The zero-torque putter market has absolutely exploded over the last year or so, with almost every manufacturer looking to offer its own version of this popular putter type. Now it's Mizuno's turn to enter the fray with the M.Craft X Three putter (£429).

At first glance, I really like the look of this putter. It frames the ball exceptionally well and offers a genuinely confidence-inspiring look, which will help those who struggle on the greens, particularly with shorter putts.

Traditionally, zero-torque models can look a bit unconventional, often relying on the shaft running directly into the center of the head and through the center of gravity. However, Mizuno’s new Z-Neck introduces a different approach to Zero Torque performance, similar to that of the Evnroll Zero Z5s. I prefer this reverse plumber's neck style over a traditional, center-shafted look, and I think golfers looking to try zero-torque technology for the first time will as well.

The Z-Neck is engineered so that the shaft axis passes directly through the putter's CG. This helps keep the face square to the path of the stroke, minimizing twisting of the putter head and therefore helping start the ball on your intended line more often.

What makes this release of the M.Craft X Three exciting is the premium technology and the sheer versatility of this interchangeable model. Like other models in the M.Craft range, these putters can actually be taken apart, allowing golfers to change the face and neck (£289), the rear of the putter (£100), or the weights (£40), should they choose to, without having to purchase a brand new putter.

These individual components allow golfers to experiment with different feels, alignment aids, and appearances, allowing you to switch between zero-torque and a putter with toe hang in a matter of clicks with a wrench.

From a performance standpoint, the M.Craft X Three putter really impressed me. That soft feel, thanks to the milled 1025E carbon steel head, felt superb and had my pace control dialed from distance. On a test with 12 balls from 40ft, the ball finished in my ‘gimme’ zone 10 out of 12 times - impressive control that I saw replicated when using it on the golf course.

The larger head and elongated alignment line made it easy to align when setting up for those more makeable putts, although I would have preferred to have seen the alignment aid run all the way through to the top of the face on the putter.

Furthermore, a precision-milled aluminium back structure complements the forged steel front section. This multi-material construction enables the putter to combine the responsive feel and control of a blade with the added stability and forgiveness of a mallet.

I constantly question why more golfers don't use or play with Mizuno putters. Considering how well-known the irons and wedges are for their incredible feel, I think these putters are massively slept on when it comes to the playing experience.

The ‘7 series’ from Srixon has consistently proven itself to be among the very best irons in the game. Consistently featuring in the bags of Srixon tour players, non-contracted touring professionals, and the wily low handicapper at your club over the years, better players just love them.

Having extensively tested and loved the previous generation, I was incredibly eager to get my hands on the new 2026 Srixon ZXi7 irons to see if the legacy continues.

Honestly, when I first read through the press release and tech sheets prior to my testing sessions, I was left thinking, "Oh, nothing has changed; that's disappointing." However, upon reflection, if anything changed significantly, I would be hopping around angry that a masterpiece had been ruined!

Spoiler alert: It was brilliant last time round, and it is brilliant again.

Ultimately, what we have here are the slightest of slight refinements, and as sceptical as I can be at times of 'subtle refinements' from manufacturers translating to: "we're out of ideas", I would genuinely say they are for the better.

One of the main objectives when redesigning a model as good and successful as this must surely be to simply not mess it up. I can unequivocally confirm that Srixon has achieved that fundamental objective.

In terms of the technology, the primary story revolves around i-FORGED, which Srixon bills as its most advanced breakthrough in iron metallurgy. This new process combines proprietary condensed forging techniques with carefully controlled heat-softening procedures.

The result strengthens the high-stress material surrounding each groove while maintaining a buttery soft core. This improves the durability and longevity of the face technology compared to the previous generation, all while preserving the signature feel that defines Srixon forged irons.

Furthermore, every second-generation ZXi iron is forged by Endo Manufacturing in Japan - widely recognized as one of the world's premier forging facilities - guaranteeing exceptional consistency from head to head.

The flagship ZXi7 also introduces PureFrame iQ, an AI-assisted evolution of Srixon’s acclaimed PureFrame technology. Engineers have expanded and optimized the forged ridge positioned directly behind the sweet spot to stiffen the impact zone, utilize mass more efficiently, and reduce unwanted face deformation.

Interestingly, the shaping and topography of the cavity section dictated by this PureFrame iQ technology has slightly softened and is not as pronounced as before. This certainly looks even better to my eye.

From a visual standpoint, the ZXi7 is stunning. The new generation has been refined through extensive collaboration with Srixon's global Tour staff, and it shows.

The shaping is superb, and while you can still see some of the tech with the humps and bumps of the back, it has been beautifully executed. Something as simple as changing the white paint fill of the number on the previous generation to match the black of the rest of the logo just elevates the look a little for me.

From the ‘in the bag’ perspective, this is comfortably my favorite Srixon iron ever.

When I put them down side by side with last year's offering, the new toplines look a touch slimmer, and the visual transitions throughout the set are undeniably cleaner - both changes that better players will absolutely love.

Something I always love about this series is the heel-to-toe relationship, but this will be slightly divisive. I have always craved a high toe and a nice low, pinched-in heel, as it makes the club appear more upright than it actually is - a look I love. However, many others prefer a higher heel section and a ‘boxier’ look, so bear that in mind.

The only other structural change I can easily detect is a touch more perimeter weighting in the longer irons. This is a highly logical move, providing just a hint of extra forgiveness where you need it most, while mass is concentrated more toward the center of the short irons for enhanced shot-shaping capability and precision.

I would be lying if I said I could personally detect the performance gain of either of those changes, but either way, they are still a complete pleasure to use.

Out on the course, the exquisite turf interaction remains a standout highlight, courtesy of the Tour V.T. Sole technology. Engineered with a proprietary combination of sole widths, bounce angles, and notching, it delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of playing conditions. I have always found it a massive feel enhancer, helping me to maintain clubhead speed through impact, promoting nice, crisp contact from virtually any lie.

Aside from these nuanced tweaks, it is very much as you were, which is a magnificent thing.

I strongly believe the ZXi7 will remain one of, if not the go-to non-contracted tour player choice, and will comfortably keep a lot of low-to-mid handicap players very happy this season.

Srixon has officially introduced a brand new model to its flagship iron family: the ZXi5+, a fully forged, hollow-body players' distance iron designed to replace the outgoing ZXi4.

Created to bridge the gap between raw distance and tour-authentic shaping, the ZXi5+ combines stronger lofts, longer blade lengths, and a wider sole into a remarkably sleek, player-focused footprint.

The moment you set the ZXi5+ down behind the ball, the visual differences from the ZXi4 are immediately apparent. The significantly thinner topline makes the look of the ZXi5+ a lot sleeker than the club it replaces, giving it a streamlined appearance that will undoubtedly help place it into the bags of golfers much further down the handicap spectrum.

Furthermore, this is one of the least offset irons I have seen of its type in the entire game - a massively welcome addition to a player's distance iron category typically populated by heavy, and occassionally distracting offset.

That said, as a sucker for a smooth curve, I must admit I marginally preferred the overall silhouette of the ZXi4. The ZXi5+ is just a little more angular in its shaping, though its compact proportions still look fantastic down behind the ball.

I wonder whether the introduction of the superb game improvement ZXiR irons has allowed Srixon to shift these irons' appeal slightly towards the better player. It would make sense.

Where the ZXi5+ makes an undeniable visual leap forward is in its 'in the bag' appeal...

The rear cavity profile is noticeably neater and far more refined. The smarter all-black paint fill offers an exceptionally classy look, and keeping a uniform, cohesive finish across the back of the head - rather than splitting it into two contrasting textures as was present on the ZXi4 - helps to elevate the overall aesthetic. It looks like a pure, high-end tour iron sitting in the staff bag.

Performance-wise, these irons are undeniably hot. Given the aggressive spec sheet featuring a 29.5° 7-iron and a 43° pitching wedge, high ball speed output was always guaranteed, but the launch monitor numbers are truly eye-opening.

What impressed me most was how outrageously good these are off-center. Strikes out of the toe or heel were so stable that my GC3 launch monitor barely blinked; looking solely at the ball flight and carry numbers, quite frankly, you would have no idea whether a shot was flushed out of the sweet spot or severely mishit.

Crucially, Srixon hasn't muted the impact sensation to achieve this. As someone who values tactile feedback, I love that you can still tell precisely where you made contact through your fingers, even while the ball speed retention keeps your distance intact.

Underneath the club, Srixon’s acclaimed Tour V.T. Sole does what it always does: enhances overall feel while heaping on ground versatility across a wide variety of lies. Whether sweeping off tight links turf or digging through heavy rough, the entry and exit through impact are effortless.

Overall, the expanded ZXi range this season represents one of the most seamlessly 'combo-able' iron families in modern golf. The ZXi5+ will likely become an instant fan favourite in the long-iron slot for low-to-mid handicappers and tour pros alike - lest we forget, the iron already has an Open Championship on its resume after Ryan Fox employed it for victory.

For players seeking maximum speed, minimal offset, and forged feel in a forgiving package, Srixon has hit a home run.

The ZXi iron family from Srixon has been a roaring success over the years, and in this review, I am going to be presenting my findings on the second-generation 'mid-cavity' style iron of the family, the new ZXi5.

Following on from the exceptional first-generation ZXi5 irons, this model has a lot to live up to if it wants to be considered one of the best golf irons in the game.

To cut right to the chase: the main performance elements and design of the iron have barely changed since its last iteration. But why would they? It was a fantastic iron last time round, so more of the same is very welcome news.

From a tech point of view, Srixon says it has mainly focused on the enhancement of feel this time around and has done so by evolving its new i-FORGED platform. This breakthrough in iron metallurgy combines proprietary condensed forging techniques with carefully controlled heat-softening procedures.

This process strengthens specific high-stress areas around the grooves for durability while maintaining incredibly soft material properties throughout the rest of the clubhead. To ensure this is executed flawlessly, every second-generation ZXi iron is forged by Endo Manufacturing in Japan, widely recognized as one of the world's premier forging facilities.

As Joe Miller, Srixon European Product Manager, noted, every decision was made with feel in mind, delivering the rewarding sensation golfers instantly recognise "when they've hit one pure."

Visually, the ZXi5 remains excellent, delivering barely detectable refinements.

The shaping and topography of the cavity section have slightly softened and are not quite as pronounced. Crucially, the toplines, when I put them side by side with last year's offering, look a touch slimmer. These are both changes that better players will absolutely love, creating a cleaner, more compact appearance at address.

The cohesive family aesthetic also remains, meaning blade lengths and offset progressions are tuned for seamless combo set integration, particularly if you want to mix these with the new ZXi7 or ZXiU utility irons.

From a performance perspective, I found this second-generation ZXi5 equally as impressive as last time around. Much like its predecessor, aside from the impressive ball speed and distance output, the main thing that struck me was the sheer quality of the feel.

Often, when testing irons, as the distance goes up, you compromise on softness and feedback. That is absolutely not the case here. The sensation at strike is one of controlled power with minimal vibration.

When you couple this pure strike with the exceptional turf interaction of Srixon’s Tour V.T. Sole - engineered with a proprietary blend of sole widths, bounce angles, and notching - you get cleaner, more consistent contact from virtually any lie, helping you maintain clubhead speed through the turf.

Overall, the theme of this review is that very little has changed from the previous model. However, much like the new ZXi7, which I have also reviewed, more of the same in this instance is a very good thing.

The new ZXi5 remains a remarkably strong offering for the mid-to-low handicap player seeking a traditional 'player' style look that still packs a hefty punch in the distance and forgiveness departments.

A budget-friendly Garmin rangefinder? You have my undivided attention.

Say hello to the Approach Z10, the latest Garmin rangefinder that also happens to now be the cheapest, coming in at a mere £249.99/$299.99. Just because it is the lowest priced option in the Garmin family, however, doesn’t mean it is basic in terms of features - in fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Unbox the Z10 from its subtle yet sophisticated packaging and you’re met with the most compact Garmin rangefinder the brand has ever produced. It’s not quite as small as the likes of the Bushnell Pro XM or A1-Slope, but it is definitely slightly smaller than the average-sized model like the Garmin Approach Z30. Tipping the scales at just 178g, it's one of the lightest, too.

Ultimately, like many of the best golf rangefinders, it looks great. The black and white colorway is nothing new from Garmin, but it looks the part. It remains one of the few battery-powered rangefinders in this day and age, but you get a free one included in your purchase and it should last you roughly one year.

In your hands, it won’t feel as premium as devices at the top of the price scale like the Bushnell Tour V7 Shift, for example. You won’t get the same protection from the elements, either, with the Approach Z10 having just IPX4 waterproofing to protect in light to moderate rain showers. It won’t give you the same IPX7 protection as the Garmin Approach Z30, which you could take with you on a scuba diving trip if you wanted (though I wouldn't recommend it), but this isn’t out of the ordinary at this price point.

Now, on to features, as there is one main one to talk about because I absolutely love it. The catch is you need another Garmin device with you like one of the best Garmin golf watches. For the purposes of this review, I used the Garmin Approach S70 to see how the headline feature named ‘Range Relay’ performed in practice.

To simplify, Range Relay combines with your Garmin watch to synchronize distances to your target. If you’re on a 300-yard par 4, for example, you can shoot the flag from the tee box and get that information sent to your wrist. Doing this not only gives you accurate yardages to the flag, it’ll allow you to see exactly where it is on the green in addition to the front and back yardages your watch will give you.

Now for my favorite part - once you shoot the flag on a hole, you won’t have to shoot it again. Your watch will continuously update your yardage to the flag as you walk down the fairway. I was skeptical as to how accurate this would prove, but when I brought out another rangefinder to test this it was never more than two yards out across multiple rounds of golf. Very impressive indeed.

Per Garmin’s website, the Approach Z10 only has a range of 350 yards. However, I found during my testing that if your club has reflectors on the top of flag sticks, the range can extend beyond this boundary.

Other features include those seen on a number of rival rangefinders, but prove very useful nonetheless. The tournament mode is easily accessible by double-pressing the mode button on the top of the device and is indicated to your playing partners by a clear blue light on the side of the device.

I’ve never understood why all brands can’t show a rangefinder is in tournament mode as easily as this, but credit to Garmin for nailing it. It has also nailed the carry case, which stays the same as previous releases and provides a safe refuge for your device.

The ‘Find My’ feature is superb in case you misplace your device on the course, whilst the magnetic mount on the side allows you to stick this to any metal frame and seemingly adds next to nothing to the overall weight - again, I was impressed.

Unfortunately, I was waiting for a catch and I found one almost immediately with the display. I’m not naive enough to think a £250 rangefinder would be flawless, but it feels like the optics you get on the Z10 lag behind those on rangefinders with similar price tags.

It isn’t the brightest display in the world and I felt the course in front of me looked a bit dull. What else was dull was the number feedback you get, which is in black in contrast to the red numbers you’re fed in the Z30. As mentioned though, the Range Relay mode means you only have to use it once a hole! It’s by no means a bad display, it’s just not as good as previous Garmin devices in my opinion.

To conclude, it isn’t quite perfect, but the Approach Z10 is a superb addition to Garmin’s family of lasers. The Range Relay feature will prove very popular for golfers already in the Garmin ecosystem and I imagine it is the type of feature we’ll see more often in the best golf rangefinders going forward.

Combined with a compact form factor, magnetic mount, and handy 'Find My' feature, the Z10 is an easy recommendation and one of the smartest and best budget rangefinders on the market for existing Garmin watch owners.

An app that essentially pays you for playing golf? Yeah right…

No, trust me, it’s legit.

This is GolfN, the app that rewards you to play (their words, not mine). I’ve tested a wide range of the best golf apps for mobile, but none have made such a hefty promise. Naturally, I had my doubts, but after testing this app over around half a dozen rounds and learning more about it over time, the more impressed I have become.

How it works is simple: you play golf, you get reward points. The more you do on the app, the more you earn. For example, if you keep your score, more points. Track shots, more points. Play with friends, more points. Leave a review on the course you just played… you get the idea.

You then take your hard-earned points and spend them as you like. GolfN has a rewards marketplace with multiple different avenues for you to use your points. A Pro Shop lets you browse items ranging from accessories and apparel all the way to full sets of some of the best Srixon irons, but that isn’t all.

You can also use your points to enter giveaways and sweepstakes that include small prizes like a box of golf balls all the way to a dream golf trip to Ireland to play my home course, Royal County Down! For your sake, I hope you don’t bump into me.

I know what you are thinking: what’s the catch? Honestly, there isn’t one. GolfN makes its money through a number of sources including brand partnerships, marketplace sales and memberships (more on that shortly), so there really is no catch.

There are, however, ways to amplify the number of points you can earn. Which one you opt for, if any at all, fully depends on how much golf you play. If you go for a membership higher than the basic level each player begins with, it opens up more ‘club rental’ spots, which gamify your round and offer different multipliers for your points total.

These memberships differ vastly in price - White membership gives you a 4.6x multiplier for $18.75 per month, Silver multiplies your points by 11 for $37.49 per month, whilst Gold will cost you $149.99 a month but multiply your points by 54. Yes, 54.

There’s also the Diamond membership for golfers who essentially live on the golf course, costing $8,900 annually but giving you a 275x multiplier.

Digital club rentals scale directly with your membership level, allowing players to equip up to three clubs per round. Green tier unlocks one club, White tier provides two, while Silver tier and above grant all three available slots (Driver, Iron, and Putter).

Now I’m far from an NFT and/or crypto guy, but bear with while I explain this final part to the best of my ability - these clubs are actually NFTs linked to the Solana blockchain and are tradable. Also, plans call for a dedicated "GOLF" token that will allow players to exchange reward points 1:1 for liquid crypto or cash. Healthy skepticism is warranted until the system launches, but the concept shows serious promise.

As for the actual golf app part, it’s really good! The experience is responsive and easy to use, with a movable cursor showing accurate yardages to wherever you want on the hole courtesy of satellite imagery.

You can add basic stats to each hole like fairways hit, GIRs, number of putts, penalties - as mentioned before, you’ll earn more points doing so. Doing this is worth it even without the dangling carrot of more points - the ‘My Performance’ section of the app is like an Arccos-lite, giving you insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your game.

I think golfers should look at GolfN like a credit card rewards scheme.Yes, you earn rewards, but don’t be under the impression you’ll be jetting off to play Royal County Down with a new set of Srixon golf clubs after 10 rounds.

Like credit cards, the more you pay for one, the better the rewards. You won't strike it rich playing weekend rounds, but it effectively lets you monetize your course time for free gear, giveaway entries, or cash down the line.

If you’re still hesitant, I understand. But why not try it out? I was just as skeptical as you were before I started using it…

Golf watches have undergone a serious revolution over the last half decade. No longer are they simply devices that give you the yardage to the center of the green and little else - the best golf watches have transformed into your own personal trainer on your wrist, walking with you through all your exercise.

The Amazfit Balance 2 was what I’ve come to call an ‘inverted golf watch’, one that started out as a regular fitness watch and incorporated golf, rather than the other way around.

I tested the Balance 2 last year and loved it so much that I’ve worn it daily for the last 12 months. I’ve used it for all facets of my active life including golf, soccer, skiing, hiking and general gym work. I also did a 100-hole hike with it on my wrist earlier this summer, so you can imagine my excitement when I was sent the new and improved Balance 3 for testing.

Amazfit has a clear target audience with its Balance line of watches and the Balance 3 is no different - these devices are built for people for whom sport and physical activities are a big part of their everyday life. To quote the brand directly, this watch is designed for “individuals balancing demanding work, family responsibilities, and disciplined routines”, with the Balance line supporting “a Hybrid Training lifestyle where strength, endurance, and recovery develop together.”

If this sounds like you, superb. You’re in the right place. If not, then maybe this isn’t the right watch for you. However, let me get into the golf side of things before you reach your conclusion - not everyone using this watch HAS to be running half-marathons every month.

Upon unboxing the Balance 3, you’re met with one of the prettiest watches on the market. I loved the orange strap on the Balance 2 and it garnered many compliments over my 12 months wearing it - sadly it is gone, but it is replaced by a black strap that has proven more comfortable for me to wear.

The main change in the looks department is the new 1.5” AMOLED display, which is wonderful. The 3000-nit brightness and sapphire glass ensure excellent visibility, no matter the light conditions. Despite the vibrant display, the battery life is as good as any watch I’ve ever tested, with a charge lasting up to 21 days without the sport features. A full charge will give you up to 41 hours of Accuracy GPS Mode which incorporates sports like golf, running and more.

There are two versions of the Balance 3 to choose from, the stainless steel version I tested (£369.90/$369.99) or the titanium alloy version (£449.90/$449.99), both of which look superb.

Given this publication is named Golf Monthly, I had better talk about the on-course performance of the Balance 3. The golf mode on the Balance 2 was good, but not great. Pleasingly, notable improvements have been made, but it is a case of evolution rather than revolution.

The main improvements come from the hardware. This watch delivers 2.5x faster generation and 12x faster map refreshing than the previous model and this improvement is very evident to me as someone who used the Balance 2 so regularly. Everything is quicker and snappier, from recognizing what hole you are on to the time it takes for the menus to load.

My biggest critique of the Balance 2 only became apparent to me after I wrote the review, but the action button on the top right of the face pressed into my hand during my follow-through, activating the watch’s version of Siri. As I watched my shot fly towards the green, my watch would speak to me and ask me if I needed anything and there was seemingly no way to prevent this. Thankfully, the same button on the Balance 3 is far smaller and this issue is now a thing of the past.

Other than that, there aren’t too many changes on the golf side of things, but that is fine. Yardages were accurate last year and the same can be said for the 2026 version. There are still 40,000+ courses to play, but they still need to be downloaded and sent to your watch before you tee it up (this takes less than a minute). You’ll also get numbers to hazards, bunkers and more, whilst the pin mover feature returns and allows you to really dial in your yardage to the flag.

Your watch will sometimes get confused as to what hole you’re on, especially if you hit an errant drive onto another fairway. This will take some manual input to fix and can be frustrating at times, but it’s only a small issue.

Dedicated golf watches will incorporate more stat-tracking features, but the connected Zepp app does a decent job in collecting the rounds you’ve played and giving you basic stats like greens in regulation and your number of putts. You also get a cool map of where you’ve walked - who doesn’t want that?

The fact of the matter here is that if you want a watch dedicated to golf and golf alone, there are better watches on the market. If you want a watch that does a bit of everything, be that tracking your sports or giving you news and weather, the Balance 3 should absolutely be on your shortlist.

If you’re like me and have fitness and exercise as a major part of your day-to-day life, I’d recommend this watch without hesitation. If not, don’t worry - our guide on the best value golf watches will have something in there for you.

If you are reading this review, I probably don’t need to give you a history lesson on Mizuno Golf. For years now, the brand has been crafting some of the best irons in the game, and its latest release continues that storied tradition.

After spending time testing the new Mizuno Pro S-4, I don’t mind telling you straight away in this review: I absolutely love the simplicity and purity of this iron. In a world full of AI, flexing faces, and high-tech blaring, fussy aesthetics, the Pro S-4 is a beautiful throwback.

Now, that doesn't mean there is zero innovation under the hood.

According to Mizuno, the S-4 stands as the most forgiving tour-inspired iron in Mizuno's expanding Signature Series. Sure, there is some tech involved through CG placement and Mizuno's familiar feel-enhancing copper underlay, but essentially what it is is a neat, pure single piece of brilliantly forged steel, shaped superbly, with a simple cavity for a little playability.

The S-4 introduces a higher-launching player's cavity back profile that is designed to offer greater forgiveness and stability throughout the set. This is achieved through increased offset (although barely perceptible), a marginally wider sole, a lower sweet spot height, and a deeper centre of gravity. Working together, these elements have been designed to help players launch the ball more easily and improve stability on off-centre strikes, while still offering a ‘tour’ look.

Wonderful! I get that; I can understand that! I don't need a physics degree or a 6-page presentation to understand what is in front of me.

To give it some context within the range, maybe think of it as the bigger, friendlier brother of the Pro S-3 (which I also love, by the way). If they were male siblings, you might think the S-3 is the slightly more attractive of the brothers, but at times he could be a little prickly and hard work, maybe even aloof.

The S-4, however, is extremely handsome in his own right, but just a touch more open, friendly, and welcoming, always with a smile on his face - the type of iron you'd be thrilled to be dating your daughter! The S-4 manages this approachable look thanks to a progressive design philosophy that carefully manages offset flow and topline thickness, ensuring a touch more confidence in the longer clubs while maintaining precision in the scoring irons.

Something I love about the whole Mizuno Pro range is the triple-cut sole, which has been specifically engineered to improve turf interaction. Bevelled at both the front and back, and sporting all the right angles, for me, this rivals the Tour VT sole from Srixon for the title of best sole in the game. Extremely versatile, it just seems to cut down time spent in the turf in any conditions while helping maintain speed and consistency through impact.

If I were to drop any personal marks, it would be purely down to the fact that I always gravitate towards a slightly rounder profile in my irons. However, Mizuno loyalists will be thrilled to see the brand sticking to the slightly sharper, more angular visual that the Asian market as a whole seems to prefer, so I can’t even fault it there.

Even so, the redesigned cavity muscle structure with its softer, flowing geometry and premium finish perfectly preserves that clean, compact appearance that defines the Mizuno Pro aesthetic.

These irons were frankly a joy to test, a journey back to simpler times without the marketing bumf! A beautiful, pure, simple set of stunning cavity-back irons. 10/10 Mizuno - no notes.

Golf Monthly’s resident golf bag tester Dan Parker swears by Vessel golf bags, so when I was set to test one for the first time, he simply told me to “enjoy it.”

A strange thing to say, I thought at the time. It’s only a golf bag, right? Then, as I walked down my opening hole during testing, I completely understood what he meant.

Vessel’s reputation as a niche, highly premium golf bag manufacturer is no secret, and the fourth edition of its Sunday Bag elevated the model even further than the Sunday III predecessor by swapping the previously used Diamond X-PAC Ripstop nylon for Tour-Grade Synthetic Leather. The result is the most premium bag I’ve ever used and a contender for the best golf bag money can buy.

Those premium details aren’t blatantly obvious when you unbox the bag upon delivery, which makes it all the more satisfying as you continue discovering them over time. Vessel has opted for a refined, minimalist aesthetic complemented by functional, well-thought-out detailing.

Major touchpoints like the carry handle and valuables pocket zipper feature hand-stitched leather that feels as good as it looks. The three-way divider top is velour-lined, as are the interiors of the valuables pocket and the magnetic rangefinder pocket positioned above the customizable, detachable ball pocket.

The straps? Also velour-lined, of course. You can switch between the double strap, which I prefer while playing, or a single strap if you are heading out with a half set for a quick nine holes.

I am also a massive fan of the handle built into the top cuff, which I found myself grabbing every time I set the bag down. It is sturdy and easy to control, while the leather padding adds another luxury touch.

Once on the course, the bag delivered performance I didn't think possible from a ultra-light carry bag. Drawing on 12 years of experience caddying at Royal County Down, I’ve carried hundreds of golf bags over the years, and none felt as comfortable on my back as the Sunday IV. The self-adjusting Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap features an eight-point swivel mechanism that adapts to your posture as you walk. I’ve never tested a bag that contours to the body so effortlessly.

The Rotator Stand System also proved flawless during testing, supported by ultra-light carbon fiber legs. All in all, this bag weighs just 4.45 lbs (2.0 kg), yet it never felt flimsy or unstable.

I can also report that the bag held up during a heavy two-hole rain shower during my initial testing round at Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast. The main side pocket accommodated my rain jacket (rolled up to preserve space), and the waterproof zippers kept my accessories and valuables bone dry.

If you carry a lot of extra apparel, removable garment tether loops allow you to secure a sweater or jacket to the exterior, another clever, space-saving feature.

My primary concern heading into the review was capacity: as a Sunday bag, would it realistically house all 14 clubs? Vessel recommends carrying 10 clubs for optimal comfort, but I loaded a full set anyway. Pleasingly, I encountered few to no issues replacing clubs post-shot.

While players with oversized putter grips might find the fit a bit snug, I was thoroughly impressed by how comfortably it accommodated a full 14-club setup.

At £309 or $309, the price point represents great value within the Vessel lineup, serving as an accessible entry point before stepping up to $400+ models like the Player V or Lux Stand bags.

The Sunday IV is easily the best bag I’ve tested this year. It feels like ordering the top-tier wine at a restaurant or upgrading to extra-legroom seats on a flight - sometimes it’s worth treating yourself. Doing so here gets you one of the finest golf bags money can buy and, without a doubt, the best Sunday golf bag on the market.

The Osprey model from Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red brand aims to sit alongside the best women's spikeless golf shoes. Blending a clean, minimalist trainer look with genuine on-course performance, it promises an effortless transition from the tee to everywhere beyond.

Sizing can always be a bit of a lottery with golf footwear, and these run slightly generous. Being a standard European size 39, which usually translates to a UK 6, testing these in a UK 6.5 proved that going down half a size would likely be a better fit, especially since the materials are bound to loosen up over time. However, my feet certainly weren't swimming, and they felt comfortable and secure enough to walk a full 18 holes right out of the box.

Visually, the Osprey nails a clean, sporty look. Featuring a low-profile silhouette with neat stitching detail, it could easily pass as a stylish lifestyle sneaker if it weren't for the directional nub pattern on the sole. The subtle touch of mint accents across the aerated tongue and heel adds a fresh, modern feel.

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That said, compared to vibrant or high-profile options on the market, like G/FORE’s G.112 Stripe Kiltie or Under Armour’s Drive Halo Hybrid, some golfers might find these a little understated.

Branding is kept pleasantly understated, which is a big plus for players who prefer a refined aesthetic. The iconic Tiger logo is subtly embossed on the top of the tongue and the rear of the sole, while the Sun Day Red name sits discreetly on the sole and external heel counter, so subtle that you barely notice it's there. Available in three colorways, the light pink model would easily make any list of the best women’s pink golf shoes.

On the course, the Osprey delivered impressive, responsive comfort. The combination of dense tongue foam and a spongy, drop-in EVA midsole absorbs impact exceptionally well as you walk. Despite its soft, casual feel, the technical features hold up when you swing.

I like the external heel counter, as it locks your foot in place and provides the stability you need, while underfoot, the variable omni-directional traction pattern ensures confident strides on any surface without looking like a clunky traditional cleat.

Ultimately, the Sun Day Red Osprey delivers a sleek, all-round performing shoe for female golfers who want a spikeless shoe that moves seamlessly from the fairway to beyond. With premium comfort, subtle branding, and reliable stability, it stands out as a strong new contender as one of the best women's golf shoes.

MGI is a brand that impressed me greatly in 2025. I was a big fan of the ultra-small Sureshot SlimPRO laser, especially given the fact the brand is better known for making some of the best electric golf trolleys and push carts money can buy.

Looking to build on this success, the Australian brand has released a trio of new rangefinders for the 2026 golf season, varying in terms of features and price points to ensure there should be something for every golfer.

In what I’m calling the PINLOC 7000 family, we have the 7000iM ($239), the 7000iPM ($285) and the star of the show in the 7000iPSM ($349), which features a side-screen and is the most feature-packed of the three.

There are plenty of similarities among the models in the family. Other than the screen on the 7000iPSM (which we’ll get to), the three look practically the same bar the color schemes.

In terms of first impressions, I really like the look of each rangefinder and all three felt pleasant as you hold them in hand. They all feature a built-in magnet for those who like to stick them to the frame of their cart and come with a quality carry case, albeit the logo could have been smaller.

Which of the three you opt for depends on what features you want; the 7000iM is a simple ‘pick-up-and-shoot’ rangefinder, with no slope, pin lock vibration or any other bells and whistles. The only difference between this model and the 7000iPM is the latter gives you pin lock vibration to confirm you have the correct distance when shooting the flag.

The lack of slope is a little disappointing in a rangefinder at this price considering the competition in the market these days, but both the 7000iM and the 7000iPM performed admirably during my testing, if somewhat unremarkably.

Before focusing on the 7000iPSM, I must mention all three devices share commendable qualities like clear 6x magnification optics, a PINLOC feature that displays your yardage on screen for 15 seconds post-measurement and ultra-fast yardage feedback to ensure your pace of play keeps moving. These sorts of qualities are becoming a necessity to be considered in the running for the best golf rangefinders, so props to MGI here for the execution.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 7000iPSM. As a very forgetful person, I love rangefinders with a side screen that displays your distance, so I welcome the inclusion of the 1.69-inch external display here.

I also wonder why we don't see a feature like this on more rangefinders. None of the best Bushnell rangefinders feature a side screen, for example, but some devices like the Mileseey GenePro G1 have gone a step further and incorporated hole maps, executing it very well.

It doesn't even have to be a feature reserved for the most premium models either; the Cigman CT1200-Pro has one and it costs less than $100! In an age where rangefinders are gaining more and more features whilst also becoming more complicated, this simple design element feels like a no-brainer in a world where we're so used to viewing screens everywhere, all the time.

As I expected with MGI, accuracy was spot on, too. I tested this laser at both Royal County Down and Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast against rangefinders double the price and the MGI went toe-to-toe with them in terms of yardage accuracy.

All three models have a helpful scan mode, which I find works best on golf courses I am unfamiliar with and thus need more information in terms of distances to the likes of bunkers, tree run outs and other hazards.

As for the price, the 7000iPSM comes in at $349. This isn’t an eye-watering price tag but it certainly can’t be considered in the bracket of the best budget rangefinders. At this price, it battles the likes of the Blue Tees Captain Pro, the new Garmin Z10 and the Bushnell Tour V7 Shift, which is a tough company to fight off.

The Captain Pro in particular has a greater range of features, but ultimately not all golfers want the same thing and too many features can be a real turn off for a player who wants to keep it simple. The 7000iPSM does the basics really well, and the rest of the 7000 family offers golfers an entry-point at a range of prices to suit their budgets.

Everybody needs a distance measuring device of some sort and the benefits of tracking your shots on the course are well documented. But I’m not sure I’ve experienced a product that does both as conveniently as the Smart Caddie app.

Powered by the Golf Zon cloud, the Smart Caddie app is, as the name suggests, a smart watch app that works with iOS and Android devices to provide a host of strategy-enhancing features. I used it for multiple rounds at three different courses using my Apple Watch Series 9 to properly put it through its paces - is it one of the best golf GPS apps money can buy?

First things first, you have to pair the app on the watch with the app on your accompanying smartphone - simple enough. To get the most out of the Smart Caddie, you also need to make sure all your Health settings are enabled - again, no big deal.

Get to the course and open up the Smart Caddie app on your watch. Hit play and for me, the course appeared within seconds. Hit select and everything will come to life once you get to the first tee.

The level of detail this app goes into is genuinely mind blowing, and it’s presented in a way that is both readable and accessible on what is a relatively small screen. The opening screen displays the front, middle and back yardages as well as an aerial view of the hole. Other information shown includes the hole number, par, score, the time and how many shots have been tracked.

That last point may have taken you aback. But that’s right, the app automatically tracks your shot locations for you! And it does it very effectively, without the need for any sensors in your clubs. Previous experiences with other shot trackers has proven hit and miss, with shots often being missed - but Smart Caddie never missed one, nor did it add one erroneously.

While it doesn’t track putts, when you finish each hole the watch will vibrate and you’re greeted with a screen where you can manually confirm your score and the number of putts taken. Try not to miss it as you can’t then edit that score until after your round on your phone. The app also doubles as a simple but effective GPS app with accurate graphical representations of each hole and touch targeting.

Back to the playing of each hole - if you tap the screen with your finger you get a full view of the hole with a touch distance feature, which lets you see the distance to the place you want to get to or avoid. This really came in handy when trying to hit to the fat part of the fairway, or seeing how far it was around doglegs where a rangefinder cannot provide the line of sight measurement.

On approach shots, if you swipe your finger up you can view the green undulation feature. This is essentially a heat map (red is the high spots, blue is the low) that gives you a flavour of the general slope of the green. Some of the subtle breaks were missing on the courses I played, and it’s not available for every course (but most will have it), but it certainly helps you understand the side to miss if you want to keep your ball below the hole.

There were some other cool features that really came in handy. The first being the live distance measurement, so once you’ve tracked your tee shot and move towards your ball, the distance will count up in real time. It was really useful to know how far you hit your driver on a given day or course - distances can change drastically depending on the firmness of the ground or the strength of the wind, so to know how far you really hit it on the course that day should inform better strategy for the rest of the round.

It also helps when you’ve hit your ball in the thick rough and are trying to determine roughly how far up the hole it went in order to locate it, providing you know how far you hit each club!

If you do, you can enter them in the smartphone app before your round and the watch app will then provide club recommendations for each shot. The distances can even factor changes in elevation, providing another layer of accuracy that not many other watch app are capable of.

One I didn't try was the swing practice feature, which lets you analyse the tempo of your swing by timing the backswing and downswing - which could be handy prior to your round to establish your optimum rhythm, if you know it.

After your round, the stats sync automatically to your phone and you can review or edit your score and shot locations. You can even add the clubs hit for each shot, which will then populate your actual club distances for better club choices next time round.

You get some basic data points like putts taken and greens in regulation, which tallied pretty well with the shots that were tracked.

All of the features I experienced (and thoroughly enjoyed) come with a subscription cost of either $9.99 a month, $49.99 a year or $129.99 for three years. Users can only use the course preview function via the mobile app without purchasing the subscription but anyone who signs up can get 1-day free trial.

How much you play and commit to the app long term will determine the value for money here but assuming you already own a compatible watch, the price seems very appealing to me.

In all honesty, I’m not familiar with many apps that do as much as this one so comprehensively - especially tracking shots automatically and factoring slope - these are two huge pluses when it comes to the proposition of Smart Caddie.

While its real expertise lies in the shot tracking market courtesy of its excellent smart sensors, smart grips and even the new Arccos Air, the Smart Laser is Arccos’ first move into the rangefinder category.

In what is already a crowded and ultra-competitive market, can Arccos incorporate the best parts from its shot-tracking abilities into a rangefinder to help it stand out from the competition?

The answer, in short, is yes. The Smart Laser fully integrates with the Arccos app and not only complements your shot tracking software (if you have it), but performs as a one of the best golf rangefinders even without these unique features.

I’ll get onto those in a moment, but I always begin my reviews talking about my first impressions of each rangefinder and this article is no different. There isn’t any ‘wow’ factor with the Smart Laser, but that isn’t a critique. Instead, you get a device that looks slick, has a solid build quality and appropriate weight alongside handy rubber grips on each side. It also comes with an unspectacular but seemingly robust carry case that features a nice pop of Arccos green around the zip.

Once you raise the device to your eye, you are met with a crisp red LED backlit display with 6.1x magnification, as good as anything I’ve tested this year. Beyond its smart features, it functions excellently as a standard rangefinder, producing quick and accurate distances and near automatic flag location, even against cluttered backgrounds.

It vibrates after each measurement, which is a feature I think should be reserved for when you have successfully shot the flag to ensure you haven’t got a yardage to the foliage behind the green. I also feel like a rangefinder this technologically advanced should have a ‘find my laser’ feature like we’re becoming accustomed to seeing on top-level models. Nit-picking aside, as a pick-up-and-shoot laser, it is very impressive.

Now for the good stuff: once you shoot your target, you are met with three different numbers. The first is the yardage as the crow flies, but the second is where it gets fun. The “Smart Distance” reading provides an exceptionally accurate "plays like" distance by pulling real-time data from the Arccos app it has been paired with that factors in slope, elevation, temperature, and wind, which proved highly reliable during testing. It's without doubt one of the best golf rangefinders with slope as a result.

I tested the Smart Laser at Royal County Down, a course where I fight against the elements all too often, making it an ideal place to test whether the “plays like” distances were reliable. The signature, downhill par-three 4th hole plays roughly 190 yards but typically turns into the prevailing wind - I’ve hit everything from 8 iron to fairway woods on that tee over the years.

I've played over a dozen rounds with the Smart Laser and the adjusted yardage was spot on each time. In fact, there were three rounds in a row with different winds and therefore different yardage recommendations and they were all accurate.

Alongside actual distance and "Smart Distance," the viewfinder displays a third number based on peak wind gusts; while it sounds redundant, it provides valuable confidence and club selection clarity when caught between clubs in windy conditions.

If you’re already a subscriber to Arccos, your Smart Laser will also automatically tag and set the precise pin location every time you shoot the flag, which drastically improves the accuracy of your approach and putting data without manual entry.

Now, for the controversial part. At $299/£279, it seems remarkable value for money when you factor in the unique features on offer. However, there is a catch - you need a subscription.

Maybe this shouldn’t be a surprise considering Arccos shot tracking also requires a subscription, but if you have Arccos Air or the Smart Sensors, you’ll need a separate subscription for those in addition to your Smart Laser subscription, both of which are $199.99 a year (the first year is free).

Your initial $299 payment for the device itself only gets you in the door, meaning once you’re inside the Arccos ecosystem, it’ll cost you extra a year to stay there and get the most out of your device. While I understand the reasoning behind why Arccos has done this with the Smart Laser, $199.99 a year in addition to your shot tracking subscription represents a serious financial commitment.

What's more is the Smart Laser will only work with an active subscription, which means you won't get as much as a simple yardage if you aren't subscribed. So to coin a phrase from the poker world, you're pot committed - and say you use it for three years, that will set you back the best part of $700.

That said, there is a bundle discount if you buy a game-tracking and Smart Laser subscription together. Combining the two together will set you back $299.99 per year, saving you $100 a year compared to buying the two separately. Still tough, not exactly cheap.

Buying the Arccos Smart Laser is therefore more than a simple distance measuring device purchase; it’s a commitment. If you pay the money, you get a tremendous device that has some of the most intuitive features and unprecedented accuracy I’ve seen on a rangefinder that also complements your shot tracking subscription if you’re already an Arccos golfer.

There is more on the way, too. Arccos is constantly working on software updates and improvements to the Smart Laser software are in the works, including improved weather data and personal club recommendations. No other rangefinder I've tried provides automatic weather and wind data displayed directly into the viewfinder, so I'm excited to see how that looks.

So there you have it. This is an amazing rangefinder, without question. The catch is this will cost you a pretty penny - whether that level of investment is worth it is completely dependent on what you want from your tech and how often you get on the course.

We all know how important it is to have a stable connection with the ground during each golf shot. It leads to confident swings and proper weight shift, which is always a prominent swing thought for me. The best women’s golf shoes can either make or break this feeling, which is why I was especially excited to test the new SQAIRZ Ultra Tour-Lite, which is designed with foot stabilizing technology to improve swing speed and connection with the ground.

Overall, I did feel an extra level of stability, especially on wood chips and off the tee. The design takes a multi-faceted approach to create that level of traction. The patented toe box has a unique square shape (hence the name) that’s very comfortable and roomy, and gave me a consistent feeling from heel to toe.

I have fairly narrow feet, but the fit felt appropriate, balanced throughout. Because of the widened toe box, there was no soreness on the side of my pinky toe, which I’ve experienced after a long round with other classic-style shoes. I played 27 holes and my feet were feeling as good on the last hole as they did on the first.

The soles pack a lot of punch with 6 replaceable soft spikes placed on the foot’s pressure points, plus 290 traction lugs of varying heights to improve all-around grip. I typically play in spikeless shoes, and this spiked sole was a big traction upgrade for me. It gave me the confidence to swing away, and also felt super grounding around the green.

I was impressed by how lightweight they were, despite the wider bottoms and classic- golf shoe design, which can sometimes have a clunky or heavy feel. Looks wise, I prefer a predominately white golf shoe, but I did appreciate the animal print detail in the back. SQAIRZ definitely promotes functionality first, but has recently added to its women’s options, including some fun brightly-colored bottoms. The line also comes in spiked and spikeless and in half sizes to ensure a good fit.

I played without the kilties, but they easily slip back onto the laces if you prefer that extra classic look. There’s even an option to swap out the laces for one of 17 colors. The laces are covered in tiny silicone raised squares that the company ensures won’t come untied during an entire round.

SQAIRZ easily ranks among the best women's waterproof golf shoes because I didn't have to think about my feet once, even while stepping in wet areas. My feet remained dry and comfortable. They felt effortless to swing in, and I can attest that I didn’t need to retie or adjust the laces. If you’re looking for a shoe upgrade, you won’t be disappointed with SQAIRZ.

More golfers are investing in simulators. At least, this is what I’m hearing - and it’s easy to understand why: launch monitors have become more affordable, the technology is getting better, and they come with more games and features.

If you’re a keen player, you have probably pictured having your own sim in the comfort of your home. I know I have.

Maybe you’ve worked out the logistics: Could you justify the expense? Where would it go? How much space would it take up? Those kinds of questions.

Even if there are several more affordable launch monitors on the market and building your own simulator needn’t cost five figures, you still need a fair bit of room to swing a golf club without feeling inhibited.

I have one room in the house where it would be just about viable, as well as a garage that has been cleared of all junk as if in preparation for the day I’m finally given the green light to build my own sim.

However, these are shared spaces. I’ll get to the point: the rest of the family don’t want my golf obsession taking over the living room/garage - and that’s entirely fair enough.

Recently, though, I experienced the Vanish Series retractable golf enclosure from SportScreen, a Canadian company that specializes in retractable screens.

And the dream of having my own simulator to play and practice on until I have blisters on my hands is well and truly alive again.

Should you have had the pleasure of installing your own simulator at home or in the office, the enclosure, although a key part of the kit, is probably not the piece of equipment that generated the most excitement for you. That would be the launch monitor.

However, as mentioned, the enclosure is a very important part of the set-up. You could have one of the best launch monitors on the market, but you won’t get much joy out of it if you don’t invest in a decent enclosure.

And then there’s the issue of flexibility. A lot of enclosures aren't really designed for being put up and down continuously - they’re rather fixed, and that can be a deal breaker.

The Vanish Series is different, for it’s retractable. It might not be the ‘glamour purchase’ when it comes to home sim set-ups, but it all feels very slick and exciting when you get a remote control in your hand and watch your room switch from sim set-up to garage/living space in super quick time.

On the remote control, this is also compatible with home automation systems (for example, Google Home, Alexa, etc.), while for the more budget-conscious customers, there is a hand-crank option.

First up, though, let’s talk quickly about the installation. Everything you need comes with the package: impact support membrane, impact screen, side screens, ceiling panel, corner pieces, side baffles, front baffle, wall/ceiling brackets, and assembly hardware.

The installation itself isn’t especially difficult - doable on your own but much quicker and more advisable if you work as a pair. I had some help from a PGA expert, and a power tool or two does make things quicker and easier.

If, like me, DIY is not your thing, I’m told the tech support line is very good, and there is plenty of helpful information and live support online at thesportscreen.com. Basically, you shouldn’t be left feeling like you’re out of your depth!

Now, it’s called ‘Vanish’ because that’s exactly what it does - it disappears. One click on the button on your remote control and the impact screen folds itself up to give you your room back.

Are the mounting brackets going to be an eyesore in your living room? Perhaps. they're a little obtrusive, yes, although this is less likely to be an issue if you install your sim in a spare room or the garage.

Once you’re up and running, there’s no need to worry about any loose balls escaping. The impact screen, side panels, and baffles are of very good, reliable quality.

We’re talking about a really heavy-duty, premium impact screen that is not only very effective, but also displays the graphics very crisply. I tested the Vanish with the Square Golf launch monitor, and the screen provided a superb canvas for very clear projection.

Perhaps one of the biggest compliments I can give the Vanish Series is how good it looks even when you don’t have your launch monitor and you're playing a beautiful course: it has a very premium look and feel.

That might mean you just choose to leave it up. However, if you do need the space, just click that button…

Ping’s G Le4 family is the fourth generation of a range that has been a popular choice for female golfers since 2017. Designed specifically for swing speeds of 80mph or less, the lightweight range offers a complete, full-bag setup. Having played the G Le3 iron, I was keen to test this latest launch and see how its updated iron technology compares on the course.

Aesthetically, Ping has hit the mark with the new purple colourway, it feels modern, sophisticated, and sleek. One of my favourite visual updates is the shaft: moving away from the two-tone white and blue design of the G Le3 to a single, solid colour. Looking down at address with just that clean, uniform shade showing creates a streamlined, classy view over the ball. I also like the tacky Golf Pride grips as they sat comfortably and securely in my hands.

Technologically, Ping has engineered these stainless-steel irons as a lightweight iron/hybrid combo solution to ensure seamless set gapping. They feature a thinner face, a lower centre of gravity, and custom-engineered lofts to maximise ball speed, while high-density tip and toe weights push forgiveness right to the perimeter. Tucked behind the face is a multi-material PurFlex cavity badge to encourage consistent face flexing while delivering a soft, pleasing feel and sound at impact.

I found that this engineering translates into an exceptionally lightweight feel that makes the clubs effortless to swing. You can simply let the clubhead do the work without feeling the need to force power behind the ball. Forgiveness is impressive; my off-centre flew surprisingly straight and maintained consistent distance.

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Where I noticed a genuine leap, however, was on pure strikes. When I hit the ball right out of the sweet spot, my carry distance was noticeably further than with the G Le3. It wasn't an absurd jump, but it was a distinct, repeatable increase, and I can promise you that was strictly down to the clubs, not a sudden improvement in my swing!

As for the wedges (PW, UW, SW), while the sand wedge was the undisputed star of the show in the G Le3 line-up, the G Le4 wedges share the spotlight more evenly with the rest of the irons this time around. Their clean profile and comfortable feel gave me a lot of confidence over tricky short game shots, making getting up and down feel far less intimidating!

Ping continues to deliver thoughtful engineering that makes the game feel far more accessible. If you're in the market for one of the best golf irons for women on the market, the G Le4 family deserves a very close look.

Short game is all about confidence and control, and having a club that meets your specific needs both technically and visually is half of the battle. With five grinds available, the new TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 wedge can easily be fitted into any golfer's bag and joins the MG5 model as a forged wedge option from the brand.

I recently got my hands on them and put them through their paces in the Golf Monthly performance lab as well as out on the golf course to see if you should consider them as a new addition to your set-up.

When it comes to the aesthetics, I am a massive fan of the clean backing to the wedge and the subtle T-Bug logo positioned neatly at the top. It gives the club a distinctly premium, uncluttered look in the bag, while the Copper finish demands attention. You can also opt for Satin Chrome through custom orders, or explore the MyHi-Toe 5 configurator for Charcoal Black and Tour Raw finishes.

As someone who has typically played a smaller-profile wedge, the Hi-Toe 5 is quite the change visually when you set it down behind the ball. The expanded toe area and larger overall profile take a brief moment to get used to.

However, once I started hitting shots, I understood how the performance benefits of having those full-face grooves make complete sense, particularly when opening the face on finesse and bunker shots. Having that massive hitting surface instantly boosts your confidence when resting the club behind the ball and will definitely please golfers who have been struggling with their short games and want one of the most forgiving wedges.

Each wedge in the Hi-Toe 5 family is now fully forged from soft carbon steel - something completely new for the Hi-Toe franchise, helping deliver a softer, much more responsive feel at impact. The precision tolerances of the forged head produce incredibly consistent feedback, something that tour players look for in their wedges.

The Hi-Toe 5 wedges also benefit from the same full-face saw-milled grooves found in the MG5, extending them from the heel to the toe for versatility when you want to get creative around the greens.

As someone who likes to open the face up around the greens and especially from deep bunkers and cut across the ball, I often find my strike pattern leans towards the toe. After just a few shots, I noticed how much more my ball was grabbing on the green from these shots than with my traditional faced wedges.

I took the 54° Hi-Toe 5 wedge into the Golf Monthly performance lab to use my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, in order to gather some data on these wedges and truly see what the new design has to offer. I hit a series of targeted 50-yard pitch shots to gauge the consistency, flight, and spin capabilities.

The soft feel on the 54° wedge I tested helped me regularly dial in that 50-yard range I was looking for in order to gather my data. The ball speed sat at 52.9 mph, and the wedge produced a wonderfully controlled launch angle of 26.9° - a degree or two lower than I have seen in some of the best wedges I have tested recently, such as the Cleveland RTZ2 and Ping S259. The peak height measured out at a trajectory of 27 feet, which was nice and low, where I felt as though I was in full control of the flight.

Generating over 7600 rpm of spin on a 50-yard pitch is exactly where this wedge proves its worth. The combination of the sharp saw-milled grooves and the soft forged feel allowed me to flight the ball nicely, where I felt as though I was in full control, all while generating serious stopping power.

With five sole grind options - including the incredibly versatile ATS that I preferred and the wide-soled ATW for maximum forgiveness out of bunkers, the Hi-Toe 5 gives you all the tools required to dial in your short game. Priced at $199/£179 standard or $249/£209 for the MyHi-Toe 5 personalisation programme, it’s at a competitive price point, but one that absolutely pays dividends when you need to save strokes around the green.

Finding the right solution for hitting long approach shots can be challenging. But if longer irons and even some of the best hybrids seem a little daunting behind the ball, lofted fairway woods could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Callaway has just launched its Quantum Mini Spinner - designed specifically for golfers seeking more spin, control, and confidence on long approach shots, and I took it out both on the golf course and into the Golf Monthly performance lab to analyse its performance.

The Mini Spinner is available in a few loft options - 7-wood (21°) and 9-wood (24°) as well as 11-wood (27° - US only).

Straight out of the headcover, the sole of the Quantum Mini Spinner looks absolutely superb, offering a premium, technical aesthetic that boasts shelf appeal. However, when I set it down behind the ball, I’ll admit, I was slightly underwhelmed. I feel as though the crown not being the same carbon used on the rest of the Quantum range cheapens the appearance slightly, and I would have loved to have seen some continuity within the family.

That said, the footprint itself is very confidence-inspiring and will appeal to those who struggle to look down on a long iron with little loft. The taller, deep face raises the CG location, which helps generate spin, while providing a reassuring visual, and it looks like a club that wants to dig the ball out of tricky lies.

Where the Quantum Mini Spinner truly shines is in its performance, heavily driven by its unique engineering. One of the most noticeable differences is the playing length, where the 7-wood I tested measured 0.75 inches shorter than the Quantum Max 7-wood. This shorter shaft length will help a lot of golfers find the strike better and trap the ball nicely against the turf for a crisp strike.

The turf interaction was another standout feature, and the Step Sole design has been refined specifically for this model to minimize turf drag and see the leading edge enter and exit the ground quickly. I found this promoted exceptionally clean strikes, ensuring consistent center-face contact even when I thought I’d caught the ball a little heavy - something some of the most forgiving fairway woods emulate.

However, the real secret sauce here is the internal weighting and face design, where Callaway has utilized a lightweight carbon sole (in the 7W-9W models) to reposition mass higher in the head.

This higher center of gravity, paired with an Ai-optimized high-spin face, is entirely geared towards an Optimized Spin Construction. The result? I experienced a noticeable increase in spin, phenomenal stopping power, and a much tighter dispersion than I would typically see with a standard hybrid or long iron.

To quantify the performance benefits, I took the 21° Mini Spinner into the Golf Monthly Performance Lab and hit it on our Foresight GC3 launch monitor, comparing it directly against the 22° Callaway Quantum 5-iron.

Despite being just one degree stronger in loft, the Mini Spinner generated over 10 mph more ball speed, launching 5 degrees higher. Crucially, the spin rate jumped by nearly 1,000 rpm compared to the 5-iron, resulting in a towering peak height of 131 feet.

This was something I also noticed on the golf course, and despite the firm greens here in the UK, the ball was coming down so steep, holding the greens was no issue. Hitting a 213-yard carry shot that lands softly enough to hold a firm green is a game-changer for long par-4s and reaching par-5s in two.

The Callaway Quantum Mini Spinner does exactly what it says on the tin, and I think this could be a serious game-changer for many amateur golfers. While I would have loved to see a carbon crown to match the premium aesthetics of the sole, the performance is seriously impressive.

By combining a shorter shaft, a deeper face for performance from the rough, and a high-CG design, Callaway has created a seriously versatile club that I think will replace many long irons and hybrids this season.

It seems even the best lightweight golf bag designs always have some trade-off in pursuit of an elusive featherweight build. Whether that's getting rid of a full-length apparel pocket like on the Ping Moonlander, getting a little crowded with all 14 clubs like on the Vessel Sunday III, or not having premium touches like magnetic pockets like on the Ogio Featherlite, it always feels like golfers have to give up something in favour of that lightweight, comfortable carry bag.

It appears the designers at Sun Mountain have noticed this and set about creating a bag with no compromise. After a few months of testing, I'm pleased to report the new Eclipse 1.5 is the sort of 'have your cake and eat it' stand bag that keen walking golfers have all been waiting for.

The Eclipse 1.5, as the name nearly alludes to, is just 1.65kg (3.5lbs), ascending it to the very top of the table in terms of a lightweight build. But, it's not a small bag. Far bigger than the best Sunday bags but only a fraction heavier, it has a full-length apparel pocket, a quick-access magnetic front pocket (one that I've used for my rangefinder) and a deep front ball pocket. These are just three of the seven in total, offering more than enough storage even for the least frugal walking golfer.

The TaylorMade FlexTech Superlite is very similar in terms of weight, but doesn't come anywhere near it from a style and practicality point of view. The Eclipse 1.5 utilises a very smart and highly durable Cordura nylon ripstop fabric that adds a rugged feel and look to the smart overall profile. Thin though the material is, once you get a feel for it you get a real sense of durability.

The minimalism of the overall design is a huge plus point for me too. Very little branding can be found on the bag, and the black colourway I was testing it in allows for things like your favourite headcover and towel to really sing against the black, clean design.

One thing it is missing is a cooler pocket. There is space for a water bottle, thankfully - and it's easy to access on the move too - but not a dedicated cooler pocket like you get in some of the other best stand bags on the market.

The straps and hip pad are extremely comfortable, offering sweet relief to shoulders and lower backs as you get toward the end of walking 18 holes. The same material is used on the 4-way divider, which protects from any nasty shaft rub or wear very effectively.

The divider can comfortably fit all 14 of my clubs, including my large putter grip, without any crowding. I can imagine a full set of jumbo grips may struggle in this bag, but midsize and thinner will have plenty of space in this bag.

The only issue I had was with the deployment of the legs after a month or so of regular use. There's a little plastic piece (the official name of which I don't know, but I'll picture it above. This has tended to drift up and down the leg support, thus causing the legs to twist when deployed. It's easily pushed back into position with a little bit of elbow grease applied and was the only real hiccup I found from a wear-and-tear point of view.

You can really tell this bag was designed with the keen walking golfer in mind. Built as lightweight as a bag of this size can reasonably be with all the storage you need, I couldn't recommend this bag more, and it is easily the best in this subcategory of stand bags I've tested in recent years.

When Titleist introduced the GT280, it quickly became a staple for players looking for a reliable, high-launching alternative off the tee that could still double as a long-range fairway weapon.

With the new GTS300 mini driver, Titleist set out to build directly on tour feedback from players like Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, focusing heavily on boosting stability without altering what made the original so playable off the turf.

The headline story is the expansion to a 305cc head volume. Utilizing a lightweight composite crown allowed Titleist engineers to reallocate discretionary weight deeper into the head, driving up inertia and making the head significantly easier to handle in terms of overall forgiveness on off-center hits.

Crucially, Titleist pulled off a masterstroke in design engineering: the entire volume expansion was executed horizontally. By keeping the exact same face depth as the GT280, the GTS300 retains its ‘low enough’ profile versatility from the turf, while incorporating a forged ATI 425 Titanium L-Cup face to protect ball speeds on lower-face strikes.

On the sole, Titleist added a dual-weighting system featuring 11g and 3g flat weights. Flipping these gives golfers and fitters what I would consider an almost essential tool nowadays to dial in launch and spin dynamics.

GTS300 Key Specifications:

Head Volume: 305cc

Standard Loft: 13.0° (SureFit Hosel Adjustable)

Standard Length: 43.5"

Sole Weighting: Dual-Weight System (11g / 3g Flat)

In hand, this is arguably the classiest-looking mini driver on the market today.

Titleist’s crown shaping is superb, blending traditional tour elegance with modern aerodynamic lines, while the expanded 305cc footprint gives you a noticeable boost in confidence behind the ball.

Off the tee, the slightly larger horizontal profile makes it feel far more like hitting a driver than its predecessor, which takes away any hesitation when stepping up on tight driving holes.

At address, the face is a touch lighter in finish than the black crown. This contrast makes it delightfully easy to pick out your target line and see some static loft. It provides a visual guide that isn't quite as stark as the crown-to-face contrast found across the standard GTS fairway range - a visual tweak I personally remain somewhat on the fence about - making the GTS300 look clean and cohesive at setup.

Both off the tee and off the deck, the GTS300 delivers performance that feels very "Titleist" - no unnecessary frills, just a solid, reassuringly crisp, and highly responsive feel off the face.

Ball speed is genuinely rapid. During testing on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, the GTS300 was absolutely neck-and-neck with the TaylorMade R7 Quad mini as the fastest mini driver I have tested to date.

Where the GTS300 really separates itself from the previous GT280 is in its manners on mis-hits. Heel and toe strikes stay online remarkably well, preserving distance in a way that feels far more forgiving. Yet, when you drop the ball onto the fairway turf, the preserved face depth means you don't feel like you are trying to sweep a giant driver head off the grass. It glides through cleanly, making light work of long approach shots.

Flipping the heavier 11g weight into the front port knocked off between 150 and 300rpm of spin for me on average, while moving it rearward made it feel a little easier to flight off the fairway, so you obviously have to make your mind up what you are prioritising when settling on a configuration.

If you loved the GT280, the GTS300 gives you virtually identical numbers, wrapped in a head that is noticeably more forgiving and confidence-inspiring. It retains everything that makes a mini driver such a potent weapon while polishing the aesthetics and adjustability to a premium standard.

Fitting options and aftermarket versatility remain top-tier with the GTS300.

The head is compatible with Titleist’s standard Fairway SureFit hosel sleeve, though it is worth noting that due to the clubhead's longer hosel design, a standard 43-inch 3-wood shaft will play a half-inch longer at 43.5 inches once installed.

Titleist offers an impressive lineup of featured shafts straight out of the box, including the Project X Titan Black alongside Mitsubishi’s Tensei 1K series in White, Blue, and Red. For those seeking custom upgrades, premium options include Graphite Design’s Tour AD DI, VF, and FI models.

The GTS300 comes in at an SRP of £499 for the featured shaft options, rising to £669 for the premium Graphite Design setups.

Aretera Golf may be a relatively new name in the premium shaft space, but the engineering mind behind the brand carries decades of tour-proven credibility. With the AO2 family, Aretera aims to simplify the fitting equation while delivering an exceptional blend of feel, stability, and shot repeatability.

How We Test Shafts

All of our shaft testing is conducted using the same TaylorMade Qi35 core head driver set to a precise 9 degrees (measured), with each shaft cut to an exact length of 45.5 inches, fitted with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 60R grip. Furthermore, all testing shots are struck from a white castle tee to ensure consistent tee height during testing.

The data is collected and recorded using a Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5x golf balls.

Controlling these potential variables allows me to draw accurate and direct comparisons and form a clear picture of each shaft's performance and feel characteristics.

Aretera AO2 Shafts: Technology

The engineering philosophy behind the AO2 centers around Aretera’s proprietary PowerGrid carbon fiber material, designed to maximize structural integrity and energy transfer without adding dead weight.

What makes the AO2 lineup particularly clever is its single-variable design concept. Across both available colorways - Blue and Gray - the handle and mid-sections feature identical EI profiles: an active, smooth handle section paired with a firm mid-section for torsional stability.

The only differentiating feature between the two is tip stiffness, where the AO2 Gray features a 7% stiffer tip section than the AO2 Blue. By keeping the upper two-thirds of the shaft identical, Aretera allows fitters and players to dial in launch, spin, and tip activity without altering the overall feel under the hands.

Aretera AO2 Blue

Weight & Flex Tested: 65/5 (Driver) & 75/5 (3-Wood)

As I just noted, with both the Blue and Gray profiles, you are essentially dealing with the same baseline shaft, simply tweaked at the tip section. In the Blue profile, that slightly more active tip delivered a touch more dynamic loft through impact for me - but as always, make sure to test this, as it can have the exact opposite effect depending on your release type.

During testing, I really enjoyed the active handle section; it offered a wonderfully smooth and easy sensation under the hands from the transition through to release. What stood out most in terms of performance was my consistency of center contact. I personally found center-face impacts a little easier to dial in with the Blue profile in both my driver and fairway wood.

Interestingly, in the Gray profile I noticed one or two more low strikes on the face during my session. This suggests to me that the slightly softer tip and additional shaft droop of the Blue profile allowed the center of the clubhead to drop a touch lower at impact, aligning perfectly with my natural delivery path.

Choose This Shaft If:

You have a smooth to moderate tempo and prefer a lively, high-energy tip response.

You benefit from a fraction more shaft droop to find the center of the face.

Aretera AO2 Gray

Weight & Flex Tested: 65/5 (Driver) & 75/5 (3-Wood)

Stepping into the AO2 Gray profile, the 7% increase in tip stiffness immediately subtly tightens up the bottom end of the swing while retaining that same smooth handle feel.

The consistency of both shafts was simply off the charts good. The Gray profile delivered the clubhead with identical timing and feel swing after swing, resulting in exceptionally tight start directions and repeatable dispersion patterns.

For golfers who tend to over-launch the ball or fight a hook when a tip section gets too active, the Gray profile offers that added bit of structural control at impact without in any way feeling harsh or boardy.

Choose This Shaft If:

You love a smooth handle feel but require extra tip resistance through impact.

Verdict

On the whole, the Aretera AO2 family offered one of the smoothest rides through the golf swing of anything I have tested this year.

In my opinion, the AO2 design will suit players with smooth to moderate tempos far more than those with super brisk or snappy transitions at the top. That said, the engineering, materials, and build quality involved here are second to none - delivering an incredibly consistent feel and clubhead delivery that you can definitely rely on.

Cleveland has long been a powerhouse in the wedge category, but the new RTZ 2 wedge brings 40 years of short-game knowhow to the market. I absolutely loved the original RTZ wedges, and so when the RTZ 2 wedges landed on my doorstep, I was eager to see if this second iteration could genuinely elevate my short game and be considered some of the best golf wedges on the market.

To find out, I ripped off the wrappers of some RTZ 2 wedges and took them out for rigorous on-course testing in a variety of conditions, followed by a session on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor to capture the data.

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking nothing has changed with these wedges compared to the previous model, but the RTZ 2 wedges have seen a significant structural change from the original RTZ model.

This is highlighted by the introduction of ZipCore iQ, compared with the standard ZipCore technology in the RTZ. This new iteration features a fully optimized, lightweight hosel tailored specifically for each loft and grind combination.

On the course, this redistribution of mass meant my strikes felt incredibly stable because the center of gravity is dialed in for the specific impact location of each loft, and therefore the clubhead wants to resist twisting on off-center strikes.

On delicate, open-faced bunker shots where I occasionally caught the ball slightly out of the toe, the RTZ 2 delivered remarkably reliable distance control rather than frequently coming up short.

Cleveland continues to use their proprietary Z-Alloy material in its wedges, offering a noticeably soft feel. Whether I was hitting a full gap wedge from the fairway or a delicate 60^° chip from the fringe, the ball seemed to melt into the face, providing the exact feedback tour players demand and I love.

Taking these wedges onto the course was where I saw the HydraZip and UltiZip technology really shine. The sharper grooves of the UltiZip design acted almost like tyre treads to disperse any morning dew or sand in the soil, gliding through the wet grass and channeling dirt and moisture away from the grooves.

Traditional wedge face designs often suffer a big drop-off in spin when there is debris in the way, resulting in a loss of control and seeing a ball shoot off like a flier or fall out of the sky short of your target.

Complementing the grooves is the HydraZip face blasting that we saw on the RTZ wedges. This blasting technique makes the faces far more durable, and laser-milled lines between the deep grooves also add some friction for additional spin. I noticed this helped with stopping power on shorter pitch shots where I wasn’t putting so much speed through the club.

What’s really cool is the face textures are configured by loft groupings, meaning it’s roughest on the sand and lob wedges to maximize spin on partial shots. On just the first few shots, I started taking the cover off the ball!

I love how Roger Cleveland's signature touch is all over the sole of these clubs. The legendary 588 grind provides an absolute masterclass in trailing-edge relief. I found it incredibly easy to roll the face open without the leading edge sitting too high off the turf and the heel digging in.

If you’re someone who likes to do this and nip the ball off bare, tight lies around the greens, then you should definitely be looking at this wedge and grind.

The RTZ 2 offers a traditional shape across the MID, FULL, LOW, and 588 grinds to suit any swing type and turf condition. However, the ADAPT grind offers something different with a high-toe design and full-face grooves.

When I was short sided in a deep bunker and needed to accelerate hard under the ball, having those grooves extend all the way out to the toe helped a lot when sliding the club from right-to-left through impact.

I put the RTZ 2 to the test against arguably the best wedge on the market - the Titleist Vokey SM11 - on a 50-yard pitch to see how the results compared. While both wedges delivered precisely 50 yards of carry, they achieved it in slightly different ways. The RTZ 2 generated a notable 465rpm more spin than the Vokey SM11 on an identical half-swing shot. It also launched a fraction of a degree higher and reached an apex that was two feet higher.

This combination of a slightly higher trajectory and significantly superior spin means the Cleveland wedge will stop noticeably quickly upon landing. If you are a player who struggles to get the ball to bite quickly on firm summer greens, this data proves the RTZ 2 has the stopping power to attack those hidden, short-sided pins if you dare.

The Cleveland RTZ 2 wedge (£159 or £169 in the Tour Rack finish) is a really good option if you’re looking to upgrade your wedges this year. By pairing the buttery feel of Z-Alloy with the hyper-optimized ZipCore iQ and aggressively milled HydraZip face, Cleveland has crafted a wedge that seamlessly blends Tour-level control with modern consistency.

Whether you lean toward the classic versatility of the 588 grind or the modern, high-toe profile of the ADAPT, the RTZ 2 certainly challenges the Vokey SM11 and others for the throne of the wedge market.

Adidas' Codechaos shoe is a real 'if you know, you know' shoe. If I see people wearing a pair, I know they know ball. The three previous iterations of the franchise have perfectly encapsulated everything about the best adidas golf shoes, combining high levels of performance, genuine comfort and a more esoteric design language that never crossed over into silliness. The fourth generation 2027 version has arrived with a lot to live up to.

Taking them out of the box, I couldn't help but feel that the design language has gone back into its shell. On previous iterations - namely the Codechaos 23 - we've seen outsole nubs bleeding onto the upper and patterns and materials that evoked the sort of chaos that the name demands.

On the 27 model, I don't get as much of this. The last (the shape and fit) is very similar to previous models and is certainly on the more athletic side of the spectrum. It is most certainly a golf shoe, and doesn't make any efforts to be anything else or offer 'off-course' wearability, which I think plays into its strengths.

The colourway I tested it in certainly leans on the chaotic side. The blue and green look decent together on the shoe, but good luck finding an outfit to match this with.

My last gripe with the looks is the plastic sheen that comes with the new Axislock technology, which runs from the midsole to the heel. Pictured on my pair as the blue polygon shape with a green outline, the material used looks and feels cheap to the touch, taking away from any premium design cues this shoe does have in place.

There's a similar sheen to the three stripes running down the middle of the upper, and I think it cheapens the overall look.

It's not all bad from a design perspective, however. One neat detail is the ornamental badge on the bottom of the laces, which mimics the design of the outsole nubs. It's touches of detail like this that make the shoe feel very considered. The embossed stripes on the upper part of the toe box are another design cue that helps claw back some of the design elements I really didn't like.

I'm incredibly pleased to report that the performance of Codechaos 27 is as good, if not better, than all the previous generations. The Boost midsole foam - my favourite of the three foam technologies Adidas uses in its golf shoes - runs throughout the entire sole from toe to heel, offering a brilliant balance of walking comfort and rebound through the swing that I've come to enjoy so much in the Adidas Tour360 24, which uses the same foam.

The excellent Twistgrip outsole has also been improved on in this generation, covering 120% more surface area than the previous iteration while using four different lug shapes configured to offer optimal grip in all conditions. I think it's one of the best examples of a spikeless outsole in an ever-improving part of the market.

Though the exterior look of the Axislock technology isn't to my taste, it is certainly an effective addition to the shoe. My heel felt nicely slotted in place and healthily cushioned by the Boost midsole foam to create a powerful sensation with no slippage whatsoever.

The even better news comes in the form of the price tag. In the UK, it can be found for £119 and in the US for $149. The UK RRP, to my mind, is incredibly competitive for such a high-performing and all-year-round golf shoe.

I can't fault the Codechaos 27 for its performance, and the franchise remains one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market right now. Looks are, of course, subjective, but it's not the best-looking in the family lineage for my money. However, that takes nothing away from this well-priced, consciously designed and well-executed golf shoe.

Zero-torque putters have well and truly cemented their place on the market, dominating the spotlight as one of the most talked-about equipment trends in golf. But for all their performance benefits, many golfers struggle to adjust to the unconventional-looking, center-shafted designs.

That's why, when I saw the Bettinardi Antidote Hexperimental #7 showcases a new heel-shafted look in a mid-mallet design, I couldn’t wait to take it out on the course and analyse its performance.

Having previously reviewed and absolutely loved the blade-style Bettinardi 2025 Antidote SB1, I was chomping at the bit to see if the limited-run Antidote Hexperimental #7 could deliver that same beautiful feel off the face, in the shape of a more stable mid-mallet design, all in a new-look zero torque aesthetic.

Pulling the Hexperimental #7 out of its magnetic headcover (an absolute must for premium putters in my opinion), the first thing that hits you is that it looks genuinely incredible.

While the SB1 I tested previously featured a bright Diamond Blast and Sapphire Blue finish, the Hexperimental #7 goes down a much darker, stealthier route. Coated in a highly durable, two-tone Black Armor TPT finish, it immediately gives off a premium aura.

It also contrasts sharply with the Distressed Blue accents on the face and sole, showcasing the modern craftsmanship that we’ve come to expect from the best Bettinardi putters.

What really stands out, though, is the profile at address. Setting it down behind the ball, it looks like a classic compact mallet with a modified plumber’s neck. There is a very deliberate rectangular cutout the width of a golf ball behind the face that pushes weight to the perimeter and aids alignment.

But crucially, it will appeal to the eye of golfers who have avoided zero-torque putters because they dislike the look of center-shafted setups, but have always been intrigued by the proposition of the best zero-torque putters.

The real magic of the Hexperimental #7 lies in Bettinardi's patented Simply Balanced technology. Despite looking like a conventional putter at address, the shaft axis is engineered to align perfectly with the putter head's center of gravity (CG), reducing torque and allowing the face to remain square to the putter's path throughout the stroke.

In my testing, I found the head felt remarkably stable through impact and couldn’t help but feel this would be a putter that those with a straighter arc to their stroke would love. That said, I found it takes a few putts to trust that you don't need to manipulate your hands to open and close the face, but once you do, squaring the face feels almost automatic.

In terms of feel, the Hexperimental #7 utilizes Bettinardi’s re-engineered F.I.T. (Feel Impact Technology) Face. While the Antidote SB1 I reviewed removed 55 percent of the face material for a supremely soft impact, the Hexperimental #7 removes 30 percent. The result is a slightly crisper, more responsive audible click off the 303 stainless steel face, while still maintaining that muted, buttery feel.

While I did love how this putter felt through impact and the roll it produced was superb, the overall weight of the putter felt a little light for my liking. This, however, is something you can easily adapt to, and after 9 holes I started to understand the putter even more, and my distance control felt extremely well dialed.

The Hexperimental #7 comes paired with a matte black shaft and a matching Bettinardi Black Hex PU grip that sits wonderfully in the hands and just adds to the overall premium nature of this putter.

At $550 or £549, it firmly occupies the ultra-premium end of the market, but that’s what you’d expect from a limited-run putter. However, if you're a golfer who has been desperate to take advantage of zero-torque forgiveness but couldn't palate the unconventional looks of other models on the market, this beauty could be exactly what you've been looking for.

The golf speaker scene remains a fairly niche enclave of the golf tech space, but 2026 is the year of its most fierce competition for the best golf speaker title. So far this year, I’ve already tested both the Bushnell Wingman HD and the Mileseey GeneSonic Pro, and both left me very impressed.

Now it's time for a speaker I’ve been wanting to test for a while - Blue Tees’ entry in the battle for musical supremacy - the Player Pro. The brand has taken the best features from its popular Player+ speaker and added a few upgrades, most notably 360° sound, a new and improved full color touchscreen display and smart golf features that tap into your Blue Tees golf ecosystem - more on that later.

The first impressions are strong - this is a good-looking speaker that doesn’t weigh too much. However, if you’re a walker like me rather than someone who rides in a cart most rounds, it might prove too heavy to attach to the side of your bag. Nevertheless, this remains an option for you.

There are 42,000 preloaded courses on this speaker, with a wealth of golf-specific features. However, and I will address this now, a subscription is required for a lot of these features. Without paying, you’ll still have access to audible front/middle/back distances and a high quality music system, but that's about it.

On the flip side, the subscription lets you access so much more, including hazard distances, shot tracking, green views, club recommendations and access to the general Blue Tees ecosystem released in 2026. There’s more, with an on-device scorecard, dispersion tracking, social leaderboards and AI-adjusted yardages based on how far you hit each club and the conditions you are playing in - all behind the paywall, too.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s frustrating. But it's not unreasonable for what you get. You get your first year free, and after that it's $49/year or $99 for three years. All things considered, I don’t think this is too bad.

Whether it is worth the money to you or not depends on whether you want to buy into the ecosystem. It’s been a big year for the brand, releasing two new rangefinders, the Captain Pro and Captain Air, a new affordable launch monitor in the Rainmaker, and this speaker, all connected to the newly-launched Blue Tees ecosystem and housed in the Blue Tees app.

If you want your own golf ecosystem and somewhere to store shot data to learn more about your game, Blue Tees is one of the most affordable places to do that. The app isn’t perfect, as I have mentioned in previous reviews, but I’m confident it will improve as the months progress.

Back to the speaker. Music-wise, this is a great device and one I’ve been using a lot around the house over the last number of weeks. The dual-driver speaker system delivers sound all around you rather than in one direction and the heavy-duty magnetic strip allows you to stick it just about anywhere.

I tested it at both Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast as well as Royal County Down, two busy golf courses where I couldn’t blaze the tunes. However, this let me focus solely on the golf-specific features.

On the course, each of the features is delivered brilliantly on one of the best screens I’ve ever seen on a golf speaker. The full-color touchscreen is dead easy to use, which made reviewing this device and testing out the aforementioned features a lot easier than I thought it would be (they all work brilliantly, I’ll add).

Since I walk 99% of my rounds, this device isn’t for me and that’s fine. However, if you’re a Lewis Hamilton-level cartaholic, you can attach this to the frame of your buggy and get every piece of information you could possibly want mid-round. The GPS technology is genuinely useful and reliable. Having to connect to the app before each round is a pet peeve of mine, but it only takes a few seconds.

Golf speakers used to be additional devices to bring onto the course with you - they were there for music, and although they’ll throw a few yardages at you, you’ll still need one of the best golf rangefinders or your trusty golf watch. With the Player Pro, that is no longer the case. You get the best of both worlds, and if you decide to pair it with other Blue Tees devices, you can open up an entire ecosystem for your game for a very decent price.

I’ve been impressed by all the releases Blue Tees has delivered in 2026 and I can’t say I’m surprised to say that the Player Pro continued that trend.

The recipe to create one of the best golf bags is a fairly simple one. It should provide safe storage for your golf clubs, provide enough space to carry your apparel and accessories, have a comfortable strap for when you carry and have a reliable kick stand that goes into action the moment you set it down.

Plenty of golf bags include all of these features, but they won’t tick arguably the most important box of all - value for money.

A lot of the best golf stand bags are priced well north of $200, with premium options often priced between $300-400. Yeah, they might last you for the next three, flour, maybe even five years, but you’re forking out a lot up front for a bag that may need replaced in a couple of years' time.

What if I told you that you can get a bag that keeps your clubs VERY safe, with ample storage room, a comfy strap and a serviceable kick stand, all for less than $200?

Many see the brand RAM, a label known for value for money rather than premium products, and turn their nose up. Yes, it isn’t the sexiest brand in the world, but golf isn’t the sexiest sport in the world either, is it? Get over it.

I’ll admit, sometimes I turn my nose up at brands like this too, but the more I used their FX-LOCK Stand Bag, the more impressed I was.

The unique selling point of this bag, much like the FX-LOCK Cart Bag I reviewed, is for it to act like prime Agent 007 and move in silence - no clubs clicking or slapping against each other. Instead, they’re all housed in their own unique spot courtesy of the 13+1 molded top that cradles each shaft into its own dedicated cell.

I have two main takeaways with the 13+1 way top. Firstly, it works. Your clubs barely make a noise as you walk, so RAM have achieved what they wanted to here and credit is due where it is due. The second takeaway is that it isn’t the prettiest feature I’ve ever seen on a golf bag. For as good as it is functionally, it will divide opinion in terms of looks.

It does take a bit more brain power to slide your 7 iron back into the dedicated slot post-shot, but you get used to it quickly. The putter lives in its own unique slot at the top of the bag, which allows plenty of room for those who use fatter grips on their flatstick.

The biggest compliment I can give this bag is that it has clearly been designed by golfers. There are a number of well executed features golfers will appreciate, like the ample storage of 8 pockets including a pleasingly large cooler pocket, a slick and easily accessible water bottle pocket and a valuables pocket for your phone, wallet and keys.

Weighing 7.4lbs/3.3kg, it weighs more than most of the best lightweight golf bags, but this isn’t exactly heavy. The walking experience was a pleasant one courtesy of the aforementioned 13+1 top meaning I didn’t have to listen to clubs clicking and a dual 4-point strap that provided comfort as I carried. The kickstand was also very responsive, even on uneven terrain.

I tested this bag at Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast, a nifty nine-hole course near the city centre, where the members complimented the looks of the bag on the first tee. They were fond of the red/white/blue colorway, one of four available to choose from.

If I was to be overly critical, I thought the material was a bit shiny which cheapened the look, but I’m also aware this is one of the cheapest new golf bag options on the market so it is unlikely to have the premium materials used on bags double the price.

At £119.99/$179.99, there is a lot to like here. If you don’t mind opting for a more budget friendly golf bag, the FX-LOCK is a great choice. As mentioned, the plastic top will divide opinion, but you can’t argue it doesn’t work. You could make far worse decisions than saving the guts of $100-150 and reinvesting that in other parts of your game.

I LOVE testing golf equipment at the lower end of the price scale. The price of playing this sport has only risen in recent years and I don’t see it going down, so getting the biggest bang for your buck has never been more important.

There is a lot we need to play regularly as well, meaning a lot of money needs to be spent. The best golf bags, clothing, golf balls, membership… I could go on.

An easy way to save is to get a more value-friendly golf bag, but consumers can get stung by opting for a cheaper bag that will need replacing after a year or two due to poor quality materials and general lack of durability.

If someone asked me what budget brand I’d point them towards in the golf bag space, it would be RAM. I’ve been testing their new FX-LOCK Trolley Bag which, at £119/$179.99, seems incredible value - but how did it perform on the golf course, and how does it compare to the best push cart bags money can buy?

There are two main selling points for this bag. Firstly, the aforementioned price point. Secondly, the full name of this bag is the Ram Golf FX-LOCK Silent Trolley Bag with 14-Way Club-Locking Top, with a unique 14-way plastic top keeping each of your clubs separate and preventing them from bashing together as you walk the course.

To quote Ram directly, they claim “The Ram FX-LOCK Trolley Bag solves one of the most annoying things about a round of golf: clubs that rattle, tangle, and clatter on every bump of the cart path”.

Now, in reference to the title of this review, my first impression of this 14-way divider was that it wasn’t overly easy on the eye, but on the course did exactly what it said it would do. It takes a little bit of brain power when putting your club back in your bag, but you can’t argue it keeps your sticks organized, no matter your thoughts on the 'plasticky' look. It will divide opinion and might be a deal breaker for you - if so, that is fine, but don't let it take away from the rest of this impressive bag.

Looks-wise, this isn’t the most premium bag you’ll ever see. The shiny material doesn’t match the high-end look of competing brands, but then again, the models I’m thinking if are much more expensive and are some of the best golf trolley bags on the market. You also get four color choices, so there should be something that fits the eye for everyone.

A standout feature of this bag is the seemingly endless storage. There are ten pockets in total, including two valuables pouches, a cooler pocket that fits two large bottles, two apparel pockets and dedicated ball and accessories pockets.

This is a really cleverly designed bag, proven by the external putter holder separated from the rest of your set to allow for oversized grips and a towel buckle that lets you feed it through the bag rather than have it hanging from your clubs.

A matching rain hood comes included, whilst the umbrella holder is there if you need it (hopefully not). The velcro glove attachment on the side is also a well thought-out feature.

Weighing just 3.3kg, it won’t break your back putting it on one of the best push carts or electric trolleys either.

There isn’t a lot to critique here in all honesty. The unique plastic top will divide opinion (no pun intended). I'm not mad about it myself personally, but it does what it is designed to do. The question for buyers is are you happy with the looks and quality here, or do you want something that looks a bit more fancy? If not, then this bag is a no-brainer - it works well, provides plenty of storage space and doesn’t weigh a lot. What more could you want at this price?

If you watch any YouTube golf, you will probably already have seen this distinctive shaft in the irons of George Bryan, and maybe even more notably, in the bag of former world number one Jason Day. When you consider that Day used to play what is maybe the godfather of heavy, stiff iron shafts in the Dynamic Gold X7, this sudden switch to graphite certainly raised my eyebrows.

KBS has long established itself in the premium shaft market by utilizing manufacturing processes that prioritize consistent, elite-level performance in traditional steel. However, with the TGI (Tour Graphite Iron) shaft, the brand is branching out. I was incredibly excited to put this shaft through its paces to see if it could finally tempt a long-time steel user over to the dark side.

KBS TGI Tour Graphite Iron Shaft Review: Technology

The TGI distinguishes itself immediately in its core engineering and mission statement. KBS explicitly states that this is its first graphite shaft to play exactly like KBS steel, developed with optimized weight and stiffness profiles to maximize performance. According to the brand, it is designed utilizing the exact same E.I. curve as the renowned KBS Tour Steel shafts, aiming to provide that familiar tour-level trajectory and spin control in a composite package.

Available in both taper tip and parallel tip options, the fitting range is impressively vast. With weight options scaling from a lightweight 60g up to a robust 110g, and flexes ranging from R all the way to X-Stiff+, there is an abundance of options to fit every golfer, from juniors to seasoned Tour professionals.

Before we even get to the swing, I have to mention the aesthetics. Maybe this point shouldn't matter, but it does to so many of us; I absolutely love the look of them! The premium matte black finish paired with the distinctive red TGI banner is brilliantly executed. I genuinely couldn't stop looking at them, and they somehow visually elevated any clubhead I paired them with!

KBS TGI Tour Graphite Iron Shaft Review: Performance

While KBS states that it is actively trying to retain the same playing characteristics of steel, I am not sure I would entirely agree that I saw that in my game. This is no criticism, by the way; on the contrary, I actually found the differences both very obvious and highly beneficial.

For my testing, I utilized the taper tip 110 model. During my rounds, while the elite control and consistency I usually expect from my trusty Dynamic Gold X100 shafts remained completely intact, my peak height popped up a little, giving me a beautifully optimized ball flight. Furthermore, my consistent mishit - which tends to be a slight thin - felt significantly better by the time the composite material had filtered away some of the horrible vibrations I would normally experience.

In terms of in-swing feedback, I would put the TGI on the 'boardier' end of the spectrum of the graphite irons I have tested. They feel much more akin to the firmer Fujikura Axiom rather than the Mitsubishi MMT, which I found a touch smoother. But for some reason, this firmer sensation perfectly suited the overall performance of the shaft and gave me immense confidence not to have to babysit this shaft through impact.

KBS TGI Tour Graphite Iron Shaft Review: Verdict

If you are a long-term steel shaft user looking for your very first flirtation with graphite irons, then this may well be the perfect place to start - the ultimate gateway shaft, if you will.

At just $71.95 per shaft, the price tag also compares very favorably to many of its premium competitors in this rapidly growing market. By combining stunning aesthetics, vibration-dampening forgiveness, and pinpoint control, the KBS TGI is a stellar performer.

Every summer, at our family get-together, there have to be garden games - they're more important than the BBQ.

We’ve had break-a-plate, badminton, skittles, Molkky, darts, Cornhole (my personal favorite) … the list goes on - and I normally win them all.

This year, with the annual party coming on the back of The Open at Royal Birkdale, I was keen to get the whole family playing some form of golf - so the search began.

It didn't take long before I came across the “ultimate backyard golf game”.

It seemed like BucketGolf was everywhere, so I messaged my dad and told him to stop worrying about the hosepipe ban - we would not be needing the garden to look like Augusta.

Would I regret dropping the traditional putting competition from the itinerary in favor of an untested golf game?

BucketGolf says its mission is “to bring families and friends together through competitive fun”, and one of the most appealing aspects of the game was the fact that it looked very playable - big buckets for holes, large clubheads and huge plastic balls.

And it looked like a lot of fun, perfect for what I had in mind, and suitable for golfers and non-golfers, as well as little ones.

Just before The Open got underway at Royal Birkdale, I took delivery of the BucketGolf 6 Hole Bundle - and I headed straight out to my garden.

First impressions? Excited. This ‘bundle’ included six buckets, six flagsticks, six plastic balls and six tee boxes) - plus four clubs, which is plenty enough (you can order more/less as well as left-handed ones).

Everything looked well made, and the carry bag was a nice addition, making it easy to pop into the boot of the car and keep all the items neatly stored together in one place.

Onto the set-up. The fact that it’s easy to assemble was also a big plus. Erecting the gazebo earlier in the day had been rather complicated, so this was a relief.

The six-hole course was laid out in less than 10 minutes, swinging around a basketball stand, over and between vegetable patches, a hobbit house, and a well.

So, shortly after lunch, it was time for some golf.

After just a few minutes, it was clear that I’d made the game too difficult; although the buckets are very wide, it’s still quite a skill to land one in even from close range.

However, what’s good about BucketGolf is that you can make up your own rules. There are ways to make it easier, and you can invent your own scoring system: one for hitting the bucket, five for landing a ball in it, for example (this kept the kids interested).

The clubs are excellent. Even if you’re a beginner, the oversized heads make it easy to get the ball in the air (most of the time), and they’re very robust, able to withstand poor strikes and the odd temper tantrum.

At the risk of sounding like I took the game way too seriously (I did), you can actually get a good amount of draw and slice spin on your shots; the clubs might not be Vokey wedges, but you can have some fun shaping shots and opening the face to get a bit more height (I told you I took it seriously).

The flagsticks, which poke through a small hole in the bucket into the ground, are a nice touch, too, although this is not so easy to do when the ground is rock hard - so don't try and force them in or they are likely to break.

Meanwhile, the numbers on the tee markers and buckets elevate the experience and give it just enough of a ‘serious’ competition feel.

As for the custom balls, which are designed to fly between 10-40 yards, they do deviate in the wind, which is no surprise given the holes - something which actually adds to the fun in blustery conditions.

I realize I'm going to sound like a wet blanket here, but I lost my enthusiasm after about 30 minutes - although this might say more about me than the game itself.

I found myself wondering whether I could squeeze nine holes in after the party, and whether it would be more fun to play with actual golf balls (it is, but it’s neither safe nor in the spirit of the game).

However, long after the party was over, I was back out in the garden playing against my brother - this time for a lot longer and with something on the line (again, it might say more about me that we had to have a wager).

My overriding feeling is that BucketGolf just lacks a bit of an X factor, some kind of feature that makes it more engaging.

That said, the fact that I have had it out a few times since the party suggests that it does have an addictive quality (I'm currently actually using the buckets and flags for chipping practice with proper balls).

And I should stress that because I love the ‘real thing’ so much, playing any other version - and I include going to the range and playing on a golf simulator in this - never really gets the juices flowing in quite the same way.

I probably sound like a killjoy, so I’ll put my fun hat on and say this: as golf games for the garden go, for occasions that get everyone involved for some outdoor fun, it’s a well-thought-out and well-made product.

Is it worth $230 (£174.99)? I think this is quite pricey. BucketGolf fans, of which there are many out there, might disagree, for it can provide hours of fun.

For me, Cornhole is still hard to beat.

KBS has long been a dominant force in the steel shaft market, but its graphite offerings are increasingly turning heads. Its latest offering, the TG Black driver and fairway wood shaft, has already seen significant tour adoption, most notably finding its way into the hands of former world number one, Jason Day.

For me, as a 115- 120 mph driver speed player, finding a shaft that can handle an aggressive move without feeling excessively harsh or boardy is a constant quest. I was excited to put the TG Black through its paces to see if it could deliver the kind of tight dispersion every golfer dreams of, without sacrificing responsiveness.

How We Test Shafts

All of our shaft testing is conducted using the same TaylorMade Qi35 core head driver set to a precise 9 degrees (measured), with each shaft cut to an exact length of 45.5 inches, fitted with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 60R grip. Furthermore, all testing shots are struck from a white castle tee to ensure consistent tee height during testing.

The data is collected and recorded using a Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5x golf balls.

Controlling these potential variables allows me to draw accurate and direct comparisons and form a clear picture of each shaft's performance and feel characteristics.

KBS TG Black Shaft Review: Technology

Looking at the technical specifications, the TG Black distinguishes itself as a product engineered by and for elite players seeking control, stability, and an optimized launch. KBS claims it combines the signature feel of steel with the benefits of premium graphite technology. It utilizes a High Modulus Graphite construction designed for consistent energy transfer and tight dispersion, alongside a firm tip section to promote control and accuracy at high speeds.

What is particularly unusual, and a real testament to KBS catering to faster swingers, is the flex options available. Alongside conventional R, S, and X flexes across weights from 40g up to 80g, the TG Black is also available in not only a TX (Tour X) but also a TXX!

For my testing, I opted for the TX and was eager to see how the low launch, low spin profile would translate into real-world performance.

KBS TG Black Shaft Review: Performance

While the overall design is one geared towards stability and that 'low launch/spin' window (a concept in itself I am less and less convinced by), the actual feel is incredibly smooth. I feel as though this is a shaft that ‘stays with me’ extremely well. There is no excessive loading during the transition, but simultaneously, there is no real feeling that you need to try too hard to get anything out of it.

I often feel like a good shaft is a bit like a referee in a sports game - the less you notice them, the better they tend to be doing their job, and I think that is the highest compliment I can give the TG Black. It is kind of stealthy in terms of its ability to remain almost anonymous throughout the golf swing, but for me, it just seems to have a very nice habit of returning to the ball at just the right millisecond to find a centered strike.

I thoroughly enjoyed the consistency and feel on offer.

Interestingly, personally I found it to be an incredibly effective fairway wood shaft, maybe even more so than in driver in my hands for whatever reason. I was lucky enough to get a couple of the 70 TX shafts for testing, which I put in two different manufacturer adapters and have to say it performed equally superbly in both. It is strong without being a poker, and delivers a lovely sensation through strike. I was so impressed, in fact, that I am more than likely going to be making a switch in this area of the bag based on this testing.

KBS TG Black Shaft Review: Verdict

The KBS TG Black is a standout offering that merges power, feel, and stability beautifully. Another plus point for many will undoubtedly be the price tag. For a tour-validated premium golf shaft, $200 is a comparatively reasonable ask when you consider that the - albeit fantastic - Ventus range from Fujikura will set you back more like $350. If you prioritize stability but refuse to sacrifice a smooth feel, the TG Black should be very high on your testing list.

Following my recent time spent reviewing the XC1 irons, I was highly eager to get my hands on the matching Maxfli XCW wedges to see if they warrant a conversation as a suitable alternative to some of the best wedges in the game.

Under the hood, Maxfli has refused to cut corners. The XCW wedges are fully forged from 1025 Carbon Steel to ensure the high-end response better players demand. Much like the iron lineup, these wedges strategically utilize internal Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) technology to achieve optimal mass placement.

This translates to progressive vertical weighting, which cleverly positions the center of gravity (CG) lower in the low-lofted options to ensure predictability on full swings, and higher in the high-lofted heads to aid in controlling trajectory and maximizing spin on delicate partial shots.

On the face, CNC Milled Micro Grooves allow for more physical scoring lines (grooves) on the hitting surface to maximize backspin. This is paired with a CNC spin-milled sole designed to guarantee precise bounce consistency across every loft and grind combination.

In the bag - as with the rest of this Maxfli comeback range - these wedges look stunning. The back of the club is wonderfully clean and minimal, embracing the unadorned, premium aesthetic that I value so highly. However, much like my experience with the XC1 irons, the XCW wedges don't 100% suit my eye when down behind the ball.

At address, there is a slight notch of offset that interrupts the visual flow from the leading edge into the hosel.

Additionally, the hosel-to-top-edge transition doesn’t quite follow the same smooth, sweeping curves as the rest of the top edge. It creates a somewhat distinct shape that took a bit of getting used to. Of course, aesthetics are entirely subjective, and what jars slightly for me may well sit perfectly in someone else's hands.

Once you hit a few shots, any minor visual critiques quickly evaporate. The feel at impact is standout - offering a very soft, deep sensation that immediately alerts your hands to a high-quality forging.

When it comes to short game control, the XCW generates plenty of bite. In my testing, the backspin and trajectory control were fully comparable to premium flagship models like the Titleist Vokey SM11 and the Callaway Opus SP.

Maxfli offers three distinct sole shapes to cover different swing types: the A Grind (available in 50° and 52° for full gap-wedge swings), the X Grind (available in 56° and 60° featuring a wide sole for bunker forgiveness), and the multi-purpose M Grind (available in 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60°).

I tested the M Grind in both the 56° and 60° options and found it to be brilliantly versatile. While it didn’t offer much in the way of heel and toe relief to open the face up around the greens, it still beautifully coped with the tight, hard, burnt-out links turf of a traditional UK summer.

Overall, there isn’t much to dislike about these wedges, and I would deem them another strong component of a brilliant comeback into the hardware game from Maxfli.

At $129.99, these wedges represent excellent value for a fully forged product.

Sadly for the UK audience, they are currently a US exclusive available only at Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods, but they are a phenomenal addition to a legendary brand’s comeback.

The golf equipment landscape is constantly shifting, and one of the most enjoyable trends is the resurgence of retro brands with significant heritage coming back to prominence. MacGregor has tapped into this beautifully, honoring one of history's most influential club designers with the launch of the Toney Penna Tour Forged iron range.

Precision forged from premium 1020 carbon steel, these muscle-backs marry classic craftsmanship with modern direct-to-consumer (DTC) efficiency, even offering full custom fitting online.

In terms of shelf appeal, the "in the bag" look is superb. MacGregor has opted for minimal branding, leaving a sophisticated finish beautifully elevated by the addition of the Toney Penna signature on the hosel.

Down behind the ball, the head shapes are superb; fans of soft, rounded curves and shorter blade lengths will be completely in their element here.

For me, the only thing that cheapens the look or gives any indication of the price bracket is the painted grooves. Sometimes less is more, and if I were gaming these, the first thing I would do is scrape the paint from the grooves, leaving them clean and blank.

In terms of performance, the data stacks up - as it does with almost every iron in this category, frankly. There is only so much you can do to influence data output with a forged blade at a certain loft, and that is the case once again here.

Granted, I found a couple of extra yards through the air versus most other MB’s on the market, but I am putting that down to the slightly stronger lofts (7 iron is 32˚ whereas most other MB’s or blades are at 33˚ or 34˚). Interestingly, this didn’t manifest itself with a lower ball flight than other blades I have tested recently, so I treated the small yardage boost as just a little bonus.

To me, with data so tight, the only true differentiators in this category are looks and feel. We've covered looks, so how do they feel?

Well, I would place them at a solid 8 out of 10 in that category. While they are reasonably soft and offer good feedback, I found them to lack the real density and depth that, say, the Cobra 3DP MB or the Mizuno Pro S1 give you. But then, you have to weigh up whether a touch more depth of strike is worth upwards of £1000 to you! Honestly, for me, that was the only real difference on show.

At less than £400 for a 4-PW set (with the MB model coming in at an RRP of £399.99), the value is unbelievable when you consider many mainstream brands are £1200 plus as a starting point.

Overall, this is another brilliant example of what the DTC iron market can offer. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: I am very fortunate to get my golf equipment free, but if I were spending my own hard-earned money on a set of irons, the DTC market is the only place I would be looking.

For many years, Benross has been a brand synonymous with value, often serving as the entry point for golfers looking for reliable equipment without the four-figure price tag.

However, with the release of the new RS iron range - comprising the RS100, RS200, and RS300 - the brand seems to be moving into a new tier and looking to challenge some of the best irons in the game.

At £549 for a seven-piece set, the value proposition is immediately clear. But after testing the range, it was immediately evident to me that these aren’t just budget clubs; they are serious performers that offer a strong alternative to the dominance of the major manufacturers in the hollow-body category.

The first thing I noticed about the RS range was the shelf appeal. Benross has opted for a minimalist, clean aesthetic from the back that is remarkably sophisticated.

For me, the finish is a particular highlight - a matt texture that reveals an almost sparkly quality in certain lights. It looks significantly more premium than the price tag suggests, avoiding the cluttered, busy graphics often found in value-driven irons.

Because the branding and design language are so consistent across all three models, they are strikingly similar from the back.

While this made picking the right club out in testing worryingly difficult(!), it makes the RS range one of the most cohesive options on the market for creating a combo set. You could easily transition from an RS300 long iron into RS200 mid irons and RS100 short irons without the set looking mismatched in the bag.

All three models share the same DNA: a two-piece foam-filled hollow body construction featuring a 431 stainless steel body and a heat-treated S450 face. This uniform construction means the feel remains consistent as you move through the range.

During testing, the aforementioned feel was impressive - solid and dampened, yet noticeably energetic. The 20% thinner S450 face certainly does its job in generating ball speed. If there is a caveat, it’s that the face can feel a touch lively for those used to traditional forged blades.

I experienced a couple of mildly jumpy strikes that flew about 5 or 6 yards further than anticipated. However, these weren't ‘card wreckers’; we’re talking about landing on the back edge of the green rather than pin-high, a potentially fair trade-off for the distance on offer.

While they look similar, the performance characteristics are clearly defined:

RS100: This is the "player's" profile. With a classic profile and minimal offset, it’s designed for the better ball striker. It flew a touch lower and offered the most workability in the range. In terms of look and flight, it would be comparable to something like the TaylorMade P770.

RS200: Positioned as a mid-handicap solution, the 200 model offers a mid-size head and moderate offset. It balances workability and forgiveness nicely, reminding me of the TaylorMade P790. The CG is slightly lower than the RS100, making it easier to launch while maintaining a predictable trajectory.

RS300: For the golfer seeking maximum help. This is the largest head with the most offset, designed to promote face closure and a more draw bias flight. It launched very high and was incredibly forgiving through the turf thanks to a wider sole. For me, this one is competing with the likes of the Callaway Quantum Max or Cobra King irons.

One of the most impressive aspects of this launch is the accessibility of custom fitting. On the American Golf website, there are double-digit shaft options to select from (including KBS and Fujikura), along with loft and lie adjustments and various grip choices. This level of customization at this price point is a real bonus.

I would genuinely have absolutely no reservations recommending the Benross RS range to friends looking to save money on their next purchase. They look great, feel decent, and the performance gaps between the models are perfectly judged.

Benross has proven that you don't need to spend £1,200 to get a high-performing, custom-fit set of modern hollow-body irons.

As an equipment reviewer, I have really enjoyed seeing the resurgence of a brand that was so prevalent during my youth and formative years. Having previously reviewed the excellent XC2 irons, I have been thrilled to see how well this kind of retro resurgence has been executed by Maxfli.

There are no unnecessary frills here, and nothing trying too hard to be overly nostalgic - just some beautifully clean, minimalist designs that let the craftsmanship do the talking.

Let’s find out if these can give the current best blades a run for their money...

In terms of the technology story, the XC1 irons are packed with hidden innovations. They are forged from 1025C Carbon Steel using an advanced five-step forging process. Inside the head, co-forged internal tungsten weighting and CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) provide precise vertical and horizontal CG locations.

Notably, Maxfli is the first manufacturer in the industry to use this CMC technology specifically for weight saving and precision CG location, aiming to produce tour-preferred feel, trajectory, and distance control. Additionally, CNC milled Multi-Groove technology places more square grooves on the face for improved consistency, trajectory, and spin.

So if you are a fan of the groove pattern of the TaylorMade P7TW or even the old Nike VR Pro blades, these may well be worth a look.

In the bag, the XC1 irons are sensational looking. The premium satin finish is absolutely stunning and almost glimmers in the sunlight. Anyone who has read any of my reviews will know how much I value a clean, unfussy look, and Maxfli has absolutely nailed it here.

Down behind the ball, you will find a longer blade length than in many of the blade irons on the market, which is the first visual clue that they might be a little more forgiving than many of their direct competitors in this category.

In the playing position, along with being a touch long, I wouldn't say they are my absolute favorites from this angle. Far from bad, I just personally prefer a slightly straighter top edge moving into a curved toe, rather than the gentle curve found on this top edge. While I enjoy roundness in my iron heads, I always feel that there needs to be some straight lines to offer visual balance.

On the XC1, the leading edge, top edge, toe section, and the leading edge-to-hosel transition are all somewhat curved. Obviously, this is totally subjective, however, and this profile may well be very much in other people's wheelhouse.

Generally, in terms of launch monitor performance in the blade category, there is very little to differentiate models in terms of carry, ball speed, and even spin, and that is very much the case here.

Gathered on my Foresight Sports GC3, with conservative, traditional lofts (the 7-iron sits at 34˚), all of the launch monitor numbers are exactly as I would expect, and very comparable to any of the leading contenders in this space such as the Mizuno Pro S1 or the Titleist 620 MB.

What I didn't expect, however, was the added forgiveness, presumably unlocked by the tungsten weighting and that innovative CMC technology.

Much like with the incredibly impressive Cobra 3DP MB irons - which implement a similar internal weighting- the ball speed retention on heel and toe strikes is outstanding. I tend to think of this technology as internal perimeter weighting, and it is incredibly effective.

Despite many people's concerns that cramming technology and ‘pockets’ into a forged blade would affect the feel, the only effect I find is overwhelmingly positive. No drop-off on centred hits, but a massive uptick in feel on heel and toe efforts.

At $999.00 for a 7-piece set, they are priced extremely competitively for what they offer in today's market. Sadly for the UK audience, they are currently only available in the US at Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods, but I am sincerely hoping that changes soon (don’t worry, I will be stamping my feet with the powers that be!), as they are not only extremely good, they are exceptional value.

Now this… this is a product I would have died for roughly five years ago. A launch monitor that doesn’t cost over $300, rejoice!

The GolfBuddy Shot Mate has a simple selling point - it wants to be the best value golf launch monitor on the market, delivering accurate data at an affordable price. The best golf launch monitors can cost thousands, so how does this $230/£150 device stack up to some of the big hitters on the market? I tested it over multiple range sessions and compared it to some of the leading competition to find out.

Beginning with first impressions, nothing should surprise you with the Shot Mate. The body of the monitor is made of plastic and doesn’t feel overly premium, but that is fine; we aren’t shopping near the top end of the price scale. I must add it doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic, rather something that isn’t 'top end'.

In terms of both look and feel, this thing looks great. The red and black color scheme is neat and the kickstand on the back is a welcome design feature. Much like the best portable launch monitors, the Shot Mate takes up very little room in your bag and can be easily transported about due to the lack of weight.

As you can imagine given the price, the screen layout isn’t fancy, but it is dead simple and easy to use. With no app to connect to, you can simply set it down and begin swinging, albeit it must be placed in a slightly raised position a couple of meters behind where you are hitting.

The radar-based system delivers four key metrics; club speed, ball speed, smash factor and total carry/total distance. Clubhead speed here is the key metric for me, meaning this is the perfect companion if you fancy starting some speed training and need something to measure your progress.

A fair amount of manual input is needed for a full range session, but that is fine considering how easy it is to use. You’ll have to manually select each club you are hitting, which is done with a few simple button clicks. There is also a backlight to the screen which can swiftly be turned on and off depending on where you are practising, whilst you can also toggle between MPH and KMH depending on your preferences.

Numbers are calculated by combining spin and launch angle, which can lead to a few wonky numbers from time to time, but you have to expect this from a more affordable device.

During my testing, it tended to be the longer clubs in which some numbers seemed inaccurate. Particularly with the driver and my fairway metals, I had the odd shot (maybe one in ten) where I could tell the number I was fed did not meet reality.

I directly compared the Shot Mate to the Garmin Approach G82, a device over three times the price, to see if it could keep up - and it largely did.

The shorter the club, the greater the accuracy, but the aforementioned longer clubs led to more discrepancies compared to the Garmin. Most yardages were within a yard or two of the Garmin, which was pleasing to see, but the gap widened with the longer clubs.

Nevertheless, this is still an incredibly impressive device that can be used by players of all abilities - it is without doubt one of the best cheap launch monitors you can buy. Single-digit players who have a greater understanding of their distance might want to opt for something more feature-packed, but for the mid-to-high handicappers, regular use of this launch monitor can help shave multiple shots off your handicap.

Having a better idea of how far you hit each club is invaluable to shooting a good score, and buying a device that will help you achieve this has never been more affordable.

This is also the perfect companion for those undertaking speed training - the equipment for such training is already expensive before buying a unit to help to track your speeds. If I were to start and was in need of a device for speed training, this is what I would buy.

So, to conclude, this is a great little launch monitor. Cheap, largely accurate, well-made, easy to use and even easier to transport around. It can be used indoors and outdoors, and you can bring it onto the course with you if you'd like. Apart from the odd outlier number (to be expected at this price point), particularly at the top end of the bag, I find it very hard to find fault with the GolfBuddy Shot Mate.

We are very lucky to have superb working relationships with some of the biggest brands in the sport here at Golf Monthly. The likes of Titleist, TaylorMade, Vessel and more often supply us with some of the best golf bags money can buy for testing, but we also love to give smaller companies their share of the limelight - especially if we like their products!

Step forward Alex and Myles Wheeler, two golf-crazed brothers and the founders of Forge Golf, a UK-based DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brand. They’ve timed their second-ever release with this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the design includes a number of smile-worthy hat tips to the heritage and history of links golf.

Although the bag not associated with the Open Championship on an official basis, each embroidered element on the bag pays homage to links golf, including a maritime print in reference to British maritime heritage and the coastal setting of links golf, as well as the embroidered “Forged For The Links”, a play on words connecting the brand name to a bag built for the links course. There are two more subtle references to Royal Birkdale with the year the course was founded, 1889, embroidered on the carry handle and Southport - 2026 written on the main body of the bag.

As a golf history nerd who has spent his my entire life playing links golf, just like Alex and Myles, I was completely wooed. Striking first impressions aside, is the bag as good as it looks?

In short, yes. The quality of the bag is evident the moment you lift it out of the box. The 14-way fully divided top isn’t my favorite on a golf bag, but the quality is immense and your ears are met with a pleasing ‘thud’ any time you slide your iron back into a slot after each shot.

A big green tick in my review was the two well-placed bottle holders near the ball pocket. I do wish they were slightly bigger as I tend to bring quite large bottles onto the course when I play, but your regular 500ml bottle will sit in here easily and peacefully.

The aforementioned ball pocket and front magnetic pocket are excellent as well, easily housing my golf balls and multiple bags full of tees, ball markers and more (yes, I carry too much in my bag).

The main side pocket is spacious and easy to access, whilst the rain cover that comes included fits in here easily and still gives you plenty of room for any accessories or extra layers you want to bring onto the links with you. All of this wrapped in the blue and yellow colorway synonymous with the oldest championship in golf makes for a hell of a package.

If I had one criticism, it is that the straps squeak a bit as you walk. This may only be an issue with the sample I was sent and could well be fixable - I just wasn’t smart enough to find the solution to this minor quirk.

Considering this, and even though the straps lead to a comfortable walk, I think this bag is best served on a trolley. Be that a push cart, electric trolley or even the back of a golf cart, it is versatile enough to be used in any way you wish.

Forge Golf’s brand mission is clear - small, limited-time releases built around high-end quality and crafted golf bags. Their first release, the Founders Edition bag, was limited to just 50 units, and their Links Edition follows the same formula.

Only 100 units of this bag have been made, and with pre-orders going live on 13th July, you’ll have to be quick to get your hands on one. You can do that by visiting the Forge Golf website.

As the golf equipment market continues to evolve, few brands have truly addressed the dilemma parents face when introducing their children to the game: how to provide high-quality, properly fitted clubs for a rapidly growing junior without breaking the bank every single season.

When a child hits a growth spurt, poorly fitted clubs can ruin their swing mechanics and, more importantly, their enjoyment of the game. I have been testing out the newest solution to this problem - the UpSwing Junior Varsity set - to see if its ambitious claims hold up and if it can rival the best golf club sets for kids.

In terms of the technology story, the main headline here is UpSwing's patented UpTech Golf System. Rather than forcing your junior to choke down on clubs that are too long, or struggle with sets they've vastly outgrown, UpSwing provides patented growth kits that let you change the club length at home in minutes. The entire concept revolves around a simple promise: "One Set. Six Adjustments. Every Stage."

For this review, I (or rather my daughter) received the Junior Varsity 7-club set with bag, which is specifically aimed at the 45" to 51" height range.

Looks-wise, the UpSwing set is an absolute triumph. I have never seen my daughter so excited about golf clubs (and she sees a lot of golf clubs with my job!) - the paint job and graphics really made these incredibly special in her eyes.

UpSwing leans into a "Her Game. Her Galaxy" theme for their girls' lineup, and they have completely nailed the visual appeal. The clubs look incredibly premium, borrowing sleek design cues from high-end adult sets while retaining a fun, youthful energy that immediately draws kids in.

Performance-wise, no surprises here - the clubs deliver exactly what a growing player needs to succeed. The JR Varsity set strikes an ideal balance, remaining highly forgiving and easy to launch while offering enough ‘serious’ playability for juniors ready to take on lessons and competitive events. During our range sessions, my daughter was striking the ball with a noticeable increase in consistency over the cut-down clubs I have previously cobbled together for her. The shafts are tuned for age-appropriate speed, making it much easier for her to get the ball airborne.

What I absolutely loved about the UpTech system was the cleverness of the weighted adapters when going up through the stages of growth, which allows the club to maintain an appropriate swingweight through those growth stages as well as just getting longer. In many standard adjustable systems, simply adding length completely ruins the balance and feel of the club.

However, UpSwing’s proprietary adapters ensure that as your child gets taller and stronger, the club's weight and performance profile adapt proportionately.

Finally, I have to touch upon the accessories. The bag and headcovers in particular are superb quality. Too often, junior sets treat the golf bag as a cheap afterthought, providing flimsy materials and generic designs. UpSwing has done the exact opposite. The stand bag is robust, packed with useful pockets, and remarkably lightweight for smaller shoulders to carry, while the thickly padded headcovers feel incredibly premium and protective.

Overall, can I report a groundbreaking new technology? Yes, I actually can. The UpSwing Junior Varsity set is easily one of the smartest investments you can make in your child's golf journey, taking the guesswork out of sizing and ensuring they are always playing with properly fitted equipment.

When I think of Voice Caddie devices, I think of simplicity. We were fans of the Laser Fit rangefinder two years ago, a device that was minimalist, lightweight and accurate - three great characteristics for any trusty rangefinder.

Well, here is the older brother, the Laser Fit 2. It has undergone a minor cosmetic change but other than that, the premise remains the same. This is a laser designed for simplicity.

It's a classic ‘pick up and shoot’ rangefinder for the speedy player who doesn’t want to have to sign into an app on his or her phone on the first tee, nor do they want club selections, weather-adjusted yardages or a lift home from the pub later that evening. Lightning-quick yardages in a compact build is the selling point here, but has Voice Caddie delivered one of the best golf rangefinders?

I’ll begin by talking about the size of the Laser Fit 2 which, like its predecessor, is very small. It easily fits in the palm of my small-to-medium sized hands and considering the lack of weight (less than 4oz), it should easily fit into one of your pants pockets.

In a time where style is becoming a bigger factor in laser design, Voice Caddie has implemented a unique detachable plastic ring near the top of the lens which they call Color Kit Accessories, allowing you to pick and express your personal style. The catch is they are sold separately, but it's a nice option to have.

From having tried the original Laser Fit, I knew what to expect here in terms of performance and the Laser Fit 2 met those expectations. With a USP of being simple and fast, it has achieved this with flying colors.

Voice Caddie claims yardage feedback takes one tenth of a second and although it’s difficult for me to fact check this, I won’t dispute it - it is indeed very fast.

The 6x optical magnification display is good, not amazing, but keep in mind this laser is in the midfield of the price range. The ‘Ball-to-Pin’ is a useful feature for speedy golfers, allowing you to measure the distance from the ball to the flag without even standing over it - this will be particularly useful for golfers on cart-path-only courses.

Finally, the Pin Tracer technology does an excellent job pinpointing the flag and giving you the correct yardage to your target, especially when there are trees and/or bushes in the background making it harder to get an accurate yardage.

Now for the not-so-good. I think this is the first laser I’ve ever tested that doesn’t come with a carry case which, when we consider the £260 price tag, I find very disappointing.

The combination of the compact size and the lack of a ‘Find My Laser’ feature that I’ve seen on other rangefinders I’ve tested so far this year, massively increases the chances of you losing it on the course or elsewhere. It’s a disaster waiting to happen for those who misplace things regularly.

Compared to other compact lasers I’ve tested like the Bushnell A1-Slope and MGI Sureshot SlimPRO, the build quality doesn’t meet the same standards and feels a little too ‘plasticky’ for my liking.

I get the golfer they are looking to target here, but the rangefinder market is undergoing serious change - golfers no longer have to spend north of £400 for rangefinders with features like club recommendations, plays-like distances and more.

The middle ground of the price scale is now more congested than ever, and I don’t think the Laser Fit 2 (which you can pick up for roughly £249) is winning many ‘tale of the tape’ comparison battles against competing models at the same price. You’ll get more features elsewhere and even if you don’t like them, you don’t have to use them - but at least you have the option.

Don’t let this skepticism take away from the performance here though, this remains a very good laser from a trustworthy brand.

You’ll likely get plenty of years out of the Laser Fit 2 in which you get a couple of helpful features and a device that is as simple as it is accurate, its just that the rapidly changing landscape of the rangefinder market makes it a slightly tougher sell than it would have two or three years ago.

TaylorMade's Tour Response franchise has always been held in high regard in the mid-price, three-piece ball category, suiting those who want reliable performance without paying the premium price tag that comes with some of the best golf balls.

Having tested the previous iterations of this popular ball, I was keen to see how the new 2026 TaylorMade Tour Response stacked up when put to the test both indoors on a Foresight Sports GC3 launch Monitor and out on the golf course.

The big story for the 2026 Tour Response is the introduction of Microcoating technology, which TaylorMade first introduced into the TP5 and TP5x golf balls earlier in the year.

This process sees the application of an ultra-thin paint layer (thinner than a human hair) across the ball's entire surface, reducing any pooling in dimples, which ultimately affects how the ball flies through the air. This helps promote consistent peak heights, reliable distances, and a much tighter dispersion on full shots.

I'll be completely honest - I'm not a huge fan of how large the stripe is on these golf balls. I feel as though it's a little too large, and when using it, I feel my aim is far too vague.

The decreased width of the stripe on the 2026 TP5 and TP5x is exactly what I would want to have seen implemented on these golf balls, as that smaller stripe has really helped me aim more precisely and allowed me to be more diligent when setting up my putts. The stripe is also great for when practicing your putting, helping identify if you’re rolling the ball end-over-end.

One of the primary reasons recreational golfers gravitate to this ball is its feel, and the 2026 model does not disappoint, providing a really soft feel off the face with the driver, irons, and putter.

Thanks to the 100% cast urethane cover, the soft cover genuinely rivals the feel of some of the best premium golf balls on the market, and I feel it gives it a nice edge on similar balls in the price range such as the Srixon Q-Star Tour - of which I took to the studio and the course to compare the performance.

When hitting chips and pitches, that urethane cover on the Tour Response provided exceptional greenside spin, even on firm playing surfaces. It offered brilliant trajectory control and stopping power, and looking at the data from my 50-yard pitch test, the Tour Response edged out the Srixon Q-Star Tour with a spin rate of 7945 rpm compared to the Srixon's 7890 rpm.

The Tour Response also launched slightly higher (30.3° vs. 28.7°), which gave me that quick check-and-stop performance I look for around the greens and made it perfect for when short-sided and playing over bunkers.

Taking both balls indoors and using the GC3 launch monitor, the 2026 Tour Response held its own beautifully, demonstrating its ability to excel in this category and arguably punch a little heavier than its weight.

When testing with my 7-iron, the high-flex SpeedMantle layer within the Tour Response showcased its energy transfer capabilities, producing a touch more speed at 129.2mph, as opposed to the 125.3 of the Q-Star Tour. However, it was the additional spin that caught my attention, with the Tour Response spinning noticeably more (6631 rpm compared to 6290 rpm).

Due to the higher spin, the carry distance was a fraction shorter at 182.1 yards versus 183.4 yards for the Srixon, but I did see the ball falling at a noticeably steeper descent angle. I’ll happily sacrifice a single yard of carry for the added stopping power that the 6600+ rpm spin provides, particularly in the summer.

Off the tee, the Tour Response's Speed Wrapped Core - a soft inner core with a progressively firmer outer layer - did its job in generating fast ball speeds, very comparable to some of the premium balls I have tested this year, such as the Callaway Chrome Tour and its elder sibling, the TP5.

I clocked ball speeds of 167.9 mph with the Tour Response, compared to 164.8 mph with the Q-Star Tour with my driver. This little boost in speed, combined with a slightly lower launch (13.9°) but a towering peak height of 125 feet, gave me a carry distance of 291.3 yards - nearly two yards longer than the Srixon.

Now don’t get me wrong, two yards isn’t much to shout about, but with a little more spin and a touch higher flight, I felt a little more in control of the Tour Response.

When comparing the Tour Response to the TP5, I was seeing around 800rpm more with a 7-iron and around 400rpm more with the driver, which is what saw it lose around 13 yards of carry compared to the brand's premier model (291 yards vs 304 yards). Other than that, the short game control felt very comparable, and there was little to no difference when it comes to the face off the putter.

TaylorMade has managed to refine an already excellent golf ball and make this ball a serious proposition for those wanting tour-level performance at a considerably cheaper price point - $45/£39 for the Stripe model.

The introduction of Microcoating on these balls alongside the TP5 and TP5x golf balls shows just how dedicated the TaylorMade team is to producing a reliable and more affordable golf ball, and the narrowed Stripe design is a massive improvement for visual alignment.

If you are looking for a three-piece ball that produces fast ball speeds, towering iron shots, and offers plenty of short game control all at a reasonable price point, the 2026 TaylorMade Tour Response should be firmly on your radar.

As someone who tests a lot of golf technology and regularly uses launch monitors during practice, I’m always on the lookout for products that enhance by experience at an affordable price.

When the original Square Golf launch monitor arrived on the scene, it turned heads with its affordability, but it was limited to indoor use and lacked some premium data metrics. The Omni launch monitor has been designed addressing those shortcomings in mind.

Coming to market at just £1,599.99, this second-generation unit promises tour-level accuracy thanks to a quad-camera infrared tracking system, as well as seamless indoor-and-outdoor versatility, ideal for those wanting an at-home simulator experience while still wanting real-time feedback when at the driving range.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it to see if it truly is the best value launch monitor on the market.

Out of the box, the Omni comes with a folding tripod stand, a removable lithium-ion battery that lasts for around six hours at a time, a short alignment stick for calibration, and the reflective stickers you need for your clubface and shafts in order to track club data.

The technology packed into this relatively compact launch monitor surprised me. It means you don't need specially-marked balls to get accurate data indoors, or worry about having enough room behind the ball that many radar-based launch monitors require.

It captures pretty much all of the key metrics you would need, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, spin axis, carry distance, clubhead speed, smash factor, face angle and attack angle.

I tested the Omni extensively, splitting my time between my indoor simulator setup and outdoors at the driving range. I compared the ball flight data against my Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor, which I use for all of my testing, and indoors, the numbers were nearly identical.

I had absolutely no issues with questionable reads or shots not getting picked up, however, outdoors it did struggle a little. It may have been direct sunlight affecting the cameras, but I saw significant discrepancies in the data, and at times with the long irons, the device produced numbers up to 20 yards short of the distance I would usually see that ball travel.

One of the headline features of the Omni is its built-in LCD screen, which displays six core ball metrics immediately after impact. In theory, this should allow for practice sessions without having to sync up the monitor to your phone or tablet, however, in practice, I ran into a bit of a physical hurdle.

If not using a tablet or phone, I found the screen on the monitor too low, and it was annoying having to crouch down to read the data after every single swing. It’s a minor gripe, but something to keep in mind if you prefer to practice entirely device-free or even have trouble constantly bending down.

Another thing that bugged me, and was more apparent when leaving the studio where I did my indoor testing, was the fact that there was no travel case included. Therefore, unless you were transporting the device in the box - which would be inconvenient - then you would simply have to carry the device by hand or put it in your golf bag, where it would be at risk of damage.

The Omni launch monitor comes with 1,000 free credits for Square Golf’s app. It is free to download and is split into distinct practice areas - a traditional Driving Range (complete with day and night environments), a Data Mode for when you're purely using the monitor to work on your yardages or specific launch conditions, as well as closest-to-the-pin challenges.

There's also a highly customizable Putting Practice setup, which allows you to practice putting and simulate greens quicker than you are putting on, using the screen on your tablet or mobile. Most impressively, the Game Mode lets you tee it up on 22 different virtual 3D courses with up to four players - in my opinion, the best feature if you can set this up at home.

The software is functional but definitely the weakest part of the overall package, but fear not, as the launch monitor can be integrated with third-party apps like GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf, which are far more advanced and user-friendly.

Overall, my time spent with the Square Golf Omni left me impressed, yet wishing a little more thought had gone into the practicalities. At £1,599, you certainly can’t argue with the affordability compared to some of its premium competitors. However, I would likely only recommend this launch monitor to those who will solely use it indoors.

With the mini driver sector remaining one of the most exciting growth areas in golf equipment, Tour Edge has thrown its hat into the ring with the Exotics Mini Driver. Having extensively tested its direct rivals, I was keen to see how this somewhat more budget-friendly option would stack up.

Aesthetically, there is plenty to admire. At address, I really enjoy the overall shaping of the 280cc head, and the modern, carbon crown frames the ball beautifully. However, as is my recurring gripe with a lot of Tour Edge clubs, the lack of a traditional plastic ferrule above the adjustable adapter creates an unnecessarily clunky transition from the clubhead to the shaft. It’s a minor detailing issue, but one that disrupts an otherwise premium look.

Furthermore, you need to be aware of how the head sits. Visually, it looks very flat, with the toe noticeably falling away from you as you address the ball. If your natural miss is a hook, this anti-left visual will likely look like an absolute dream. But for those of us whose standard miss is an 'over fade', it presents a somewhat scary proposition before you’ve even started your backswing.

From a tech point of view, Tour Edge is utilizing ‘Combo Brazing’ technology - a high-precision bonding process that fuses an ultra-thin titanium face to a heavy stainless steel body. By eliminating the structural gaps found in typical multi-piece designs, it promises maximum energy transfer.

This is paired with its new Pyramid Face Technology to optimize ball speed and forgiveness across the face, while the lightweight carbon fiber crown lowers the CG to maximize stability and MOI.

In terms of performance, I really enjoyed the Exotics Mini. Feel-wise, it is exceptionally good; the acoustic signature is a little more subdued than the PXG Secret Weapon, for example, but the sensation off the face is no less explosive.

More impressively, when tested in the exact same loft configuration as its market rivals, it produced extremely comparable ball speeds and carry numbers - a serious achievement given that it comes in at upwards of £100 cheaper than the competition.

Interestingly, the head somehow felt and looked visually bigger than its stated 280cc size. While this added a welcome dose of confidence when sitting on a tee peg, to my eye it lent itself to slightly easier performance from the tee as opposed to off the fairway, where the footprint felt just a touch bulkier than some alternatives on the market such as the Titleist GT 280.

Out on the course, however, I couldn't entirely get away from a fairly persistent right start line during testing. I managed to straighten the ball flight out somewhat by shifting the adjustable sleeve to the upright setting, but even that adjustment only really got the head looking closer to a standard lie as opposed to truly upright, and threw the shaft graphics into a slightly annoying visual orientation.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to measure the club on a spec gauge. Unsurprisingly, it came in at a very flat measured lie angle of 56°. For context, the TaylorMade r7 Quad mini driver sits at 57°, the Callaway Quantum mini is 57°, and the PXG Secret Weapon sits much more upright at 58°. Just something to bear in mind.

In summary, the Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver represents a really interesting proposition. It is a mini driver coming in upwards of £100 cheaper than everything else on the shelves, yet it refuses to compromise on great feel, ball speed, and raw carry distance.

It is well worth an audit for anyone looking to optimize their long game on a budget - just be fully aware that if your typical miss is to the right, this might not be the one for you.

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for retail at $399 or £307 and is available in either 11.5˚ or 13.5˚ loft options.

We're now used to some of the best golf shoes of the modern era being more trainer-style (or sneaker for my North American friends) models. Adidas, Nike, Under Armour and others have been busy taking some of the best off-course styles and making them golf-appropriate.

New Balance is another brand that has been smashing it out of the park from this perspective. With the likes of the 997 SL and 574 Greens V2 hitting the course over the last few years, I was very excited to see my favourite New Balance style, the 550, get the golf treatment.

I must first quell the notion that shoes like this are built exactly the same as the on-street shoe with a golf outsole slapped on the bottom. While the upper design is an uncanny difference from the non-golf option, a specially designed outsole, waterproof upper and reinforcements in the heel area have been added to make it more suitable for golf than if you just picked a pair of 550s up from Schuh (other shoe shops are available.)

All that being said, and as nice as these shoes are to wear, they will not provide the same levels of support and performance that purpose-built spikeless shoes like the Under Armour Drive Pro Clone SL or Ecco Biom C5, for example. So, bear this in mind when considering whether something like the 550 SL is right for you.

The outsole is more golf-specific than the original, and offers solid grip in both the dry and damp/greasy conditions I've been able to test them in so far. I've not tested them in seriously wet conditions yet, but like all outsoles on these styles of shoes, they're likely not to perform as well as the best spiked golf shoe or a spikeless outsole like the one on the FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 I tested this year.

I've not got much to say about the look; they're a pair of 550s - simple as that. Released in the late 80s as a low-top basketball shoe, it took until the early 2020s for the style to come back into favour in New Balance's stable after a collaboration with Aime Leon Dore brought it back into relevance. Since then, the 550 has been one of the most popular lifestyle shoes on the market.

One note on sizing, they come up a full size small on me. My normal UK 8 fits much better in a UK 9, so bear this in mind before you purchase, or try and find a local store where you can try on a few different options.

At £119, there is stunning value on offer here, considering how much wear you'll be able to get from these. On the course for more casual rounds, in the bar afterwards, and in pretty much any setting off the golf course you see fit, there is a place for the 550s. I'm thrilled New Balance has brought such a great trainer style onto the golf course, and am even more thrilled with how well they've executed it.

It's not been a vintage year for Adidas golf shoes, in my opinion. The new Adipower was an overall disappointment due to its brash looks and funky fit, while the new colourways in the excellent S2G SL are just that, new colourways and not a new shoe.

Of course, the Tour360 24 is still very much one of the best golf shoes on the market, but nothing has really got me excited about the new releases in 2026. That was until the new MC70 arrived on my doorstep.

MC stands for modern classic, the same moniker we saw on the excellent MC80 golf shoe from a couple of years ago. The MC70 differs in that it offers a spiked outsole rather than spikeless (though you can get the MC70 SL, which is spikeless), and arrives at a very attractive price point to boot.

Indeed, in a world where these more classic styled spiked shoes top well over £200 from the likes of the FootJoy Premiere Series Packard or Payntr Eighty Seven SC, to see the MC70 at £115 is incredibly refreshing. But were any corners cut to hit this more affordable price tag?

From a design point of view, all the notes have been hit. The silhouette is beautiful, while the detailing on the saddle of the shoe (here in green on the colourway I tested) adds another new texture for the eyes to feast on. Add to that the white stitching on the green banner running just above the midsole, and you have a stunning-looking pair of golf shoes.

Unlike the aforementioned Adiboost shoe, the MC70 isn't overly branded either. Bar the small three stripes logo up toward the top of the saddle, you wouldn't really know this is an adidas shoe.

Sure, the upper material isn't as premium as some of its counterparts (you can't expect that for a shoe of this price), but the leather/synthetic blend delivers the right balance of comfort, performance and waterproofing.

The MC70 uses adidas' Boost foam in the midsole (my favourite of the three midsole foams the brand uses in its golf shoes), as well as Lightstrike technology, offering the right balance between solidity and rebound for performance as well as the softness you need for walking comfort over the nearly 13,000 steps golfers average during a round.

The outsole utilises six cleats, two on the heel and four further forward. I could argue this is another cost-saving measure, especially considering the eight or nine utilised on most of the best spiked shoes. It probably is, but in all honesty, it's a more than functional outsole for all conditions. It definitely isn't as low profile as something like the Payntr Eighty Seven SC, which does a fantastic job of disguising the spikes on its outsole.

Overall, this is a well-designed, high-performing and pretty golf shoe at an excellent price point. If the classic look is something you're after but you've been put off by the higher price points of other brands, adidas may well have you perfectly covered with the new MC70.

Getting older comes with plenty of aches, but for a golfer, the absolute worst pain is watching your tee shots get shorter. Creeping into my late 40s, I realized I was suddenly hitting more club into par-3s and failing to clear hazards that used to be a non-issue.

I had almost accepted my fate and resolved to work on my short game — until a medal round at Banchory Golf Club changed everything. Playing with a +4 handicapper friend, I watched him drive the 366-yard 5th hole on the flat. He had gained a staggering 25 yards off the tee since our last game, averaging over 170mph ball speed. His secret? The Stack System.

Famously used by Matt Fitzpatrick to find the extra gear needed to win a Major, it is a speed training system built on dynamic data. Frustrated by feeling like a feeble old man out there, I went straight home and ordered one. To be clear: I paid for this equipment out of my own pocket. While options like Rypstick or SuperSpeed exist, I opted for The Stack purely because I saw proof of its success firsthand.

What is The Stack System? At its core, The Stack consists of a single club shaft equipped with a sensor and an assortment of interchangeable, threaded metal weights (up to 300g). However, the hardware isn't the real story here; the true superpower is the associated app and training program that comes with it.

Included in the box is a specialized speed radar that pairs seamlessly with your mobile device to track and chart your progress. The app functions as a highly intelligent personal trainer. My testing ground was my back garden, setting the speed radar and phone on an old bucket on the lawn.

A quick tip would be to put your golf shoes and a glove on before starting. You are swinging at maximum intensity, and you need real grip to prevent slipping. Every single session kicks off with a mandatory 16-minute warm-up. It involves challenging stretching that is absolutely crucial to the process.

Once loose, the app guides you through various weight configurations. Giving these swings max intensity forces your brain to realize your body can move faster, engraining that speed into your nervous system.

I am only seven sessions into the program, but the data and real-world results have blown me away. After two weeks (7 sessions) my potential driver speed has increased to 104mph and my potential distance with driver has gone up from 256 yards to 280 yards… That is potential of course and, you have to take into account that, as with anything, you get more proficient at swinging the Stack itself as you do more sessions.

But - I played a match on Tuesday night, and I have no doubt I was hitting the ball a good 10 yards further from the tee. My playing partner commented on it. I’ve also picked up 2 to 3 yards of carry with my 7-iron.

The regular stretching allows my upper body to rotate much more freely. To move the heavier weight configurations effectively, you cannot simply thrash at it with your arms. It forces you to engage your core, back, and legs.

It may still be the honeymoon period, but I am entirely convinced. Instead of dropping hundreds on a new driver for a heavily marketed "one or two yards" of factory technology, investing in physically training your body to move faster is the smarter play. I’ll report back later in the year to see if these gains hold over the long term, but for now, the clock on my aging game has officially been turned back.

Biro, Aspirin, Hoover and Band-Aid are just a few examples of what is called genericisations, the linguistic and legal process where a brand name becomes the common, everyday term for an entire category of products.

One could argue that 'Cube' has very nearly become one in the golf push cart space. So many brands, most notably Motocaddy, utilise this name and this folding mechanism in the best push carts that it has become synonymous with the category as a whole.

One brand I hadn't heard of prior to a sample arriving on my doorstep is Wishbone. It has just released the third generation of its Cube push cart - the Cube Three - to the UK market, looking to chip into the more established brands' push cart market share.

Retailing at £189.99 in the UK (though I've seen it closer to £169), it's certainly on the more budget side of the overall push cart market, so I was intrigued to take it out onto the golf course.

First impressions were strong. The Cube Three is easy to set up out of the box and has a premium, uncluttered design that suggests a much higher price tag than the one you'll actually pay for it.

At 7.8kg, it's slap bang in the middle of the market in terms of overall weight. Whereas the likes of the Big Max Blade IP 2 (6.5kg) and the PowaKaddy Micra (7.5kg) are lighter, the Motocaddy QB2 (9.5kg) and the Clicgear 4.0 (8.5kg) come in heavier than the Cube Three.

The folding mechanism is incredibly simple and, most importantly, quick. Once the front wheel is folded under, the rest of the chassis collapses in on itself to form the now familiar cube shape of a push cart. Size-wise, when folded, it's nearly identical to the likes of the PowaKaddy Micra and the original Motocaddy Cube, making it perfect for storage in tight car boots or even some locker spaces. It even had a convenient carry handle, making it all that bit easier to lift in and out of the car.

On the golf course, the Cube Three is solid without being spectacular. It's compatible with pretty much any cart bag, and the bungee straps have plenty of give and adjustability on them.

The handle storage is good too, and I like that it comes with a built-in drinks holder, rather than having to get an attachment for it. It's far more subtle and classy in my opinion.

Strangely, the handle had quite a lot of give even when it was securely locked in place. It felt a little flimsy, especially when turning sharp corners. Alongside the parking brake lever that looks and feels a little vulnerable to more than a year's consistent use, I could see and feel where perhaps Wishbone has decided to opt for cheaper parts on this ultimately cheaper-than-most product.

That being said, Motocaddy's QB2 isn't all that much more expensive than the Cube Three, likewise the PowaKaddy Micra, both of which, for my money, have a slightly better build quality. All in all, as pretty and functional as the Cube Three is, it hasn't done enough for me to recommend it any more highly than the main competition. Unless it can be found for even less than the £169 I've seen it online for, I'd say the marginal extra investment at the start will pay dividends in the long run.

The electric golf trolley market is currently awash with cutting-edge technology, from sprawling high-definition touchscreens to remote controls and follow-me functions. However, not every golfer wants their trolley to feel like a supercomputer, nor do they want to pay the premium price tag that inevitably accompanies those features. Enter the PowaKaddy FX1.

Positioned comfortably as the entry-level model in the hugely popular FX range, it has been engineered specifically to offer straightforward, no-nonsense functionality. It's directly up against the Motocaddy SE electric trolley, in terms of competition.

When I unboxed the FX1 ahead of my first round, my initial impression was focused entirely on how good it looks. Often, when you opt for the base model in any product line, you are instantly reminded of the compromises you made to save some cash. That simply isn't the case here. For an 'entry-level' trolley, the aesthetic is very premium. I really enjoyed the stealth matte black finish, and the high gloss trims really helped it pop in the sunlight when sitting on the first tee.

Because it shares the exact same high-performance, low-profile Powaframe chassis as the rest of the FX family, it doesn't look remotely out of place parked next to flagship models.

Where the FX1 truly shines is in its everyday practicality. Before heading out, I was eager to test the setup process, as fighting with a heavy, awkward frame in a muddy car park is never the ideal start to a round of golf.

I can confidently report that this is one of the easier trolleys I have used for folding and unfolding. PowaKaddy’s 1-Click Fold frame system entirely lives up to its name; it requires minimal effort to engage and collapses down 20% smaller than previous generations, saving valuable trunk space.

Once unfolded, dropping the power source in is completely hassle-free thanks to the 30v ‘Plug 'n' Play’ battery system, which completely eliminates fiddly wires.

Another brilliant touch is the unique MAG-LOK bag attachment system. If you use a compatible PowaKaddy cart bag, an ultra-strong neodymium magnet securely locks the base of the bag onto the trolley, meaning you don't even need to bend down to fasten a lower strap.

Taking the FX1 out onto the fairways is a refreshingly simple experience. The controls consist of an anti-tamper dial and a single LED power indicator. You simply turn the rotary controller to your preferred walking pace, and the handy pause and resume function means you can stop at your golf ball to play your shot, then pull off again at the exact same speed.

Under the hood, the powerful 30v 230-watt motor is whisper-quiet but had absolutely no issue traversing the steeper inclines and thicker rough during my testing.

While it lacks a built-in digital screen, PowaKaddy certainly hasn’t left modern golfers in the dark. The USB-C charging point is a smart feature for both phones and external GPS devices, ensuring you won't run out of battery on your handheld tech as you navigate the back nine. It also features a scorecard and pencil holder integrated neatly into the height-adjustable soft-touch handle.

Ultimately, my time testing this model left me thoroughly impressed. If you are not someone (like myself) after the frills of GPS and follow technology etc and you are just looking for a simple to use, easy to set up, and sensibly priced electric trolley to take the strain off your back, then the FX1 covers your needs perfectly. It proves conclusively that stripped-back simplicity doesn't have to mean sacrificing build quality, reliability, or style.

It's fair to say that L.A.B. Golf has completely changed the landscape of the putter market over the last couple of years since the induction of its Lie Angle Balanced technology, which has since led to a meteoric surge in production of zero torque putters from pretty much all of the major manufacturers.

Since the monumental success of the DF3 and the release of the Adam Scott-inspired OZ.1i, the brand has been on a mission to bring its performance traits to a wider array of visual profiles. Following the launch of the Link 2.1 and 2.2 earlier in the year, we’re now treated to a mid-mallet profile in the shape of the VZN.1i - a putter that takes alignment and feel to an entirely new level.

As someone who tests the best putters released as and when they come to the market, I’ve been privy to all the latest designs, inserts, and milling patterns on faces offering a fairly large variety in feel and acoustics.

The DF3i and the OZ.1i thoroughly impressed me with the addition of their stainless-steel milled inserts, however, when I learned about the newly optimized design of the VZN.1i and a refined deep milled face, I couldn't have been more excited to get it out on the course and see how it performed on the greens.

Visually, the VZN.1i is a futuristic mallet that boasts a fairly substantial footprint, but it’s the clever geometry that sets this model apart from many other zero-torque putters on the market. Sitting behind the ball, there is a little square cutout that acts as a visual cue, and is something I found that makes squaring the face at address feel nearly automatic.

When you combine that cutout with the parallel and perpendicular crown lines, you have a putter that feels really easy to line up to your target when rested down at address. I found the head framed the ball perfectly, and the T-bar alignment aid on the top of the head made centering the ball seem effortless. It removed all the guesswork from my setup, allowing me to trust my lines instantly and free up my stroke.

The VZN.1i putter features a deeper mill on its insert than what we see on either the DF3i or the OZ.1i, and while I liked the previous insert, it felt a little firm and fiery off the face at times.

Typically, when you go to a deeper mill, the ball feels softer due to less surface area making contact with the golf ball, and while this was the case with this putter, it got the ball rolling quickly enough and meant I didn’t feel as though I had to consciously smash longer putts to get them to the hole.

My pace control from 20 to 30 feet was exceptional right out of the gate, and it felt like the ball hugged the green as soon as it left the face rather than bobbling before skidding. This was even the case on putts struck towards the heel and toe, making it one of the most forgiving putters I've had the chance to test recently.

Of course, the engine of the VZN.1i remains as L.A.B. Golf's patented Lie Angle Balance technology. The putter simply wants to stay square throughout the stroke, which meant I could rely on using my larger muscles and simply rock my shoulders to set the stroke in motion.

This provided solid consistency, especially on straight putts inside 10 feet, and gave me a genuine feeling of confidence despite it being my first time with this putter on the golf course.

As is standard with L.A.B. Golf, the putters are meticulously hand-balanced. Stock models are generally available for $499/£499, while taking advantage of the brilliant custom options (including specific alignment cues, head colors, and upgraded shafts) starts at $599.

The precision craftsmanship does mean slightly longer lead times than buying off the rack, but trust me, getting a putter perfectly tailored to your stroke is absolutely worth the wait.