Nike Method Concept Putter Face

The Nike Golf Method putter franchise is expanding its boundaries in a Nike way with the introduction of a new mid-Mallet putter, the Nike Method Concept. Inspired by the notion of the Concept car, Nike designers have created an iconic shape that blends art with science without sacrificing the game-changing performance that Nike Method technology delivers – a smoother stroke and a truer roll with far less skid.

The art is in the profound shape. This radical shape has the appearance of a blade, yet plays like a mallet. This bold red front and the strong black back design radiates Nike and will appeal to those who are curious and are looking for ways to bring a new level of confidence to the putting green.

The science is in the multi-material technology and the distinctive two body parts. The face of the putter is light, weighing only 90 grams. The body is heavy, weighing 200 grams. This innovative combination of the two sections results in a very high MOI-to-head ratio putter with a small mallet footprint. While the Nike Method Concept has a small mallet footprint, it provides the stability of the largest mallets in the game.

The lightweight aluminum face and a high-mass stainless steel body position the center of gravity farther back in the head and lower to the sole, delivering a truer roll. As with the successful Nike Method putter franchise, the Method Concept also features Nike’s polymetal groove technology that generates a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

“We are giving consumers something new and something better,” said David Franklin, Master Model Maker, Nike Golf. “There’s a reason the shape is the way it is. It allows us to infuse vital science and powerful technology that delivers a very high MOI in a relatively small package.”

The Nike Method Franchise has more than 35 worldwide wins on the professional tours, including three major championships.

“Method technology has such a good feel and it rolls the ball beautifully,” said Nike Golf athlete and 2011 Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel. “Those two aspects in putting are very important.”

Availability: February 17, 2012

MAP: $199.00, RH/LH: 32”, 33”, 34”
MAP: $229.00, RH 41”, 43” Mid-Length

www.nikegolf.com

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What's in the Bag Steve Stricker 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions: Eric Risberg / Associated Press

Steve Stricker’s Setup for the 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions:

  • Driver: Titleist 909D3 8.5 with UST Proforce V2 86
  • 3-wood: Titleist 906F2 13.5 with UST Proforce V2 96
  • Hybrid: Titleist 909H 19 with UST Proforce 104
  • Irons: Titleist AP2 710 3-P with KBS prototypes
  • Wedges: Vokey Design 254.10 (bent to 53), 260.12 (bent to 59) with TT Dynamic Gold Sensicore X100
  • Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
  • Putter: Odyssey

www.titleist.com

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Sunice Silver Golf Polos 2012

2012 will be a stand-out year for Sunice Silver as it broadens its horizons into the US marketplace with a technical polo that is truly unlike any other polo in the market. At the core of this collection is the most conductive element known to man, silver.

Sunice is a well-known leader in high performance technical fabrics. When entering the golf shirt category our sole focus was to identify a fabric technology that would be unique to the market and deliver the highest level of performance available on the market.

X-Static® is the ultimate example of the fusion of various types of performance characteristics into one fabric.

By permanently bonding a layer of pure silver to the surface of a textile fiber, we are able to offer golfers the benefits of pure silver. The performance of this garment will not wash away. X-Static® visible technology (you can see the silver fibers in the shirt – evident by looking at the backside of the shirt) offers performance features incomparable to any other moisture wicking collection.

X-Static Fabric Features:

Thermodynamic
Thermal conductivity: In warm weather, when conduction is the primary means of heat transfer, X-Static® enhances the body’s natural actions by accelerating the conduction from the body. Apparel without X-Static® technology would simply be a barrier to heat conduction. Silver is the most thermally conductive element on the planet. X-Static®, therefore, works quickly to evenly distribute and transfer heat through the product.

Moisture Wicking
X-Static® enhances the natural movement of moisture through hydrophobic materials by using evaporation. When X-Static® is placed in a moist environment with another hydrophobic material;the conductivity of X-Static® will act to accelerate evaporation. This allows for moisture to be transported away from the body faster creating a dryer, more comfortable environment.

Anti-odor
Odor comes from bacteria or microbes. The anti-microbial characteristics of silver prevent the growth of bacteria therefore eliminating potential odors.

ALL NATURAL
100%. Safe and non-toxic, containing no chemical or pesticides.

Anti-STATIC
X-static® fabric will dissipate electrostatic charges allowing the garment to move more freely and not stick to your body or another layer.

www.sunice.com

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First Look: TaylorMade ATV Wedge

by Rob on January 4, 2012

in Golf Clubs, News, Wedges

TaylorMade ATV Wedge

Born from years of research and development as well as extensive player testing, TaylorMade Golf is proud to introduce the ATV (All-Terrain Versatility), a wedge created to offer golfers a simple choice to handle the multitude of shots and course conditions. With its strategically designed sole geometries, the ATV is the most versatile wedge in golf.

“Prior to the introduction of the ATV, the wedge is a piece of equipment that traditionally forces a player to sacrifice a certain shot type,” said Brian Bazzel, product creation manager for irons, putters and wedges. “The ATV wedge is engineered to perform beautifully on a multitude of different types of shots, including chips, pitches, sand shots, full shots from fairway, out of the rough, off hardpan, flop shots and bump-and-runs.”

TaylorMade ATV Wedge Sole

The ATV’s sole design was designed with every curve, angle and edge serving a purpose to make the club more versatile. Significant relief at the toe, heel and trailing edge reduces resistance and changes how the sole reacts with turf and sand, depending on how the club is positioned at address and how much the face is opened. Each ATV sole is slightly different, depending on the loft.

Bazzel added: “You won’t find a bounce number etched anywhere into the ATV clubhead because the sole takes on different bounces depending on how you position the club for the type of shot you’re hitting, including where your hands are positioned in relation to the clubhead and depending on whether the face is square or to what degree it’s open.”

New Groove Design
The ATV wedge incorporates a new groove design created by the company’s R&D department that generates nearly as much spin as its previous highest spinning groove ever, the Z, outlawed in high-level competitions starting last year when the USGA reformed its definition of acceptable groove design. In addition, the flat areas between the grooves of the ATV wedge clubface incorporate a micro-texture that helps hold the ball to impart backspin.

www.taylormadegolf.com

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TaylorMade PENTA TP3 Golf Balls

TaylorMade Golf today improved its flagship PENTA golf ball franchise with the announcement of the PENTA TP3, a three-piece, tour caliber golf ball designed to increase spin without sacrificing distance and priced accessibly at $34.99.

Similar to the PENTA TP5, the TP3 model has the same tour-proven cast urethane cover material which results in an incredibly soft golf ball that that will perform beautifully from tee to green. It was engineered for the golfer who could benefit from a ball that spins more – specifically on their long and mid-irons.

“Golfers are all different and require variations in their equipment to best suit their games,” said John Kawaja, TaylorMade executive vice president. “The added spin from the TP3 will offer more control for a wider range of golfers while maintaining distance off the tee. Engineering a product with Tour-level performance at a lower price point is a huge plus for the consumer.”

In an effort to produce exceptional feel, maximum speed, and spin control with a three-piece multilayered ball, TaylorMade golf ball engineers had to optimize the core, mantle and cover materials. The PENTA TPs proprietary REACT core technology allows for lower driver spin with added speed to create longer ball flights with the driver. It also increases driver ball speed and lowers driver spin, but on mid and short irons works together with the durable, thin cast urethane cover to create increased spin without sacrificing distance off the tee.

The new PENTA TP3 will be available at retail March 3, 2012 for $34.99 per dozen.

www.taylormadegolf.com

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TaylorMade-Ghost-Manta-Putter-Sole

Similar to its Ghost Spider predecessor, the new Ghost Manta provides the performance benefits of a high-MOI (moment of inertia) putter, but is packaged neatly in a more traditional one-piece neo-mallet shape that is sure to appeal to a wide range of golfers.

“The Manta takes a very clean and classic Tour-proven look, along with an advanced and modern technology that often comes in a quirky head shape, and combines them into one comprehensive putter,” said Michael Fox, global product manager, putters and wedges. “The result is a putter that is powerful for players of all levels, while also providing confidence while on the green.”

The Ghost Manta’s white head contrasts sharply with the turf to make it dramatically easier to determine where the face is aimed. In addition, the Ghost Manta’s white finish helps golfers align themselves to the putt more easily, as well. A study of thousands of putting strokes using TaylorMade’s proprietary MAT-T (Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade) System revealed that 65 percent of golfers fail to square the putter face to the target from 12 feet, leading to inaccurate putts and higher scores.*

An update to its Ghost predecessors, the Ghost Manta features a new flat matte white finish which eliminates the distractions of glare and “hot spots” caused by reflected sunlight, making it easier for the player to focus his or her full attention on aiming the putter accurately and executing a sound stroke.

Key to the alignment performance of the Ghost Manta is its wide-bodied frame, which features two black rails on the top of the putter head that frame the golf ball and contrast with the white top to help improve alignment and visibility.

Additionally, all of the putter’s technology, including its two 50-gram tungsten stabilizing weights and user-adjustable weight in the center, are hidden on the sole of the putter to help the golfer maintain focus. The Ghost Manta features a new double-bend shaft, which provides the correct amount of offset without the shaft distracting from the putt.

TaylorMade teaching professional and renowned putting guru Dave Stockton helped develop the Ghost Manta, as he did with the original Corza Ghost and the entire TaylorMade Ghost series family.

Weighting system provides high MOI
The Ghost Manta features two 50-gram tungsten weights on the heel and toe of the sole, which are designed to stabilize the putter and increase MOI. This high MOI produces consistent speed on off-center hits. There is also a third user-adjustable weight in the back-center of the sole (additional weights may be purchased separately). The stock 33 and 34-inch putter heads weigh 360 grams, whereas the 35-inch putter head weighs 370 grams and the belly putter head weight is 380 grams. The head weight of the Ghost Manta long version is 440 grams.

Improved Alignment Elements
The Ghost Manta putter has two alignment elements: the leading edge and the dual alignment lines. The leading edge contrasts highly against the white surface of the putter and the green itself, while the alignment lines are painted black to maximize the golfer’s ability to see these elements clearly and use them effectively to aim the putter. Both of these high-contrast alignment elements give the golfer the best possible chance at effectively aiming the putter.

PURE ROLL Surlyn Insert
Like its Ghost Spider predecessor, the Ghost Manta is equipped with TaylorMade’s patented PURE ROLL insert, which promotes forwardspin to help reduce skidding to encourage a smooth, accurate roll and precise speed control. The PURE ROLL insert’s soft Surlyn construction delivers a satisfyingly soft sound and feel at impact.

Availability and Pricing
The Ghost Manta is available at retail on March 23, 2012. MSRP is $179 for standard-length center-shaft versions, and $199 for belly and long putters.

www.taylormadegolf.com

*65% claim is based on player data from TaylorMade’s MATT System.

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Nike-VR_S-Driver

Nike Golf’s relentless pursuit of innovation will elevate the meaning of speed and distance for a full bag of clubs with the introduction of the new Nike VR_S family on February 3, 2012. Nike’s new VR_S club line is an extension of the successful Nike VR franchise, which has more than 50 worldwide professional wins including three major championships. The Nike VR_S family includes drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids — all combining to what is the fastest and hottest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced, and, in turn, generating more distance for every shot.

The Nike VR_S Difference
The Nike VR_S distinguishes itself from the original VR line with its pure emphasis on speed (hence the “S” in the name). The Nike VR_S line features NexCOR Technology for slower swing speeds while the Nike VR Pro LE combines both NexCOR and the variable Compression Channel for faster swing speeds. Each club in the VR_S family will have a laser engraved NexCOR logo – a shape that mirrors the face construction inside the head, optimizing speed.

Larger Face = More Distance
Despite the USGA’s industry limitations on the driver, Nike engineers have executed an all-encompassing approach to delivering the golfer extra distance by shifting their attention to the full bag, taking every shot in the entire round and the resulting cumulative effect of distance into consideration. To generate speed and distance to every club in the bag, Nike Golf engineers focused on the “face” of not just one club such as the driver or irons, but also fairway woods and hybrids. Their aim was to create groundbreaking innovative technology that would create the fastest and hottest face on every club. Their answer was Nike’s exclusive NexCOR face technology.

“In golf, when we talk about distance, the first thing that comes to mind is the driver,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. “We decided to look beyond that and focus on the entire bag from a holistic point of view. We discovered that NexCOR face technology adds distance and will play a critical role in helping golfers to become better. They’ll be hitting more shorter irons on their approach shots.”

NexCOR Face Technology
Nike’s new NexCOR Face Technology maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi face thickness design. The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag. The location of the NexCOR technology differs from club to club.

“In setting out to create the fastest and hottest face, we know that consumers don’t hit it in the same spot on the face every time,” said Stites. “We conducted impact studies and were able to “map” where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club. Based on those results, we are able to move this NexCOR technology around on the face. The location of NexCOR on the face differs on every club. Not every face is identical.”

VR_S Speed Trials
Starting in March through May 2012, Nike Golf will be conducting VR_S Speed Trials at hundreds of participating golf retail shops and golf courses across the country. Nike’s VR_S Speed Trials will allow consumers to compare the speed of what’s in their current bag to the new Nike VR_S products on a launch monitor. Their accumulative distance will be tallied and recorded on a national leaderboard that will be featured on www.nikegolf.com.

For a list of golf shops participating, go to www.nikegolf.com. To view some Nike athletes going through the speed trials, go to: www.youtube.com/nikegolf.

Availability: February 3, 2012

Nike VR_S Driver
Men’s Loft Options: 8.5 (RH); 9.5 (RH/LH); 10.5 (RH/LH); 11.5 (RH); HL (RH)
All available in X, S, R and A

Women’s Loft Options: 11.5 (RH); HL (RH)
Map/Street Price: $299.99

Nike VR_S Fairway Woods
Men’s Loft Options: 3/15 degrees (RH/LH); 4/17 degrees (RH); 5/19 degrees (RH/LH); 7/21 degrees (RH)
All available in X, S, R and A

Women’s Loft Options: 3/17 degrees (RH); 5/20 degrees (RH); 7/23 degrees (RH)
Map/Street Price: $199.99

Nike VR_S Hybrids
Men’s Loft Options: 2/18 degrees (RH/LH); 3/21 degrees (RH/LH); 4/24 degrees (RH/LH); 5/27 degrees (RH/LH)
All available in S, R and A

Women’s Loft Options: 4/24 degrees (RH); 5/27 degrees (RH); 6/30 degrees (RH)
Map/Street Price: $159.99

Nike VR_S Irons
Men’s: 4-AW, True Temper Dynalite 90: S, R (RH/LH);
4-AW, Nike Fubuki K: S, R and A (RH/LH)
3 and SW also available
Map/Street Price: $599 STEEL/$699 GRAPHITE (8 piece set)

Women’s: 5-6H; 7-PW, SW; Nike Fubuki K (RH)
Map/Street Price: $799.99

Nike VR_S Forged Irons
4-AW, Nippon 950HT Steel: S, R; (RH)
3 and SW also available
Map/Street Price: $999.99 (8 piece set)

www.nikegolf.com

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Back in August of 2011, Nike Golf announced the upcoming release of the new Nike Dunk NG , which is a crossover golf shoe based on the Nike Dunk basketball shoe. As of January 1, 2012 the Nike Dunk NG are finally available for sale, and Nike Golf has released a quick little video of Anthony Kim and Paul Casey talking about the Nike Dunk NG golf shoes.

Will you be  buying a pair of Nike Dunk NG’s?

www.nikegolf.com

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Cobra AMP Driver

Cobra AMP Driver
COBRA is excited to announce the new AMP Driver featuring E9 Face Technology with dual roll and AMPTM Speed Tuning, delivering customized distance and accuracy to golfers around the world. The AMP Driver also brings color and attitude to the golf course with black PVD and vibrant orange details on the shaft, club head and grip.

The AMP Driver also features Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT), providing golfers with the option to set the face angle as Open, Neutral or Closed to optimize ball flight for better distance and accuracy. The Aldila RIP® Speed Tuned shafts have a progressive weight design and El flex profiles that customize performance for various swing speeds. AMP Speed Tuning works in conjunction with the shaft to optimize each loft differently to deliver the best performance for a given club head speed. The premium Lamkin® R.E.L. 3Gen® Grip is vibrant orange to match the cub head design, packing the AMP Driver with style, flair and technology to help improve a golfer’s game.

The AMP Driver is also available in an offset design to reduce the effects of a slice as well as provide improved distance and accuracy. The AMP Offset Driver squares the head more quickly through impact to reduce the effects of a slice. The unique crown alignment feature also helps golfers aim the driver on target.

E9 Face Technology with dual roll
COBRA’s E9 Face Technology with dual roll utilizes an elliptical shape face that gives the AMP Driver a 30% larger Sweet Zone, resulting in more distance, accuracy and forgiveness in shots hit from the low heel to high toe. COBRA tested golfers hitting more than 25,000 shots and discovered that the majority of golfers hit shots across the face in this canted, elliptical pattern. We redesigned our clubface to use this phenomenon to the golfers’ advantage. We’ve added a new canted bulge with dual roll to now provide added distance and accuracy to the shots hit above and below the centerline.

COBRA AMP Driver

E9 Face Technology with dual roll

  • An elliptical face featuring a new canted bulge with dual roll design providing more distance to shots hit above and below the centerline.

Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT)

  • Three simple face-angle settings (Open, Neutral and Closed) optimize ball flight for increased distance and improved accuracy.

AMP Speed Tuning

  • Each loft optimizes the amount of dual roll, head weight, shaft weight and length differently to deliver the best performance for a given club head speed.

Cobra AMP Driver Specs, Pricing, and Availability

The COBRA AMP Driver (MAP $299) is available in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5°,10.5° and 11.5° in
men’s right-handed, and 9.5° and 10.5° in men’s left-handed. The 8.5° loft is available
in X or S flex, the 9.5° and 10.5° in S or R Flex and the 11.5° in R or Lite Flex. All lofts
feature the Aldila RIP® Speed Tuned shaft.

The COBRA AMP Offset Driver (MAP $249) is available in a men’s right handed or left-
handed 10.5° in S or R flex and a men’s right handed 11.5° in a R or Lite flex. The AMP
Offset Driver features an Aldila RIP® Speed Tuned shaft.

The AMP Driver and AMP Offset Driver will be available in the United States on February
10th.

www.cobragolf.com

Cobra AMP Fairway and Hybrids

Cobra AMP Fairway Wood


Similar to the AMP Driver, the Fairways and Hybrids are packed with technology to improve your game and feature black PVD and vibrant orange details on the club head, shaft and grip for added style.

The AMP Fairways were designed with a larger profile for increased MOI to provide added forgiveness. A new, larger high strength steel face with E9 Face Technology with dual roll provides a 5% thinner face for a larger Sweet Zone and added distance. The AMP Fairways also feature Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT), providing golfers with three simple face angle settings, Open, Neutral or Closed, to optimize ball flight for increased distance and improved accuracy. The Aldila RIP® Speed Tuned Fairway shaft features a progressive weight design and El flex profiles for customized performance in various swing speeds.

Cobra AMP Hybrid

Cobra AMP Hybrids

AMP Hybrids have a smaller, pear like shape for a more workable hybrid, a 455 high strength steel face to promote long, penetrating ball flight and Adjustable Flight Technology that promotes improved distance and accuracy. The premium Aldila RIP® Hybrid shaft provides tip stability and control.

Cobra AMP Fairways and Hybrids Specs, Pricing, and Availabilty
The COBRA AMP Fairway (MAP $199) is available in men’s right-handed and left-handed
3 (15°), 4 (16.5°) or 5 (18°) in X, S, R or Lite flex.

The COBRA AMP Hybrid (MAP $189) is available in men’s right-handed 2/H, 3/H and 4/H
in S or R flex, the 3H is also available in men’s left-handed.

The AMP Hybrid will be available in the United States on February 10th, 2012 and the AMP Fairway will be available in the United States on March 16th, 2012.

www.cobragolf.com

Cobra AMP Irons

Cobra AMP Irons


Cobra AMP Ironsfeature Advanced Material Placement, a progressive face and cavity design and v-skid sole that provides
customized distance and accuracy. The AMP Irons are available in an iron set and combo set.

E9 Face Technologyand a progressive face and cavity design which optimize the performance of each individual iron to improve distance, feel and forgiveness. The Advanced Material Placement (AMP) improves the performance of E9 Face Technology. AMP Irons #3-7 have a 2-piece multi-alloy, 17-4 High Strength Steel face plasma welded to a 431 stainless steel body for a thinner face and hotter long and mid irons.

The V-Skid sole design in the new AMP Irons drastically relieves heel-toe sections to reduce turf drag and add to the sole’s versatility. The higher bounce front section provides forgiving sole interaction, a lower bounce middle section keeps the leading edge at a proper height and the rear sole relief has the weight benefits of a wider sole but cleaner turf contact. The sole design is complemented by the ability to bend for correct lie.

COBRA AMP Irons
Advanced Material Placement

  • Multi-alloy design strategically positions weight to provide explosive long irons and consistent short irons. Full cavity TPU layer dampens vibration and provides exceptional feel.

E9 Face Technology

  • A progressive face and cavity design optimizing distance, feel and forgiveness in each individual iron.

V-Skid Sole Design

  • Promotes consistent distance and accuracy with a versatile mid-width sole that narrows in the toe and heel.

Cobra AMP Irons Specs, Pricing, and Availability
The COBRA AMP Irons are available in 3-LW in a Steel or Graphite shaft and S or R flex.
AMP Steel 8 piece set (MAP $699), AMP Graphite 8 piece set (MAP $799),

AMP Steel Combo 8 piece set ($799) and AMP Graphite Combo 8 piece set ($899). Individual AMP
Irons with Steel shafts (MAP $88) and individual AMP Irons with graphite shafts (MAP
$99). 8 piece sets feature 4-GW and combo sets feature 3/H, 4/H and 5-PW.

The graphite irons feature the AMP by Aldila and steel irons feature a True Temper Dynalite
90 Steel shaft. All irons feature the Lamkin® N-DUR 3GEN® grip.

The AMP Irons will be available in the United States on February 10th, 2012.

www.cobragolf.com

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