[View with PicLens]

Ping released its new carry bag line of golf bags today under the new E2 label, which focuses on comfort through adjustability and unique design. The new E2 line of carry golf bags is Ping’s most durable lineup to date, in multiple colorways, and sizes.

Ping E2 Carry Bag Lineup Includes:

Four Series (Small Carry Bag)

• A brand new strap design provides optimum balance while giving the player a backpack-style fit.
• Total weight is slightly over 4 lbs.
• Integration of a new leg retention strap for quick leg deployment.
• Six pockets can be found throughout the bag including a water-bottle pouch.

Hoofer (Midsize Carry Bag)

• A brand new strap design provides optimum balance while giving the player a backpack-style fit.
• Total weight is slightly over 5 lbs.
• The Hoofer features a 5-way reinforced top with two full-length dividers.
• Integration of a new leg retention strap for quick leg deployment.
• Eight pockets can be found throughout the bag including a water-bottle pouch.

Latitude (Large Carry Bag)

• A brand new strap design provides optimum balance while giving the player a backpack-style fit.
• Total weight is 5.5 lbs.
• The Latitude features a 6-way reinforced top with two full-length dividers.
• Molded putter well for quick access between green and tee.
• Integration of a new leg retention strap for quick leg deployment.
• Ten pockets can be found throughout the bag including a water-bottle pouch.

Available November 1, 2011.

www.ping.com

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.

[View with PicLens]

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

Sun Mountain Caddie Bag

Sun Mountain now makes it easier for golfers to lighten someone else’s load with the new Caddie Bag. Based upon the top-selling Sun Mountain Superlight 3.5, the Caddie Bag is a lightweight stand bag featuring a reversible single strap that allows the bag to be carried comfortably on either shoulder.

Sun Mountain Caddie Bag Features
The Sun Mountain Caddie Bag include a 9.5”, six-way oval top with full length club dividers and Sun Mountain’s ever-popular integrated handle for picking up the bag. The unique strap system on the Caddie Bag features a pivoting, non-slip strap, contoured for maximum comfort and easily reversible so a caddie can carry the bag on either shoulder.

Caddie Bag has six pockets including: beverage pouch, velour-lined valuables pocket, yardage book pocket, and a full-length clothing pocket. The stand system on the Caddie Bag features a top mounted stand attachment for increased durability and stability and Sun Mountain’s patented Roller Bottom and recessed Y-Spring activator for faster leg action and tight-to-the-bag retraction. The legs on the bag are lightweight, high-tensile aluminum with triangular non-slip foot pads that resist sinking into grass and sliding on slick surfaces.

“In the past, some golfers at clubs with caddie programs would buy larger and heavier cart bags because of the single strap,” said Sun Mountain President, Ed Kowachek. “With the new Caddie Bag, golfers can get the single strap their caddie prefers in a lightweight bag that their caddie will appreciate.”

The Origin of the Caddie Bag
Caddie Bag is based upon the design of Sun Mountain’s popular Superlight line of stand bags. For the third consecutive year, the Sun Mountain Superlight SLX golf stand bag has been awarded a Gold medal in Golf Digest magazine’s annual Hot List. The panel of judges specifically commented on the SLX’s light weight, easy to use shoulder straps, effective stand mechanism and innovative legs. The SLX ($199) is one of three models in the Sun Mountain Superlight line of bags, joining the Superlight 3.5 ($179) and the college-licensed version of the 3.5 ($209).

Caddie Bag is available now at $189. For the retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com

Getting to the golf course can be a challenge, with your golf bag, shoe bag, and other accessories you need to take along with you. And if you want to run errands afterwards, like the grocery store or shopping, you’re going to need a car that is large enough room to handle all your cargo without being a gas guzzler.

[View with PicLens]

In comes the 2010 Lincoln MKT an all wheel drive luxury crossover vehicle with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, and seven-passenger seating capacity.

Design and Looks
The Lincoln MKT is a one big suv at 207.6” long and features a split-wing grille that represents the new face of Lincoln cars. I think the grille looks a lot like a sharks mouth with its protruding nose and teeth, giving it a a very menacing appearance. The rear of the MKT has a weird shape, that sticks out and found limits your visibility when trying to look out the rear view window of the car. Luckily the car comes with a standard review camera and Active Park Assist to help with parallel parking and eliminate any blind spots.

Interior
Inside you’ll notice how spacious the cabin feels with its standard panoramic fixed-glass Vista roof that lets a ton of light into the car and exceptional views for the first and second row passengers. On hot days, you can deploy the power sunshade to keep you cool. The vehicle I tested did come with the optional Elite Package, where the Vista roof is powered electronically.

The leather interior on the seats, dashboard, and door panels are in harmony with the chrome and leather accents in the Lincoln MKT. The leather seats are so plush and comfortable, that going for long drives is a pleasure in the MKT. A rather unique feature in the MKT is the Ambient lighting system, that allows you to change the colors of the car’s interior accent lighting (e.g., floorboards, cargo area, etc.) from red, blue, green, and white.

The front seats feature perforated leather that are heated and cooled independently with the dual zone climate control system, which is great in the summertime. The cabin has a separate climate control system for your second row passengers, independent of the front.

The eight-inch touchscreen allows you control all of the cars features like, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, CD Player, navigation System, phone, climate, and more. And it’s also voice-activated for safe hands-free driving. If you have a bluetooth enabled phone, you can utilize SYNC to issue hands-free calls or play a song, which works really well.

Capacity
The Lincoln MKT is a large car that can easily haul seven passengers, and have room for groceries. One thing to keep in mind is that the third row is best suited for small children, and too tight for an adult for an adult to sit comfortably. The 133.4 (cu.ft.) of cargo space you have available when both the second and third rows are folded down, makes it super easy to haul four golf bags, plus leave room to spare. Loading your golf bags or any item going into the trunk is easy with the power liftgate, which opens with a press of a button on the key fob or interior of the car. One thing is for sure, you won’t feel cramped in the Lincoln MKT.

Technology
The Lincoln MKT is loaded with a ton of technology features, that will make any gear head stoked. The car has a voice-activated navigation system, that gives you turn-by-turn directions on its bright eight-inch LCD screen. I used the navigation system to route a path from my house to the driving range and found a quicker route, I never knew about. Plus it also can give your real-time traffic alerts, weather, gas stations and prices, sports scores and more with the integrated Sirius Travel Link. FYI, this is a subscription based service, and comes with a introductory six-month subscription. I didn’t get to test this feature out because the subscription had expired on my test vehicle.

The rear view camera features Color bars that help you judge how far behind you objects are. The system works in conjunction with the reverse sensor system by alerting you with audio tones, while backing up. This worked really well, especially with the limited visibility out of the rear window.

The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) sensors detect a car in your blind spot by blinking in your side mirrors while driving, which is very useful for city driving. What’s also cool about BLIS is that it also works when backing out of spot in a parking lot, by monitoring cross traffic. The sensors can help detect if another vehicle is approaching from either side of your vehicle. It will then alert you with an audible tone and indicator light.

Keyless entry and start and stop of the car with push of button, make getting in and out of the car a breeze. No more wasting time looking for your car keys, just get in and drive.

Performance
With a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, the Lincoln MKT has the power of a V8, but the fuel economy of a V6 with 355 horsepower, and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. This is allows the MKT to get 16/21 MPG and provide smooth and deliberate acceleration. The 6-speed selectshift paddle shifters on the MKT give the car a more engaging driving experience, which makes it fun to drive and sense of control you find in a stick shift, without the hassle of a clutch.

Driving the Lincoln MKT I was really impressed how quickly it can accelerate so effortlessly and how smooth of ride it delivers. The MKT is a car that is the ultimate long-haul car, but is also right at home for city driving and going to and from the golf course.

If you are looking for luxury crossover vehicle that comes with tons of standard features, can carry a lot of cargo, and drives like a sedan, check out the Lincoln MKT.

Model Tested: Lincoln MKT EcoBoost (Base MSRP $49,200)

• Tuxedo Black Metallic/Lt. Stone Premium Leather Interior
• Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost
• Transmission 6-Speed Auto
• 355 HP
• 350lbs Torque
• 16/21 MPG

Options:
Elite Package: Voice Activated Navigation, Power Panoramic Vista Roof, Acoustic Side Door Glass, Active Park Assist, Woven Metal Appearance Package, Adaptive Cruise Control

Total MSRP: $56,080 (Includes above options with Destination & Delivery)

www.lincoln.com/crossovers/mkt/

TaylorMade is again providing its Tour Staff professionals participating in this year’s Major Championships with specially logoed hats and staff bags, starting with the 2010 “Season Opener” commemorative logo to be used this week. TaylorMade started designing special edition logos in 2003, to pay homage to each major championship and the particular venue at which it is played.

TaylorMade 2010 "Season Opener" Special Edition Golf Bag

This year’s “Season Opener” logo is highlighted by several special design features, including:

TaylorMade 2010 "Season Opener" Special Edition Logo

• “3″ – The “3″ on the yellow flag commemorates the annual Par-3 Contest. A tradition that started in 1960, this year marks its 50th anniversary.
• “13″– Amateur competitors stay in the Crow’s Nest during tournament week, a tradition that dates to the event’s first years. Located at the top of the clubhouse, the Crow’s Nest accommodates five; only tournament participants are allowed.
• Five Stars – The eagle and five stars pay tribute to our 34th president, a five-star general who left the White House in 1960. A long-time member at Augusta National, several landmarks on the course are named for him, including a tree on the 17th hole, a pond on the Par-3 Course, and a cabin.
• Crown – A tribute to the 1960 Masters champion, known the world over as “The King” for his charisma and one-time dominance of his sport.
• Hat Flag Label-The 1960 champion birdied the final two holes to win by a stroke.

TaylorMade Golf has posted an interactive slide show featuring all 26 commemorative logos created to date, and the stories behind them, on the TaylorMade Golf Official Global Facebook Fan Page . In addition to the slideshow, TaylorMade is offering a special Season Opener sweepstakes in which one fan will be chosen to win a 2010 commemorative staff bag with the 2010 Season Opener special edition logo.

Interested fans should visit TaylorMade Golf’s Official Global Facebook Page for details on how to enter.

www.facebook.com/TaylorMadeGolf

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

 

I’m always looking for a golf stand bag that has a good mix of features and functionality, to carry my golf clubs around. Sometimes achieving this balance  is not an easy thing to accomplish, and you end up with a stand bag that either has too many features, gimmicky, or not very functional. This is about to change with Ogio’s Edge golf stand bag, which offers a perfect blend of features and functionality.

The Edge is OGIO’s answer to a hybrid, living somewhere between a tricked-out stand bag and a lightweight cart bag. The sleek, external-framed bag weighs only 6.5 lbs and is 36.5″ tall with its new lighweight exo skeletal frame make this a very sturdy bag. The exo skeletal frame of the Edge reminded me of how a camping tent is supported with the tension poles that create a canopy of a tent.

Key Bag Features
The Ogio Edge features the new ARC Lite stand system – increasing strength while providing greater functionality than a normal stand system. The bag does a great job of supporting its self on uneven surfaces on the golf course and the legs activate very smoothly.

The 9″ Woode top of the of the bag helps keeps your clubs easily organized and easy access to clubs with its full length dividers. The entire woods section is nicely isolated to one side with individual compartments for each wood that cascade down. The tiered woods section also helps prevent club shaft damage and provides easy access and clear view of your irons and woods. The irons section of the bag has notches so each shaft is kept separate when the stand is activated. The notches don’t prevent the irons from hitting against each other when you carry the bag, but it does help with keeping your irons organized. The putter pocket provides has a nice tall collar to protect your putter from damaging your irons and woods. You can easily carry a large mallet putter without having to worry it will rub against your irons or woods, which is comforting.

The Ball Silo is a molded plastic ball dispenser located on the right side of the Edge, which provides quick and easy access to golf balls. This is a nice little feature that makes grabbing a golf ball very convenient and you no longer have to keep an extra ball in you pocket. Directly above the Ball Silo, there are three loops to carry those extra golf tees, which also your leg from getting stabbed by a tee by accident.

If you need more golf balls or need to refill the Ball Silo, that couldn’t be any easier with the convenience of the Zipperless Ball Pocket (ZBP). The Zipperless Ball Pocket is a hingeless, one-handed ball pocket that utilizes a tension rod to easily access the pocket’s contents and automatically springs back into place after a ball has been removed. No more wasting time zipping and unzipping the ball pocket of the bag and its location on the front of the bag makes for easy access when the bag is strapped onto a golf driving cart or push cart.

One of my biggest complaints about golf bags is the rain hood. The rain hood is meant to protect your clubs from getting wet when it rains, but it fails to make it easy to access your clubs, via the standard zippered opening on top. This is one area that is greatly improved upon in the Ogio Edge with The Rain Hoode. The Rain Hoode, is a zipperless rain hood that works seamlessly by attaching to the integrated clip ports and providing instant and hassle-free access to your golf clubs. The Rain Hoode creates a canopy, utilizing the same tension rods used in the Zipplerless Ball Pocket to give it a Venus Fly Trap appearance when you open the mouth of the Rain Hoode and it automatically snaps back to close to protect your clubs. I loved this feature a lot, because not only is it easy to use, but it makes accessing your clubs really easy. I’m glad to see Ogio take the lead in improving and often overlooked aspect of a golf stand bags.

The TORQ Strap anti-sway cart strap is designed to make sure your bag doesn’t twist or or rotate when attached to a golf driving cart and can be easily adjusted. If your walking with the Ogio Edge bag, the Crossbow shoulder strap system is well padded and distributes the weight evenly across your back. The EVA molded hip pad and airflow system also provides comfort while carrying the bag on warm days and comfort to your lower back and hip.

Other Key Features
The Edge has 9 pockets total (5 zippered) which include a internal wet/dry pocket, weatherproof fleece lined valuables pocket, easy access  divot tool and pen sleeve, scorecard and pencil sleeve pockets, internal cellphone pocket, and walking accessible water bottle holster.  The Lift Grip integrated trunk handle makes the Ogio Edge easy to load and unload into your car, along with the 3-point molded handle.  The Edge also has an elastic oversize towel loop, instead of a traditional d-ring and elastic umbrella containment system.

Overall I found the Ogio Edge to be a great golf stand bag, that has a perfect blend of style, features, and functionality that make it the ultimate stand bag.

Ogio Edge Stand Bag retails for $199

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.