre of gravity can be pushed lower into the head, meaning an improved launch angle.

The Hyperlight face has been designed to maximise ball speeds and these are further enhanced by the compression channel behind the fact that provides greater forgiveness on off-centre strikes.

Also helping in terms of forgiveness is the Covert cavity back design. This allows for weight to be shifted to the heel and toe to increase clubhead stability.

The driver is adjustable thanks to the Flexloft 2 Technology and there are no fewer than 15 different launch condition settings to choose from. That means this driver can be tweaked to suit players with a variety of requirements. Loft can be moved between 8.5 and 12.5

The MRC Tensei CK Blue 50 shaft comes standard.

Nike Women’s 2016 Vapor Fly Fairways RRP: £179.99

Like the driver the Vapor Fly fairways feature the hyperlight face and re-engineered compression channel. These combine to deliver excellent ball speeds, even on slightly mis-struck shots.

The head shape has been designed with a view to finding the perfect blend between forgiveness and workability while the Covert cavity back allows weight to be spread to the heel and toe to maximise forgiveness.

These fairways are adjustable and there are six individual settings of loft and lie angle to choose from.

The fairways come in 3W, 5W and 7W with 2 of play in terms of loft on each thanks to the adjustability of the club.

The MRC Tensei CK Blue 65F shaft comes as standard.

Nike Women’s 2016 Vapor Fly Hybrids RRP: £149.99

The hybrids include many of the same technologies as the fairways and driver – hyperlight face, compression channel and Covert cavity back. These are extremely versatile clubs that work effectively as long iron replacements. They give you an option from the tee, the fairway or even the rough. They can also be used on short, touch shots around the greens.

Available in 4H and 5H with lofts of 23 and 26, the excellent MRC Tensei CK Blue 80H shaft comes standard

Nike Women’s 2016 Vapor Fly Irons RRP: £599.99

The construction of these irons means they have an extremely low and deep centre of gravity producing a higher, more powerful ball flight.

The Nexcor face is extremely flexible and it works in tandem with the reinforced chassis to deliver faster ball speeds across the face.

Like many modern iron sets, the Vapor Fly is progressive with the long and mid irons (4,5,6,7) featuring a hollow cavity for maximum forgiveness, and the shorter irons, with the RZN pocket, offer increased stability, control and feel.

RZN cavity wedges are available in A and S. They have been designed to allow maximum creativity and shotmaking.

The Vapor Fly range showcases a range of highly engineered technologies designed to help you get the most from your game from tee to green. The adaptability and versatility of the longer clubs is complemented by the precision and control of the irons that will help you in the scoring zone.

The Golf Monthly Nike Lunar Control 4 shoes review, a pair designed with Rory McIlroy to help use the ground more effectively via a stable base during the swing

Key Technology Designed in conjunction with Rory McIlroy, the fourth generation of the Lunar Control shoe focuses on stability, grip and comfort. New for this model is Dynamic Nike Flywire technology – which provides lateral support in the midfoot – as well as a robust external heel counter that helps lock the foot in place for better stability. A split tongue provides relief while walking. There are four colourways, including this new blue option launched more recently.

Will Suit Young, stylish and dynamic golfers who need high levels of grip and stability.

GM Review It would be safe to assume this shoe is aimed at the younger golfer or ‘modern athlete’ from the colours and the oversized Nike Swoosh on the toe. The styling will divide opinion, but it isn’t distracting and it adds to the shelf appeal.

There’s plenty of substance behind the design. The upper is synthetic, rather than leather, so it won’t stretch or change shape over time. As such, the shoes are ready to wear out of the box. The idea is to create a solid, stable platform from which to swing – something fast swingers will certainly appreciate.

Pyramid-style nubs on the outsole provide extra grip, and, despite the solid construction, the LC4 shoe is perfectly comfortable, thanks to the insole foam cushioning underfoot. While the midfoot fit is quite wide, the free cables that house the laces pull in around that area to minimise foot movement, while still allowing the toes to wiggle.

The Nike Method Origin putter used by Rory McIlroy since September 2015 is coming to the UK, featuring a RZN layer and polymetal grooves for feel and roll

Joining the Method Matter and Converge putters is the new Method Origin. It is designed to minimize distractions and improve the feel and roll of the ball on the greens for the best players in the world. Over a decade of research and insight from golfers including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy prompted Nike engineers to embark on a completely new putter construction.

The result is a classic-looking blade putter filled with performance-boosting innovations, including integrated RZN. RZN is a family of responsive materials also used in the Nike RZN golf balls and clubs. In this case, Nike say it makes the hole 10 per cent bigger by improving performance on mishit putts.

A unique construction comprising three pieces: the face, a secondary mass on the back and a RZN layer compressed in-between. Tungsten weights in the heel and toe also improve the putter's forgiveness.

Together, these pieces form the premium Nike Method Origin putter that has already recorded four global wins in the hands of McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel, who is currently averaging 1.3 fewer putts per round this season (28.9) compared to 2015 (30.2) on the European Tour. The compliant RZN layer is activated on off-centre hits, returning energy to the golf ball within the contact time.

“The response is incremental across the face. A hit on the centre of the face elicits a dampening effect,” Franklin says. “The more off-centre the hit, the more the RZN compresses and the more energy is returned to the ball. The response is similar to our Compression Channel and improves consistency across the face.”

Insights from McIlroy, who put the putter into play at the 2015 Tour Championship, then pushed Franklin and team to make the putter roll more efficiently. So they completely reengineered the polymetal groove technology to offer full-length grooves that are linear from heel to toe. This orientation is designed to provide a more consistent, efficient and faster forward roll.

“When I first tested it in Dubai in January 2015, I realised the long putts kept rolling just a little bit more. It just kept rolling and rolling, which was awesome,” McIlroy recalled. “Then I tested again at Sage Valley in April 2015 and loved it. From that point I kept asking, 'When can I get this in the bag?' I added it in September 2015 and it has been in the bag ever since.”

The newly designed face features twice the number of polymetal grooves of previous Method putters. More grooves means increased coefficient of friction and traction on the golf ball, creating earlier forward roll and a smoother, softer feel at impact.

“I love the new grooves,” McIlroy said. “The roll was perfect and I felt like the contact was so much softer than my previous putter; it got the ball rolling so much quicker.”

Available in two models, the B1-01 and B2-01 can be purchased from April 15th at nike.com and from selected retailers with an RRP of £229.99.

The new Nike MM Fly polo shirt collection has been unveiled, featuring a variety of collar styles and fabric tecnologies to keep you dry and swinging freely

Nike Golf’s new polo designs, with modern cuts and collars, continue to evolve on-course style and push the boundaries of tradition to help golfers look and feel their best.

The collars on the new Nike MM Fly polo shirt collection come in the distinct designs: blade, roll and classic while fit options range from standard — for a relaxed, comfortable fit — to modern slim, which offers maximum mobility and modern style.

Nike MM Fly Blade Polo RRP £55

The Nike MM Fly Blade Polo met this ask with lightweight, Dri-FIT fabric and ergonomic seams for a full range of motion. The new blade collar design provides comfort with a minimal rib design and a refined look.

“I wanted a great fitting polo that I could pull on at the beginning of my round and not think about again until after the last putt,” Nike athlete Rory McIlroy says on the new shirt.  “When they finally let me try their prototype polo," he said, “I thought: this is it! I really didn't want to give it back."

Watch Rory McIlroy explain how he became a champion

Nike MM Fly Roll Polo RRP £50

The Nike MM Fly Roll Polo has a similar Dri-FIT fabric and ergonomic design as well as a polished roll collar — Nike athlete Scott Pickney recants his thoughts when first wearing it. “I remember putting it on, before the designers had even completely finished it, and thinking, I don’t feel like a golfer in this. I feel like an athlete."

Nike MM Fly Framing Commander Polo RRP £50

The MM Fly Framing Commander Polo’s perforated collar stand atop breathable Dri-FIT fabric is particularly attuned to Nike athlete Thorbjorn Olesen’s desire for individual expression.

“Anytime I can have my off-course style blend in with my on course style, it’s a big thing for me,” Olesen elaborates. “The clothes we wear on the course almost become an expression of our personality.”

The new polo shirts will be available to buy from March 1st.

Golf Monthly's Nike Vapor Fly driver review, with updated technology to increase launch and distance as well as a fresh blue colour scheme

Distinguished by its bold blue crown with Volt color in the Compression Channel, the Nike Vapor Fly driver has three key technologies that are said to increase launch, distance and forgiveness while reducing spin.

Nike Vapor Fly Range Revealed

A new crown design has been made 30 per cent lighter than last year’s model resulting in a lower center of gravity and higher MOI for higher launch, less spin and more forgiveness.

Another new feature is the HyperFlight face, which has been thinned out around the perimeter to minimize ball speed loss on off-centre hits.

The Compression Channel seen on previous drivers has been re-engineered, creating a springboard effect to amplify performance on miss-hits. Finally, the FlyBeams in the Covert Cavity Back have been widened and stiffended to spread weight to the perimeter and increase clubhead stability and efficiency at impact.

Nike Vapor Fly driver review

Down by the ball, the contrast between the clubface and crown makes accurate alignment an easier task. The sound at impact remains loud and powerful, offering a slightly high pitched acoustic that’s pleasing on the ears.

While the Vapor Fly driver inspires more confidence, we preferred the pear-shape of the Vapor Fly Pro driver. Performance between the two clubheads was similar, but not identical.

We tested the Vapor Fly with the stock stiff MRC Tensei CK Blue 50 shaft, which felt quite soft for our 103mph clubhead and as result both launch and spin numbers were quite high at 17° and 2600 rpm respectively.

But when testing the Vapor Fly Pro with the heavier MRC Diamana S+ Blue Board 60 shaft, while spin came down overall distance also reduced marginally. This may be because launch angle also came down, perhaps due to the heavier shaft.

From Nike’s own testing, they found the Vapor Fly driver to offer the lowest spin meaning that with the right shaft combination has the potential to work with any swing speed or ability of player. In fact, many Nike Tour athletes gravitated towards the driver with the largest profile last year, taking advantage of the extra forgiveness.

Nike Vapor Fly driver SkyTrak launch monitor data

Nike Vapor Fly Pro driver SkyTrak launch monitor data

While we found the Vapor Fly slightly outperformed the Vapor Fly Pro, the differences were relatively marginal so it’s worth trying out the two together if you’re interested and see which performs the best but also suits your eye.

Technical specs Vapor Fly Driver: Lofts 8.5-12.5° adjustable with and face angle settings Neutral, Left and Right. MRC Tensei CK Blue 50 shaft with Golf Pride Z-Grips. RRP £249.99.

Vapor Fly Pro Driver: Lofts 8.5°-12.5° adjustable and face angle Neutral, Left and Right. MRC Diamana S+ Blue Board 60 and MRC Diamana D+ White Board 60 shafts and Golf Pride Z-Grips. RRP £299.99. On sale February 12th, 2016.

The new Nike Vapor Fly fairway woods and hybrids have been revealed, benefitting from the same technology in the drivers that increases launch and distance

The new Nike Vapor Fly fairway wood uses Nike’s tour-authentic chassis with upgraded technology to drive performance. Utilizing the same technology found within the Nike Vapor Fly drivers, the Nike Vapor Fly fairway wood features an extremely thin and light Flightweight Crown to move weight lower for a higher launch angle with less spin.

Five models in a Tour-inspired shape with an innovative new FlexLoft Fairway hosel allow for lofts from 12° to 22° at a standard or upright lie angle for a tour-level fit.

A Flightweight Crown is 30 per cent lighter than last year’s model resulting in a lower center of gravity and higher MOI for higher launch, less spin, and more forgiveness

A new HyperFlight face is thinned out around the perimeter to reduce ball speed loss across the face while a re-engineered Compression Channel creates a stronger springboard effect to amplify performance on miss hits.

Finally, the FlyBeam Reinforced Covert Cavity Back dramatically stiffens the chassis while redistributing weight to the heel and toe for maximum efficiency, tuned acoustics and forgiveness.

The fairway wood has an RRP of £179.99 with the MRC Tensei CK Blue 65F shaft or £199.99 with the MRC Diamana S+ Blue Board 70 shaft. Golf Pride Z-Grips come as standard.

The Vapor Fly Hybrid was completely redesigned for 2016. Working with Nike athletes such as Francesco Molinari, Nike Golf engineers created a hybrid with a refined, tour-driven profile to maximize versatility and shot making.

It features the same technological features as the fairway wood and has an RRP of £149.99 with the MRC Tensei CK Blue 80H shaft or £169.99 with the MRC Diamana S+ Blue Board 80H shaft. All of the Nike Vapor Fly range becomes available in shops on February 12^th, 2016.

The new Nike Lunar Control 4 golf shoes have been designed with the help of Rory McIlroy to provide the ultimate base for stability and power

The new Nike Lunar Control 4 golf shoes have been designed with the help of Rory McIlroy, and introduce a host of new technologies to help cope and enhance the four-time major winner's powerful 120mph swing.

McIlroy’s ability to attack the ball with so much power, while maintaining control over his swing arc, requires strength and a strong base, and so Nike wanted to develop something that would provide the platform to let him swing within himself.

Talking about the final package they came up with, McIlroy told GM: “I have been looking forward to wearing this shoe for quite some time.  It’s a design I’ve been involved with ever since my first year with Nike, and it gives me the confidence needed to maximise power in my swing with reliable control on the ground, especially off the tee.”

Like other Nike shoes, the Nike Lunar Control 4 golf shoes leverage innovations like Dynamic Nike Flywire technology that provides lateral support in the midfoot, and a robust external heel counter that helps lock the foot in place during the swing for better stability.

The distinctive upper - that now features an enlarged Swoosh design as seen on Nike's popular football boots - has been reengineered with a waterproof and lightweight microfibre that provides a soft, unrestricted feel, and unlike leather, doesn't stretch over time.

The tongue has also been redesigned (as you can see above) to wrap ergonomically around the ankle and provide a natural break when walking.

Some things haven't changed from the Nike Lunar Control 3 golf shoes, such as the high-performance outsole and Nike Lunarlon midsole that continue to offer great traction and cushioning.

The Nike Lunar Control 4 golf shoes will be available in three colourways for men (black/white, white/wolf grey, white/bright crimson) and three for women (black/white, white/wolf grey, pure platinum/bright crimson).

Nike Lunar Control 4 golf shoes details

The Nike Lunar Control 4 golf shoes will cost £130.00 and will be available from 5pm on November 17th 2015 via nike.com/golf.

The Nike CounterFlex putter is Nike's answer to the anchored putter ban using a 75-gram sliding weight inside the grip to change the putter's feel and improve tempo

With the anchored putter ban fast approaching, Nike Golf have unveiled their method for golfers to overcome it.

So far, many manufacturers have release counter-balanced putters that feature a heavier clubhead and a weight in the top of a longer, thicker grip. But from their own research, Nike discovered that not all golfers necessarily putt best with the weight in the top of the grip.

“Our research tells us that only 30 percent of golf athletes found his or her best match of rhythm and tempo when the weight was locked in the top of the slide as is the case with most fixed mass counter-balanced putters. The remaining 70 percent played better when the 75 grams were located in the middle or bottom position,” said David Franklin, Nike Master Modelmaker.

“With Nike CounterFlex we have infinite positions for the weight so athletes can actually tune it to get their delivery and timing smoothed out and perfect at impact.”

The Nike CounterFlex system joins the Method Matter putter in the line and uses a 15-inch carbon fibre rod housed inside the grip. On this rod is a 75-gram weight that can be unlocked, slid up and down and then fixed again in position depending on the golfer’s preference to calibrate the putter's weight balance.

CounterFlex technology changes the club’s moment of inertia and the overall swing weight, ensuring anchor-like stability, adjustable to any stroke. It essentially alters the feel of the putter to help golfers improve the rhythm and tempo of their stroke.

“One of the key components to putting is stable stroke and delivery at impact,” Franklin said. “Whether you’re a tour player or an amateur, CounterFlex offers adjustability to tune the putter to get the most stable delivery at impact.”

It has been paired with Nike’s Method Converge putters, specifically the mallet b101 and bladed s112 models, and incurs a £40 upcharge on the original £129.99 retail price. It is available in both 35in and 38in shaft lengths.

Laser cut holes between panels on the Nike Aeroloft jacket help maintain the optimum body temperature out on the course

The new Nike Aeroloft Jacket nullifies the effect of adverse weather by keeping golfers warm and dry through its unique Aeroloft technology.

“Aeroloft technology allows us to produce excellent insulation with minimal weight,” explains Eric Schindler, Nike Global Apparel Product Director. “We utilized stretch knit fabrics in conjunction with the Aeroloft padding to maximize movement and thermoregulation.”

The Aeroloft Poly Filled Jacket features engineered laser-cut holes between panels of insulation. An inner knit sleeve and back adds warmth.

Developed by Nike designers, with help from the Nike Explore Team Sport Research Lab, Aeroloft allows the body to maintain its core temperature without overheating. Its unique blend of lightweight insulation and perforated ventilation is designed to retain just enough heat while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape, helping athletes remain in their optimal performance zone. The poly fill also helps keep athletes dry when rain showers the course.

Rory McIlroy is one Nike athlete who has already tested the Aeroloft Jacket. See a picture of him testing the jacket at the bottom of the page and watch our exclusive interview with him below about how he became the champion he is today.

The women’s jacket also utilizes a poly fill and features stretch knit construction on the side panels and underarm for maximum mobility.

The Nike Aeroloft Poly Filled Jacket comes in black, photo blue and midnight navy with an RRP of £120 and is available now at nike.com and select retailers.

The Golf Monthly Test Team's Nike Method Matter putter review, a range that includes four traditional head shapes with RZN face technology to improve feel and roll

The Method Matter putter family includes two blades, a mid-mallet and a full-mallet shape designed with input from Nike tour pros

Replacing The Method Matter family replaces the Method Core range.

Golf Monthly Nike Method Matter putter review

Address View The Nike Method Matter putters have a clean and simple look on top with minimal distractions on very traditional putter shapes. A semi matte-black finish reduces glare and is joined by one white alignment line extending across the flange.

Shelf Appeal The four shapes in the family, as well as the premium finish, red RZN insert and Nike swoosh on the face, mean this putter line has more than enough pop off the shelf to catch your eye, aided by a retail price under £100.

Grip A lot of thought has clearly gone in to the traditional mid-size grip with its shape seemingly fitting snugly in your hands however you hold the putter. It has a slightly rough but soft texture that really enhances the feel you experience at impact, while the shaping helps you return the face squarely.

Face technology Nike’s RZN Groove insert softens the feel and delivers a faster forward roll, aided by the stainless steel body. The loft is relatively low at 2.5°, which may also contribute to the ball rolling out a little more than you would expect, enabling you to adopt a more compact, controllable stroke.

Fitting Nike’s new RTS (Return to Square) colour-coded model selection system gives golfers a starting point as to the type of putter they should be playing. Using a special mat, you are recommended either a straight, slight or strong arc putter based on how far you stand from the ball at address and your ability to start the ball on line.

Adjustability The putter heads feature two sole weights in the heel and toe. A head weight of 345g comes as standard in the four models, with a 34-inch shaft, but this can be altered slightly up or down by changing the sole weights during a custom fitting.

Forgiveness Although slightly less forgiving than the Converge line, the design and length of the RZN insert offers a generally consistent roll and feel from different strike points, which is especially noticeable from long range.

Consistency The consistency of the roll-out is a reassuring trait, leaving you less worried about finding the sweet spot. Only really poor strikes feel significantly different. Once you’ve found a model that fits your stroke type via the RTS system, you should be able to hole-out regularly from close range.

Distance Control The face technology certainly helps, and being able to add or take away weight from the head allows you to control distance more effectively, too. Initially, the ball rolls out a foot or two more than expected from distance, so spend some time on the practice green before putting a Matter model in play on the course.

Feel If you like a soft-feeling flat stick with a quiet, muted sound, the Method Matter putters will be right up your street. There’s barely a sound made when you strike the ball and yet it rolls true, thanks to the two types of material used in the RZN insert. That said, there’s just enough feedback to let you know if you’ve found the sweet spot.

The Golf Monthly Test team's Nike Engage wedge review, a model that comes in three sole grinds and a raw finish to boost versatility and greenside spin

Nike Engage wedge review

Key technology Debuted by Rory McIlroy at the start of the year, the Engage wedges feature the same modern-muscle design used in the Nike Vapor iron range, which shifts the centre of gravity towards the centre of the clubface to aid stability and offer consistent turf interaction. They come in three different grind options – Dual Sole, Square Sole and second generation Toe Sweep. Precision-milled X3X grooves help impart maximum spin. The finish is authentic and raw to reduce glare and increase surface roughness, which improves spin and control.

Will suit Golfers seeking versatility from their higher-lofted wedges as well as tour-level feel and control around the green.

Specs Lofts range from 50-60°. True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts and Golf Pride tour Velvet grips come as standard.

GM verdict A very impressive offering for under £100, the Nike Engage wedges have a host of stand-out features. The raw finish creates a distinctive look, minimising glare from the sun but also increasing the level of control. A lower ball flight and noticeable bite and then gentle release on chips and long pitch shots was reassuring.

The very square leading edge will also suit the eye of the majority of golfers, helping to align the face on shots where accuracy is so important. The Dual Sole grind is the most versatile, allowing golfers to play a wide variety of shots, including both open-faced and full shots, while the Toe Sweep grind is a game changer from bunkers – it will help those players who are very steep and take too much sand glide the club under the ball without losing speed to get it out.

Nike has launched the Method Converge and Method Matter putter lines with an innovative self-fitting system to help golfers find the best putter for their game

Nike Golf have unveiled the Method Converge and Method Matter, two new families of putters that both feature an innovative self-fitting system to help any golfer find the best putter for his or her game.

With so many lengths, designs and head shapes, it can be difficult to find the right putter. The most important aspect in this process is making sure you’re putting with the right head shape.

The essence of a consistent putt is to get the face of the club square to the ball at impact. No matter how a putter looks or feels, if it doesn’t accomplish its main task, the athlete will struggle to make putts.

Nike designed a simple and unique self-fitting system to help golf athletes quickly and easily find the best putter for his or her game. The four-step process starting with the athlete’s natural stance at address.

“We’re not trying to change the way you putt,” said Tony Dabbs, Product Director of Nike clubs. “We’re trying to match how you already putt and put the right product in your hands.”

The Nike Method Converge putters are focused on feel, roll and forgiveness, and come in four distinct styles (B1-01, M1-08, S1-12, S2-12). Method technology features a RZN material, the same RZN used in the Nike RZN golf balls. Nike club designers utilized some of the findings from the golf ball team and applied it to the face of the putter to give it a softer feel and delivers faster forward roll.

A RZN layer between 304 Stainless Steel actively manages forgiveness resulting in 10 percent tighter dispersion. A “T” shaped alignment aid helps find the proper address position.

The Method Matter putters also feature a Tour-proven RZN Groove insert softens feel and delivers faster forward roll, while the Stainless Steel body further softens feel and allows for more adjustability.

There are four classic shapes (B1-07, B2-01, M4-12, M5-12) designed with input from Tour athletes. Length-specific head weights ensure optimal perimeter weighting and low CG for enhanced stability and less spin.

Pricing: The Nike Method Converge (£129.99) and Method Matter (£99.99) putters are available now.

Nike's Tour-Proven Nike Method Prototype 006 putter, as used by World No.1 Rory McIlroy, is now no longer exclusive to the tour pros

With a record of six Tour victories, including two Major championships, the Nike Method Prototype 006 Putter has been put to good use in the bag of Rory McIlroy, who finished fourth at the Masters, as well as Francesco Molinari, Seung Yul-Noh and other Nike athletes. On May 7th, it will become available to non-Tour professionals for the first time.

Developed by Nike Master Crasftsman David Franklin, the Nike Method Prototype Putter 006 features Polymetal Groove technology in the face to provide a soft feel and fast forward roll.

“We took the opportunity to blend superior craftsmanship with innovative science to create a putter that not only looks beautiful, but also truly gives the athlete an advantage with a superior roll,” Franklin said.

Franklin and the team of engineers operating out of The Oven, Nike Golf’s advanced R&D facility in Ft. Worth, Texas, are driven to provide athletes with the tools they need to maintain peak performance.

“When we get together to discuss what the athletes need to perform at a world-class level, we bring our expertise to the table and they bring theirs,” Franklin said. “There is power in that and we take it very seriously.”

Each Nike Method Prototype 006 Putter sold will feature a laser-engraved Nike Oven logo and will be bundled with a tour-packaged box of RZN Black golf balls, a volt Nike head cover and a booklet with more information about the club.

The putter will be available in limited quantities at nike.com from May 7th and select retailers from May 15th.

The Golf Monthly Test Team review the Nike Lunar Control 3 shoes, as worn by World No.1 Rory McIlroy

Nike Lunar Control 3 shoe review

Key technology Worn by world No.1 Rory McIlroy, the latest version of this shoe features a number of changes. The Lunar Control 3 has a lower profile and is lighter. Nike’s Lunarlon cushioning in the midsole offers cushioning under the foot, while Flywire technology wraps around the foot to improve lateral support. The outsole incorporates Nike’s Control Platform, designed to provide added stability when swinging. Colour combinations can be customised using the impressive NikeiD website (£150 per pair).

Will suit Players looking for comfort and stability in their golf shoes.

The Golf Monthly test team gives its Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver review

Nike VRS Covert 2.0 review:

Components

1) Shaft options - The Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Silver TiNi is a new shaft designed to produce a lower launch and less spin than the original Kuro Kage Silver offering.

2) Grip - The Nike Tour Golf Pride Wrap 2G is white as standard. The look and feel will divide opinion, particularly when tested in the rain, as it doesn’t provide as much grip as others in the Golf Pride range.

Technology

3) Adjustability - Nike’s impressive FlexLoft system returns, offering lofts from 8.5 to 12.5 degrees in one head, with three different face angle positions also available at each loft. Despite the number of options, the adjustability is easy to understand.

4) Head design - New Fly-Brace technology joins the sole to the crown. This stiffens the rear portion of the club so that more energy can be transferred to the face at impact to improve distance.

Aesthetics

5) Shelf appeal - As with the original, the cavity will certainly catch the eye; the sole in the 2.0 looks even more futuristic.

6) Address - The bold red crown design remains, as does the white Nike swoosh near the heel. A new ‘2.0’ alignment aid is clear without being distracting.

Performance

7) Flight - Although the stock shaft promises a lower flight, the 2.0 actually felt slightly easier to launch than the original at the same loft. With slightly more loft than the ideal settings for most drivers, the flight on offer here was excellent.

8) Distance - Compared to the original Nike Covert driver, distance gains weren’t dramatic, but it did prove slightly longer on average. With so much adjustability on offer, the distance varied dramatically depending on the setting. The 2.0 is so easy to adjust that you can set the driver to suit course conditions and weather, as well as your swing.

9) Forgiveness - The cavity design and face combination provide impressive forgiveness, particularly on shots that find the heel and toe of the club. Overall performance is very good, with tweaks to the original rather than a complete redesign.

10) Impact sound - The addition of Nike’s Fly-Brace technology seems to have provided a more solid impact sound, which is sure to appeal to many golfers.

Nike Golf and Tiger Woods have teamed up once more the launch the signature TW '15 golf shoe

Nike Golf and Tiger Woods have teamed up once more the launch the signature TW '15 golf shoe.

The TW '15 is Nike's first shoe to feature Flyweave technology in the upper.

This, combined with the existing Free-inspired outsole, is designed to give golfers support and flexibility where they need it the most.

Dynamic Flywire is used to create a one-piece Flyweave upper (below) characterised by its support, flexibility and lightweight nature.

Nike's Free-inspired outsole has also been updated (below). It sits 3mm lower than the TW '14 shoe to improve ground feel, while a new outsole-construction process increases flexibility.

In addition, four replacement spikes are employed alongside Integrated Traction in the toe to offer more freedom of movement.

"Nike keeps answering the ball every time I want to push the envelope," said Woods.

"The new Flyweave technology provides even more stability and support for my foot.

"When you pair that with the Free-inspired outsole, I noticed I can push off the ground better and finish my swing with more power."

Flyweave technology first made its appearance in a 2014 Nike basketball shoe, providing stability and a natural range of motion.

"Tiger epitomizes power," said Tobie Hatfield, who has collaborated with Woods on golf shoe design since their first prototype model appeared at the 2011 Bridgestone Invitational.

"His power starts with natural motion, which begins with unleashing the foot from the ground up.

"Flyweave gives you that flexibility coupled with support."

The TW '15 golf shoe is 10% lighter than the previous model.

TW '15 golf shoe essentials:

A limited number of TW '15 shoes will be available in Metallic Silver/Black/Cool Grey colourway on nike.com from February 2.

The same colour scheme, plus two more - Red/Black and Black/White (below) - go on sale on March 5, with pre-orders beginning on February 12.

Nike's TW '15 golf shoes come with a RRP of £160.

Rory McIlroy has put new Nike Golf Engage wedges into play at this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Rory McIlroy has put new Nike Engage wedges into play at this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

The name 'Engage' refers to three key interactions during the golf swing: player and equipment, golf club and turf and club face and golf ball.

A modern muscle design - as used in the Nike Vapor club range - is employed to shift the centre of gravity to facilitate stability and consistent turf interaction.

Nike Engage wedges come in three different grind options - Toe Dual Sole, Square Sole and Toe Sweep.

McIlroy and other Nike staff players were involved in the product development process and gave their feedback to Master Craftsman Mike Taylor.

The Square Sole was designed to be played with a square face while the Duel Sole grind was inspired by designs employed by McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

The second-generation Toe Sweep is crafted for use from the worst lies on the course.

"To me, the wedges perform really well from rough around the greens," said McIlroy, who is using a Nike Engage 59-degree wedge in his first tournament of 2015.

Matt Plumb, Nike Golf Product Line Manager for Woods and Short Game, added:

"Our aim in offering three sole grinds allows athletes to be more purposeful when selecting their wedges.

"Each of these grinds provide a distinct advantage in the types of shots you can play with them."

All Engage wedges come precision-milled with X3X grooves, which impart maximum spin on full shots.

The finish is authentic and raw to reduce glare and increase surface roughness, which improves spin and control.

Nike Engage wedges come with an RRP of £99.99 and will be available to purchase from April.

Here you can read Golf Monthly's Nike Vapor drivers review, including our thoughts on the Pro, Speed and Flex models

Three Pro, Speed and Flex drivers will be available from January. Above, Golf Monthly digital editor Neil Tappin gives his Nike Vapor drivers review.

While all three drivers boast some impressive new technologies, the stand-out feature is the FlexFlight adjustability system on the Vapor Flex - the flagship model.

A RZN tube with a high-density weight is located in the cavity of the club. This 'flightpod' can be moved to modify the centre of gravity and create optimal launch conditions for golfers' idiosyncratic golf swings.

The CG on the FlexFlight system - which also impacts launch angle, spin rate, forgiveness and workability - can be moved from low and forward to low and back.

"Often times in the fitting process, there's an opportunity for a final adjustment to develop the shot shape and ball flight the athlete is looking for," said Nate Radcliffe, Director of Engineering for Nike Golf.

"That's how FlexFlight can help. With a simple quarter turn, we can adjust the mass of the module forward and backward within the club to change the trajectory and shot shape.

"We are seeing that a two-plus millimetre shift will change launch angle up to a degree and a change in spin of about 300 rpm."

FlexFlight innovation is accompanied by three other key technologies, which also feature in the Vapor Pro and Vapor Speed drivers.

FlyBeams stiffen the club's cavity back, while FlexLoft2 allows golfers to choose from five lofts and three different face angles with 15 different settings.

What's more, a re-engineered compression channel is designed to make the entire face spring for increased ball speeds.

The Nike Vapor Flex Speed and Pro drivers go on sale on January 31, 2015.

Prices range from £249.99 - £349.99

Nike Golf has announced that 10 sets of limited-edition MM Proto irons will go on sale on Thursday December 11

Nike Golf has announced that 10 sets of limited-edition MM Proto irons will go on sale on Thursday December 11.

They will be available exclusively at Nike.com ahead of the Nike Vapor franchise launch in January 2015.

The prototype MM irons - designed exclusively for tour use - have been forged with direct input from current world number one Rory McIlroy and 14-time Major Champion Tiger Woods.

Each of the 10 sets of MM Proto irons have been constructed by staff trained at The Oven - Nike Golf's R&D headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

They are available in 3-PW and all 10 sets will be individually numbered.

What's more, all 80 irons will come with a laser-engraved Oven logo on the head and will be subject to a detail inspection by The Oven staff prior to shipment.

MM stands for Modern Muscle - a contemporary take on standard muscle-back designs that brings the irons' centre of gravity to the middle of the clubface.

Modern Muscle irons are crafted to produce more efficient and pure strikes.

McIlroy put an MM Proto - a Vapor Pro Combo 2-iron - into play at this year's Open Championship, where he notched his third Major title.

He went on to record victory in the USPGA Championship at Valhalla the following month.

MM Proto irons are the forerunner to the Vapor Pro irons, which go on sale on January 31, 2014.

The clubs features third-generation X3X grooves for improved spin and consistency and narrow sole withs for better strikes from bad lies.

They also sport thin top lines and straight leading edges with minimal offset.

The 10 MM Proto irons sets will go on sale at 8am GMT on Thursday December 11 at http://gonike.me/MM-Proto (note: the link may not be live now but will on the 11th).

Nike's Vapor irons, Vapor drivers, Vapor fairways and Vapor hybrids hit shops at the end of January.

Nike Golf has followed on from the launch of three Vapor drivers by introducing two new Vapor hybrids: Vapor Flex and Vapor Speed

Nike Golf has followed on from the launch of three Vapor drivers by introducing two new Vapor hybrids: Vapor Flex and Vapor Speed.

They are designed to offer increased distance through more efficient launch conditions, and both feature a cavity back and compression channel.

The Vapor Flex hybrids feature FlexLoft 2 - an adjustable mechanism - that allows golfers to optimise loft and face angles to suit their own techniques.

What's more, Nike engineers have lowered the centre of gravity and constructed lower and straighter leading edges.

In addition, Nike's renowned cavity-back technology has been redeployed in both models to redirect energy towards a new compression channel, leading to higher ball speeds and increased distance.

"The Vapor Flex hybrids were engineered for speed, versatility and forgiveness," said Nate Radcliffe, Director of Engineering for Nike Golf.

"Leading edges are straight and tighter and tighter to the turf while a lighter FlexLoft 2 and slopes crown has significantly lowered centre of gravity to produce improved launch conditions."

The improved FlexLoft system is some five grams lighter than its previous incarnation, and is compatible with older generations of Covert.

Longer Vapor Speed hybrids (below) feature a larger body and shallower face, while shorter models have a deeper face and sleeker body.

Nike says this facilitates increased forgiveness and speed on long hybrids, and more accuracy and workability on shorter versions.

"The Vapor Speed hybrids are engineered for speed, increased trajectory and forgiveness," added Radcliffe.

"Golfers looking to maximise and control trajectory from a variety of lies will benefit from the powerful combination of these signature technologies."

Nike Vapor Speed hybrids and available from Jan 31, 2015 in 17 to 26-degree models.

They come with a RRP of £134.99.

Nike Vapor Flex Hybrids come in 3H (17-21 degrees) and 4H (21-25 degrees).

They are also available on January 31, 2015 and will set you back £159.99.

The new Nike Vapor irons include the Nike Vapor Pro, Nike Vapor Pro Combo and Nike Vapor Speed, a trio featuring new technology to help various abilities of golfers.

The new Nike Vapor irons were launched on stage in New York with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, two of Nike's tour stars who have had a big input in their creation.

The irons feature technology that moves their center of gravity closer to the toe than Nike’s previous irons, positioning it in the centre of the face. Nike is calling the design “Modern Muscle Technology,” and it includes a black-colored PVD insert that is accented by Nike's famous swoosh.

According to Nike, the more-centred CG puts more weight behind the golf ball at impact to improve energy transfer, precision and stability.

“We had this idea, if we moved the CG towards the centre of the face that it would have more impact and more mass right behind the golf ball,” Tiger Woods said. “And it worked. I was able to hit the ball a little bit further, it came off more solid and the amazing thing is the ball flew better.”

Nike Vapor Pro

The Vapor Pro, which had the most input for McIlroy and Woods, has forward weighting for a lower trajectory, with a longer blade length and shorter face height than its predecessors. It also has milled X3X grooves, a thin sole for better turf interaction and are forged from 1025 carbon steel.

Nike Vapor Pro Combo

The Vapor Pro Combo irons also forged from a 1025 carbon steel and feature the milled X3X grooves. They too utilise face-centred weighting, with a low-and-rearward CG in the long irons for a higher trajectory and high and forward CG in the short irons for a more penetrating ball flight. To achieve this the 2-7 irons will have what Nike calls a “RZN” cavity back, while the 8-PW will have a muscle cavity.

Nike Vapor Speed

The Vapor Speed irons have face-centered weighting that’s consistently low and forward throughout the set for a more forgiving, higher launch. The 3-7 irons have hollow cavity backs that are reinforced with a “FlyBeam” behind the face for forgiveness, while the 8-SW have RZN cavity backs. The irons will also feature a moderate sole width and X3X milled grooves.

All Vapor models will be available from January 31st, 2015, with prices and specifications to be confirmed.

Here is the Golf Monthly Nike RZN Black ball review, telling you all you need to know about the ball of choice of Rory McIlroy

Key Technology: Nike RZN Black ball review

Nike’s resin material is used again in the core, but the design has been advanced. Resin is lighter and faster than rubber, which allows weight to be moved to the perimeter to make the ball more stable. The resin core design now grips with the compression layer for better energy transfer at impact. The Black is designed to offer less spin off the tee than the Platinum version.

Will suit... Those looking for a soft feel and an impressive flight.

The Golf Monthly test team reviews the Nike VR X3X Toe Sweep wedge

Key technology:

The Toe Sweep wedge features X3X grooves, which are closer together and deeper, in order to deliver consistent spin from the fairway, rough and sand. The toe area has been made wider, while material has been removed from the heel area. This combination is designed to make it easier to play a range of shots, with the face positioned at different angles.

Will suit... players looking to hit a wide variety of pitch and chip shots.

PGA Pro verdict:

Initially, the new sole innovation looked quite odd, and I noticed that the face wanted to fall open at address. However, this proved beneficial on test. It was exceptional from tight lies, and there was very little, if any, ‘snagging’, even on shots that were struck slightly heavy. This is a great wedge to use on those tough, tight shots around the green.

Components:

1) Shaft options - The Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Silver TiNi is a new shaft designed to produce a lower launch and less spin than the original Kuro Kage Silver offering.

2) Grip - The Nike Tour Golf Pride Wrap 2G is white as standard. The look and feel will divide opinion, particularly when tested in the rain, as it doesn't provide as much grip as others in the Golf Pride range.

Technology:

3) Adjustability - Nike's impressive FlexLoft system returns, offering lofts from 8.5 to 12.5 degrees in one head, with three different face angle positions also available at each loft. Despite the number of options, the adjustability is easy to understand.

4) Head design - New Fly-Brace technology joins the sole to the crown. This stiffens the rear portion of the club so that more energy can be transferred to the face at impact to improve distance.

Aesthetics:

5) Shelf appeal - As with the original, the cavity will certainly catch the eye; the sole in the 2.0 looks even more futuristic.

6) Address - The bold red crown design remains, as does the white Nike swoosh near the heel. A new ‘2.0' alignment aid is clear without being distracting.

Performance:

7) Flight - Although the stock shaft promises a lower flight, the 2.0 actually felt slightly easier to launch than the original at the same loft. With slightly more loft than the ideal settings for most drivers, the flight on offer here was excellent.

8) Distance - Compared to the original, distance gains weren't dramatic, but it did prove slightly longer on average. With so much adjustability on offer, the distance varied dramatically depending on the setting. The 2.0 is so easy to adjust that you can set the driver to suit course conditions and weather, as well as your swing.

9) Forgiveness - The cavity design and face combination provide impressive forgiveness, particularly on shots that find the heel and toe of the club. Overall performance is very good, with tweaks to the original rather than a complete redesign.

10) Impact sound - The addition of Nike's Fly-Brace technology seems to have provided a more solid impact sound, which is sure to appeal to many golfers.

Nike VR Forged Pro Combo irons review:

Key technology:

A progressive set designed with the better player in mind. The 3, 4, 5 and 6-irons feature a pocket cavity filled with polymer ? or ?shot-making gel? as the Nike Golf R&D engineers call it ? while the shorter clubs, from 7-iron through to pitching wedge, have split cavities, with the focus on shot precision. High-frequency X3X grooves are designed to provide optimal spin.

Will suit: confident strikers after improved long-iron performance.

Key technology:

The deep cavity-back design should offer game-improvement levels of forgiveness, but with the added benefit of a stylish, compact appearance at address. Nike's NexCOR face technology, which has been used in previous VR_S irons, is designed to produce faster ball speeds and longer shots from a wider area of the face.

Will suit... players who want to look down on a smart head, but who still require forgiveness.

Key technology:

A cavity back in the head is based on technology usually found in irons. An area is removed from the back of the head, which allows weight to be redistributed to other areas to improve forgiveness. This is achieved while maintaining a classic-shaped head at address. NexCOR face technology remains, creating more speed at impact across a wide area of the face.

Will suit: those seeking a traditional but forgiving head.

Key technology

The outsole of the shoe mirrors the natural motion of the foot to allow freedom of movement and release more power when swinging. Dynamic fit improves comfort and stability.

Components

1) Head options: available in three new head shapes and shaft designs. These are the 006 (compact blade), 007 (centre-shafted compact blade) and 008 (compact mallet). They have already been used on tour.

2) Grip: there are a wide variety of grip options to choose from that vary in size, firmness and tackiness. The standard grip is the Golf Pride Method Tour Tradition, which is flat fronted, feels soft in the hands, and provides plenty of feedback.

Technology

3) Face design: Polymetal Groove Technology is designed to generate a forward roll almost immediately after impact. This should prevent bouncing and skidding, and, as a result, improve distance control.

4) Head design: the lightweight grooves also mean that weight is saved in and behind the face of the putter. This weight is redistributed to the heel and toe of the head to improve forgiveness and deliver the face square at impact.

Aesthetics

5) Shelf appeal: a new dark chrome finish gives a high-quality look that works well with the distinctive groove design to make Method putters instantly recognisable. The success of the Method design on tour means that many will be attracted to the range.

6) Address view: the dark finish looks beautiful at address and the smooth lines on the back of the head give the putter a high-quality appearance. The grooves are visible at address, giving a confidence boost that the ball will roll smoothly.

Performance

7) Feel: the Method putters offer the best feel of any Nike design ever released. The feel is soft, but because the ball rolls so nicely you don't feel as if you have to hit it any harder. It's a combination that few putters achieve and it works very effectively.

8) Roll: this is where any Method design really impresses. Even on slightly bumpy greens the ball comes off the face consistently. The strength of the roll is superb, ideal for year-round golf in the UK.

9) Forgiveness: these traditional head designs won't mask major stroke flaws, and there are other high moment of inertia Method models that are more forgiving. Instead, the compact heads will offer superb results for those with a consistent stroke.

10) Distance control: Because the design helps to improve consistency, you should find that the Method Midnight produces good distance control. The ball might roll out further than you're used to, but it doesn't take long to adjust.

Key technology

The conventional rubber core is replaced with a new resin material. It is lighter than rubber and should help to produce faster ball speeds and more control. The lighter core is combined with heavier outer layers to give the ball perimeter weighting for a straighter flight.

Components

1) Stock shaft - the Nippon N.S. Pro 950GH HT steel shaft is designed to offer a higher-than-standard trajectory and added control. The design is particularly impressive in the long irons.

2) Grip - the stock grip is the classic Nike Tour Velvet by Golf Pride. This is a grip you will see a number of tour pros using thanks to the soft feel and understated look.

Technology

3) Face design - a thin face is designed to offer a combination of added power without sacrificing feel. The X3X grooves are closer together and there are more of them to offer consistent spin in all conditions.

4) Cavity design - Nike PowerBow Technology means that weight is moved from off the face into a deep-pocket cavity to help produce a faster and higher launch and a straighter flight.

Aesthetics

5) Address view - there is a big difference between the compact address view and the depth of the cavity. You would almost think that this was a muscle-back and there is plenty of forgiveness on offer to match. This is an excellent combination for those who want a compact head, but aren't consistent enough to use a muscle-back design.

6) Shelf appeal - you can clearly see that there is added forgiveness and a wider sole than the Split Cavity design. It is clear there is plenty of technology on offer, but at the same time the high-quality finish gives an impressive overall look.

Performance

7) Flight - the shaft and head work superbly together to help produce a high flight without any loss of distance. The ball didn't balloon and flew impressive distances. There was also consistent gapping between clubs all the way up to the long irons.

8) Forgiveness - this is a fantastic all-round performer and sits right in the middle of the current irons on offer when it comes to forgiveness. Slightly missing the sweet spot will not be punished, but you won't get away with complete mishits. This should help to encourage a good strike.

9) Feel - the unusual combination of a forged face with a cavity-back produces a powerful sound and a softer feel than the non-forged VR_S iron. It is clear where you have made contact.

10) Distance control - the gaps between clubs were very consistent and the flight throughout the set was higher than average. The new face and cavity make this at least half a club longer than the split-cavity clubs they replace.

A lightweight aluminium face is combined with a heavy steel body to position the centre of gravity further back and lower in the head of the Nike Method Concept putter. This should help to get the ball rolling quicker and offer the stability of a large-headed putter. The red area is designed to contrast against the grass, but the body should blend in, giving the impression of a blade. Polymetal Groove Technology remains and is designed to help produce a smooth roll with no skidding as well as providing a soft feel.

The Nike Method Concept putter will suit anyone who wants a forgiving putter without it being enormous

Credit must go to Nike here for producing a model unlike anything else on the market. The design of the Nike Method Concept putter initially looks bizarre, but when you look down on it at address you focus on the blade area and soon forget about the unusual body shape. It felt very easy to deliver the putter square at impact without the normal issues that high MOI putters have on long-range putts. Some will dismiss the design immediately, but give it a try and you may be pleasantly surprised.

See more:

Nike Method Concept putter pictures

Nike Method Concept putter launched 

Four-time European Tour winner Ross Fisher has joined Nike Golf.

The move to Nike Golf is Fisher's first change of manufacturer in his seven-year career as a professional.

"Just looking at the history of Nike, it's all about innovative products that are designed specifically for athletes," said the 31-year-old. Nike Golf is the same. At Nike, golfers are athletes," said Fisher.

Fisher, who ranked 43rd in driving distance off the tee on the European Tour last season, added: "I'm really bombing it with the Nike VR Pro Ltd driver and I'm looking forward to putting all the new gear into play.

Fisher's Nike bag for 2012 will contain a selection of Nike products from the VR woods and iron range and the tour proven Nike Method putter line.

The Englishman's first outing as a Nike Golf staff athlete will be at the Abu Dhabi Championship, which takes place from January 26-29.

"My first priority this year is to get back into the world's top 50, and with the backing and support of my coaches and the team at Nike Golf, I am sure that it's a realistic goal," added Fisher, whose last win came at the Irish Open in 2010.

See also:

More Tour news

Nike has expanded its Nike Golf Method putter range by introducing its new Nike Method Concept putter.

The new Nike Method Concept mid-Mallet putter was inspired by the notion of the Concept car, Nike's designers creating an iconic shape without sacrificing the game-changing performance that Nike Method technology delivers. 

Golfers should discover a putter that delivers a smoother stroke and a truer roll with far less skid.

The appearance of the Nike Method Concept mid-Mallet putter is more like a blade, yet it plays like a mallet.

Nike's bold red front and the strong black back design should appeal to those who are looking for ways to bring a

new level of confidence to the putting green.

The Nike Method Concept mid-Mallet putter will be available from February, 2012 and Golf Monthly will have more news of the release, plus reviews both online and in a future issue of Golf Monthly magazine.

See also:

Equipment reviews