adidas Golf has unveiled its 2011 golf bag collection: a line-up of five game-changing new bags set to enhance the experience and performance for the golfer. In typical adidas Golf fashion, golfers who choose to stash their clubs inside an iconic three-stripe bag will not be disappointed in the vibrant and colorful style.

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Available immediately at retail, the collection is comprised of four stand bags, a cart bag and a Sergio Garcia-inspired staff bag. All bags have been designed with the same passion and meticulous attention to detail that have made adidas Golf an industry leader in performance apparel and footwear.

Strike aG Stand Bag
The hero stand bag that represents the best combination of style and functionality is the new STRIKE aG Stand Bag. Offered in three different color options, the STRIKE aG weighs less than five pounds yet is loaded with storage space and delivers in all possible areas of performance.

• Convenient and sturdy top handle
• EVA Foam ergonomically correct shoulder straps with velour lining
• Seven total pockets
• Insulated water bottle sleeve
• Foam padded hip pad with air flow channel for maximum comfort
• Anti-slip actuator on base of bag for increased stability
• Umbrella slot
• External pen slot
• Three FAS-TEK receivers
• Available in 4 colors
• 4.3 lbs

University Stand Bag
For the golfer who wants an even lighter bag, the UNIVERSITY stand bag weighs less than four pounds but without sacrificing storage or benefits that will allow for simpler and smarter walking.

• Convenient and sturdy top handle
• EVA Foam ergonomically correct shoulder straps with velour lining
• Lightweight Diamond Matte Nylon Construction
• Streamlined design makes the bag the optimal walking bag
• Six total pockets including insulated water bottle sleeve
• Velour lined valuables pouch with internal key clip
• Foam padded hip pad with air flow channel for maximum comfort
• Anti-slip actuator on base of bag for increased stability
• Umbrella slot
• Three FAS-TEK receivers
• Available in 2 colors
• 3.9 lbs.

Clutch Stand Bag
Also back in the line this year is the popular CLUTCH, a stand bag optimized for the walker or the riding golfer.

• EVA ergonomically correct shoulder straps with velour lining
• Lightweight ripstop nylon construction
• Six-way top with full length dividers
• Five total pockets including insulated water bottle sleeve
• One FAS-TEK receiver
• Available in 5 colors
• 4.5 lbs.

Approach Cart Bag
Set to become the new standard in cart bags is the new APPROACH bag. Weighing less than five pounds, the APPROACH is offered in three color ways, has a 14-way top, integrated putter tube and smartly placed pockets which allow the golfer to access all pockets when strapped onto a cart.

• Lightweight Diamond Matte Nylon Construction
• Pull-cart compatible
• Integrated front side handles for putting on and off a cart
• Eight total pockets including dual velour lined valuables pockets
• Integrated putter tube
• Large cooler pocket with drainage ports
• Integrated umbrella holder
• External pen slot
• Three FAS-TEK receivers
• Available in 4 colors
• 4.9 lbs

Sergio Garcia Inspired Tour aG Staff Bag
The 2011 line also features a Sergio Garcia-inspired staff bag. After donning this one-off all white with three black stripes staff bag in Augusta two years ago, Garcia made the decision to carry this bag year round making it one of the most sought after staff bags in recent memory.

• Brushed PU synthetic leather construction
• Six-way velour-lined top with full-length dividers
• Six pockets include velour-lined valuables pocket
• TPR rubber feet
• 10.6 lbs

aG Tour Stand Bag
The company has also created the aG Tour stand bag – a smaller and more practical replica of Sergio’s iconic staff bag.

• Staff bag look in a stand bag construction
• Synthetic PU and 600 denier nylon construction
• Six-way neoprene-lined top with full-length shaft dividers
• Six pockets include velour-lined valuables pocket
• Insulated water bottle sleeve
• New ultra-light stand and base system
• TPR weld adidas brand-mark logo application
• 6.5 lbs.

The Return of Fast Action Snap Technology (FAS-TEK)
Returning to all cart and stand bags this year is the company’s patented FAS-TEK (Fast Action Snap Technology) a seamless way for golfers to access important accessories such as GPS, rangefinders, phones, cigar holders and other valuables without having to dig through cluttered pockets during a round.

With the separate purchase of one of six Fast Action Snap Technology cases, golfers can quickly and easily affix these accessories onto corresponding rivets which line the outside of all of the new 2011 bag models.

Other technological benefits found in this year’s bag offerings include:

Anti-Fatigue Strap System
Ultra durable and ergonomically designed four-point strap system with continuous webbing delivers a lower effective weight for proper distribution and fit, ensuring a stronger and less fatigued golfer through all 18 holes.

Crush-Resistant Construction
Utilizing four fiberglass stays and nylon ring, the adidas Approach cart bag is now crush-resistant.  This integrated internal system provides a new degree of resiliency that allows the Approach to snap back into its original shape if  accidentally damaged in regular play or if heavy objects are placed on the bag in the trunk of a car. .

Standardized Pocket Heights
All adidas Golf bags (stand and cart) have pocket heights standardized to a maximum of 28.5” to allow for access when the bag is strapped into a golf cart. This is just another detail to enhance the golfing experience for the consumer.

Structured Base
The structured nylon base is not designed for beauty of for saving weight. Rather, all adidas Golf bags were designed for supreme durability and with extra grip and non-slip properties. Competitors may overlook these details, while adidas Golf continues to deliver tangible benefits to golfers.

Stitching and Construction
The bottom cuff of every bag features a binding for a clean and fray-free finish as well as a stronger attachment of materials. Unlike some competitive bags, all adidas Golf bags feature double-stitched seams which enable the bag to hold up even under the most stressful conditions.

www.adidasgolfgear.com

Keri Murschell the trend-setting designer behind the keri golf brand, introduced her Newport collection of ladies golf bags and accessories at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show.

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The Newport collection was inspired by costal living in Newport, Rhode Island, the collection combines luxurious hues of navy, white, and poppy red with geometric prints. “As I was beginning to sketch the Newport Collection, I was thinking about the beauty of a marina setting, with the crisp, clean lines of a sailboat against the vibrant blue of the water,” says Murschell, company founder and principle designer.

Crafted from new nylon fabrications and featuring a tiered pocket system on one side for even more organization, the cart and stand bags are accented withe pops of contrasting colors, patent leather trims and gold hardware.  Each also comes with a detachable zip bag to carry personal items to and from the clubhouse, and a customizable bag tag, while the stand bags feature the IZZO Dual Strap System for extreme comfort.

The 2010 Newport Collection is a refreshing departure from the same old stereotypical pink women’s golf bag and brings a sense of fashion, personality, and modern looks to ladies golf bags and accessories.

www.kerigolf.com

When the designers from Puma Golf set out to create a Special Edition Golf Collection, they took all the things that are good about golf and combined it with Puma’s progressive style,  added a bit of the unexpected, a dash of risque. Mix that with performance materials, cool island hues, slick shiny hardware, and you end up with the 2010 Puma Golf Special Edition Collection.

I was able to get a preview of the 2010 Puma Golf Special Edition Collection at the PGA Merchandise Show, and I was quite impressed with this exclusive collection. The versatile styles of the Special Edition Collection are meant to be worn on and off the golf course, that will cause some heads to turn. This is one area where we can stand out in the crowd, even if our game can’t do it for us.

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Special Edition Footwear-Cell Fusion

The SE version of the Cell Fusion has all the same features of the standard Cell Fusion golf shoe, but now they made it even edgier with its two-tone Puma stripe in yellow and green, and contrasting piping shoelaces. These are some hot looking golf shoes that will definitely turn heads!

Golf Special Edition Knit

Look better. Feel Better. Play Better in this stylish yet functional sweater. Contrast pop color along the hem brings a splash of vibrancy to the course this season. Slim-fitting sleeves are on-trend, but also allow ease of movement during any swing.

High Shine SE Belt

Sorry that you have to tuck in your shirt on the course, but at least you can look spiffy when doing so. The polished black patent leather belt features soft-hued outline and metal Puma cat buckle. The women’s version also features ace-in-the-hole metal Puma Cat buckle.

Golf Military Cap

Another swift kick in the tradition’s keister. This golf cap, like the one Anna Nordqvist is wearing, is anti-establishment with it’s military-like silhouette and contrast topstitching details on the brim. It features an adjustable strap and wicking sweatband for comfort.

Golf Club Bag SE

Warning: this is not your average club bag. This is a bag for the golfer with a serious eye for fashion. Exploding with pop-color, the bag is equipped with a pocket for every golfing necessity. Mesh-lined pockets, a towel ring and a spot for your water bottle make each item easy to access. In addition, the shinny exterior and colorful piping will make you stand out for all the right reasons.

For more information visit http://golf.puma.com/us/en/

UPDATE: Congratulations to Laura Morgan! Laura won the OGIO Devolver Golf Bag.

This week, Sandbox8.com and OGIO are teaming up to give away the OGIO Devolver Golf Bag (worth $329) to one lucky reader! Watch my video from the PGA Show to see the OGIO Devolver in action. 

The Devolver. The first 3-in-1 golf bag. It is a full featured cart bag, a light weight cart bag and lightweight carry bag. Giving you the versatility you need with the innovations only OGIO can deliver. Possibly the most versatile cart/carry bag on the market. Including the 10″ Uniter 15 way top with integrated grab handle, removable accessory pockets that magnetically convert to a seperate lightweight bag, Lift Grip, gripping rubbber feet on the base to prevent on-cart twisting, 10 pockets including multiple accessory pockets (all front-facing for accesiblilty while on a cart).

All entries must be received by 8 PM PST on March 20th, 2009. The winner will be announced March 21st, 2009 on this site via Twitter and Facebook. The contest is open to US Residents only.

Step one: follow @golfviews on twitter. 

Step two: Tweet : “Just entered to win a Ogio Devolver Golf Bag. Just follow @golfviews and RT. http://tr.im/hlgJ #sandbox8”
 
Not on twitter? No Problem. Just leave a comment below on why you should win the OGIO Devolver Golf Bag to be entered to win. Only one comment per day allowed per user. 

Contest Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING.
All winners must be 18 years of age or older.
Eligibility is limited to residents of the United States.
You may only leave one comment per day. If you comment more than once in one day you’ll be automatically disqualified.
Read full contest rules.

Tell all your friends about this contest!

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Good Luck!

At the PGA Merchadise Show, golf apparel and accessories were not in short supply. One company that really stood apart in the golf bags and accessories category, had to be Keri Golf in my opinion. At my visit to the booth, I was blown away at the quality and fantastic patterns that embody the latest collection of golf bags and accessories, with great accents and attention to details.

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The golf bags and accessories from Keri Golf are not your typical pink golf bag, instead they have great patterns and prints, that remind you of something that Kate Spade or Tory Burch would make. Influenced by modern American style, the matty collection combines a chic palette of red, black and white with exaggerated geometric prints – including stripes, ovals and florals.

A few of my favorite pieces from the 2009 Keri Golf  ’matty’ Collection included:

Cart Bags (MSRP: $375)
The cart bag’s fashionable appeal is matched by functionality in features that include a large pocket to store shoes and rain gear, an umbrella holder and two additional side pockets. Also of note is keri golf’s unique, patent-pending shoulder strap system, with a recessed well that keeps the strap in place during a round and provides easier access to the back ball pocket.

The line’s cart bags are further enhanced with easily accessible interior pockets built into the walls of the bag and designed to hold wallets, cell phones, tees and balls. What I really loved about the cart bags is the use of patent leather accents on the strap and buckles, giving the cart bag an extra touch of style and durability.Available in a variety of patterns and colors, the cart bag family includes amanda, quinn, eaton, griffing, peyton, candace, dinah, eva, meredith, grace.

Stand Bags (MSRP: $299.99)
keri golf’s stand bag highlights include six internal compartments, an insulated storage space to keep snacks and drinks cold, external tee holders, an umbrella holder, matching chocolate brown legs and a protective leg strap. For extra comfort, the stand bags include a lumbar back pad and additional center D-rings to convert the adjustable double strap to a single strap. Just like the cart bags, the stand bags are equally as stylish and fun. A refreshing departure from the typical ladies golf bag. Available in the same patterns and colors as the cart bags, the stand bag family includes kelsey, corey, pembroke, jill, bess, haley, eleanor, tina, annie, heather.  

Shuttle Duffel (MSRP: $375)
A centerpiece of the new line, the shuttle duffel is a sleek, stylish overnight bag crafted from white patent leather. Ideal for a weekend getaway, the duffel offers five external compartments and a spacious interior with a specially designed shoe pocket. Its chic silhouette is finished with navy zipper tapes and silver zipper teeth. The Shuttle Duffel is my favorite pieces in the collection, not only is it stylish, its 100% functional. My wife would have no problem using this bag as my overnight bag, she love’s it so much. 

Bucket Totes (MSRP: $115, $120 – all patent)
For 2009, Murschell has also introduced the bucket tote, a structured, crescent-shaped bag available in classic black and white patterns. These elegant designs are highlighted by patent leather detailing that appears on the handles, side and bottom panels, and a gold-plated keri golf emblem on the front. Additional features of the bucket tote, which also comes in an all-patent version, include two interior zip pockets for valuables and an oversized phone pocket. What’s great about the bucket totes, is that you can use them when your going out to lunch or going to the pool. They don’t scream, this is a golf tote. 

If you have a wife or girlfriend who loves fashion and wants a functional golf bag, then get them one of the many great styles from Keri Golf. In my opinion the most stylish golf bags and accessories on the market today.

www.kerigolf.com; 888.332.5053

UPDATE: Enter to win the OGIO Devolver 

Cal Harris, Ogio National Sales Manager walks me through the key features of the new Ogio Devolver at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show. The first 3-in-1 golf bag.  It is a full featured cart bag, a light weight cart bag and lightweight carry bag.  Giving you the versatility you need with the innovations only OGIO can deliver.  Possibly the most versatile cart/carry bag on the market. 

Including the 10″ Uniter 15 way top with integrated grab handle, removable accessory pockets that magnetically convert to a seperate lightweight bag, Lift Grip, gripping rubbber feet on the base to prevent on-cart twisting, 10 pockets including multiple accessory pockets (all front-facing for accesiblilty while on a cart). I’m a big fan of products that have more than one use, and the Ogio Devolver takes it to another level.

Ogio Devlover retails for $329.99

During my visit to the Adidas booth at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, I talked with VP Marketing/Communication of tmax gear Gregg Hemphill about two of the latest offerings from Adidas. In my video watch Gregg walk through the new features of the Adidas University Stand Bag and the Adidas Prevail Cart Bag, both are extremely lightweight, durable, and versatile.

Adidas University Stand Bag

Golf stand bags can be on the heavy side, and the last thing you need is that extra weight of the bag when your walking the golf course on a hot day. So Adidas Golf, developed the ultimate sub 4 lbs carry bag in the University Stand Bag. This bag is packed full of features and extremely durable. What makes it so durable is how Adidas constructed the University bag out of 420 denier hexstop nylon.  At all the key areas of the bag, Adidas reinforced the construction of where the strap meets the bag by using full pieces of 420 denier webbing, as opposed to just tacking it to a d-ring on the bag. So you can pull with all your force and that strap is not going to break or rip. It’s really secure.  

• Ultimate Lightweight carry bag – sub 4 lbs
• Lightweight 420 denier hexstop nylon construction
• Four way top with full-length shaft dividers
• Five pockets include full-length side storage and valuables pocket
• Water bottle sleeve
• Integrated pen slot and scorecard holder
• New ultra-light stand and base system
• TPR rubber base cleats
• Anatomically correct strap system
• Available in Single or double strap
• Rainhood

Adidas University Stand Bag retails for $149.99

Adidas Prevail Cart Bag

This is probably one of the toughest and lightweight cart bags on the market. Adidas really cranked up the volume in terms of quality and durability in making this awesome lightweight cart bag (4.8lbs). The frame on Prevail Cart bag is so strong that you can jump on it and it won’t break, it just springs back into shape. What I also liked is that in both the Prevail and University bags, is that they lowered the pockets near the top of the bag. This is important, because you no longer have to worry about the cart strap getting in the way of accessing the pockets. I can’t tell you how many times I have run into this problem.

• Ultimate lightweight cart bag – 4.8 lbs
• Lightweight 420 denier hex polyester construction
• Fourteen-way fused nylon top with full-length shaft dividers
• Nine front-accessible pockets include large insulated cooler and velour-lined valuables pockets
• Integrated umbrella slot
• Integrated front lift handle
• Rainhood

Adidas Prevail Cart Bag retails for $179.99

When I rent a cart at my local golf course, I always notice the type of golf bag people have strapped to the back of the cart. It’s usually the same big brands of stand bags you already know, rarely do you see cart bags. This past couple of weeks I’ve been testing out a cart bag that is looking to change the way you think about cart bags and how you should carry your precious cargo.  And that bag is the Clubmaxx Sydney II Cart Bag.

Look and Feel
At first glance the Clubmaxx Sydney II looks like your average cart bag, with its tall profile, ample pockets, and black and red color scheme. But looks can be deceiving. The Sydney II is made from a very durable ballistic nylon and is backed by a”Customer 1st”, Free Replacement Warranty for defects in material and workmanship. The bag features a nice padded strap and exclusive Easy Lift Balance System, which makes lifting the bag very easy, thanks to the big grab handle at the top of the bag and lift handle at the bottom of the bag. The red Clubmaxx logo is embroidered on the front of the bag, as well as on the sides.

Performance
One of my biggest pet peeves with golf bags in general, is the fact that your clubs get tangled and hit each other when you transport them from your car or when they are on your cart. I’m always worried that my irons are getting banged up or that my shafts are getting scratched, etc. The Clubmaxx Sydney II solves this problem by introducing their “Precision Club Handling System” (PCH II), which is the industries first club organizer system that protects your clubs from the head to the grip. How does this work? The PCH system uses a club friendly material that is unbreakable and won’t scratch your clubs. The extra deep slots hold all your clubs (13) in place by using simple geometry to control each club through its hosel . Your clubs are organized in a three-tiered stepped slots, the first two tiers are angled to accommodate your wedges and irons, and the third tier is for your woods, hybrids and driver. There is also a putter tube located on the front side of the bag. The PCH system worked quite well in my tests, it was so no nice not to hear my clubs not hit against each other, but it also kept them organized too.  So say goodbye to the dreaded sound of your clubs clanging against each other. I also liked being able to tell if a club was missing from my bag, by just looking glancing at the Sydney II.  What I also liked about the PCH system is that it’s completely upgradeable, meaning that if another Clubmaxx bag comes out you can just move the PCH system to that bag. The only minor drawback to the full length slots of the PCH system is that you have to lift really high to remove your club when its attached to the back of the cart. I think part of this has to do with not being used to using such deep slotted system.

Another notable feature of Clubmaxx Sydney II is the “Caddy Bib”, which protects your wedges and irons during travel, but also doubles as  quick storage for you glove or head covers. This is a nice little feature, because I hate having my pockets stuffed full of extra tees, pencils, etc.

The next big innovation of the Clubmaxx Sydney II is the exclusive , “C-Cure” Safety Cart Mounting System. What is “C-Cure”? Its a simple single strap to secure your bag to the cart without having to use the cart belt. All you do is slide the strap through the lock buckle and pull it snug to lock. The primary advantages of the “C-Cure” are it allows your bag to sit up straight, protects the interior of the bag, none of your pockets are blocked by the cart belt, and you can easily remove your bag in one step. The one strap system will require you to take a leap of faith, I’ll admit I was a little concerned and skeptical. But it does work. There’s nothing more frustrating then realizing after the fact that the pocket you need access to is blocked by the cart belt. The “C-Cure” system made it easy to get to all the pockets of the bag and very easy to remove my bag from the cart.

Other nice features of the bag include scabbards for an umbrella and ball retriever located on the back of the bag, but they can be moved to the front of the bag via zipper. A really large thermal lined cooler pocket on the front of the bag which can hold two water bottles and keep them cold. The Sydney II  also has two clear water resistant jewelry pockets, each located on the side of the bag. Now, these are meant to hold jewelery, keys, or any item that you don’t want to get wet, but I found these pockets to be good for holding my golf balls and tees. I liked being able to see where my tees and extra golf balls are, instead of trying to remember what pocket they are in. Other pockets include two padded and fur-lined jewelry pockets, a hidden removable security pocket, two double zippered full length apparel pockets, and a ball pocket(which can be embroidered with your name). I love being organized and having a place for everything in my golf bag, and the Sydney II features a total of 14 pockets in all. While I can appreciate the number of pockets, it can be a little overwhelming at times. Also included with the Clubmaxx Sydney II is a water repellant rain hood, that snaps over the PCH system and “Caddy Bib”.

Overall, I liked the Clubmaxx Sydney II. You can tell a lot of thought and foresight went into designing the bag. If you need a cart bag that has tons of storage and prevents your clubs from banging together, then checkout the Clubmaxx Sydney II.

A portion of the proceeds of every Clubmaxx Golf Bag sold goes to benefit disabled American Veterans.

Clubmaxx Sydney II Cart Bag retails for $169.95 includes free shipping and free name embroidery with warranty registration.