Like every other sport, golf has gone high tech. Sometimes it’s hard to sort through all the gadgets and products and know what works and what doesn’t. Here in Atlanta, all the golf specialty shops put all the latest golf gadgets out front during the holiday shopping season.
Throughout the year, I’m able to test and try out many of these products that come out leading up to the holiday season. I try to sort through the good and bad and then report to you what you should wrap up or put under the tree for the golfer in your life.
Here’s a list of some of the winners this year, and a little on the technology behind each item so you can look like an “expert” when the surprised recipient gushes over their gift.
Pro Mental Coach by Brain Center International ($139.95)
Try this new approach to golf that combines improving your mental toughness with also training your mind to improve your swing and putting. Similar techniques are used by PGA Tour pros throughout the year. The Pro Mental Coach is used regularly at the PGA Center for Learning and Performance in Florida.
This interactive software was developed by doctors, PGA golf professionals and sports psychologists. This application will keep you disciplined by setting up a schedule of training sessions. It can’t help but produce results. This is great for use in the off season and will get your golf game ready once the winter weather breaks. Available for PC and Mac, it requires as little as one hour a week of training and quickly benefits golfers, helping them lower scores. If you wish, you can have a PGA pro analyze your progress. Visit www.ProMentalCoach.com for more details and to order your copy.
Microfiber “Tour Size” Caddie Towel (MSRP: $19.95, $24.95 -$29.95 w/ embroidery)
A great microfiber towel with waffle texture and stitched trim. It’s lightweight, super absorbent and will stay virtually lint free. Strong enough to remove dirt, grease and sunblock off a hands, yet gentle enough to safely clean eyeglasses. The secret, it has more than 5 million yards of microfiber strands, giving it the ability to hold 300 percent of its weight in water. Used by more PGA Tour players and caddies than any other brand. Comes with FREE 8 1/2″ x 12″ pocket towel ($10 value). “There are so many things I could say about this towel, but I’ll make it simple: It’s the perfect golf towel,” says PGA Tour star Chris DiMarco. Go to www.clubglove.com.
Galway Bay Jacket, Vest and Pants ($99-$149)
Great apparel from Galway Bay in Alpharetta, GA. It all started with pants for Galway Bay. I spent a day recently with company founder Terry Prillaman and he demonstrated how his bad weather clothing can be worn anytime. “It’s high tech, but functional and affordable,” says Prillaman. The need for the dreaded “three pant combo” of long underwear, golf slacks, and rain pants along with multiple layers on top is now over. The Galway Bay line features a durable water resistant outer shell, wind resistant laminated membrane and a water wicking microfiber fleece lining. The material combination allows the pants to stay stylish, lightweight, and not bulky and the vest and jacket allows you to swing freely without restriction and that “swishy” sound you sometimes get when golfing with a jacket. PGA Tour officials wear Galway Bay, they have to since they are always out in the elements. You need to run, not walk to www.gbgolf.com and order a set.
AB Golf Designs Throwback Headcovers ($25-$30)
AB Golf Designs offers a wide selection of premium-quality products at affordable prices, and these Throwback headcovers are really nice.
The brand’s new eco-friendly Throwback collection is a classic striped knit stocking with pom-pom tops that are available in a variety of color combinations and sizes. Although the fabric looks and feels like wool, the Throwback collection is made from polyester fibers crafted from recycled plastic bottles. This manufacturing process helps to diminish dependence on oil and minimize waste, in turn limiting toxic emissions from incinerators. Additionally, it reduces air, water and soil contamination. Priced to be affordable, check out www.abgolfdesigns.com.
Fila Golf Men’s Dallas Sport Shirt ($50 in stores and on Amazon.com)
This technologically advanced shirt is crafted from blended polyester and Spandex single jersey moss to create an exquisite, luxuriously soft fabric. The men’s Dallas Sport Shirt utilizes classic fitted crew neck styling that fits any man’s wardrobe. Lightweight, moisture wicking and antibacterial, this multi-functional layering piece works to create a warm barrier for outdoor activities, like golf, skiing and hiking. It can be worn anytime, throw it on below your everyday get-up for added warmth. Available in White, Silver and Black. More info at www.filagolf.com.
The Callaway Hyper-Lite 4.5 Golf Bag ($169.99)
The Hyper-Lite 4.5, Callaway’s premier lightweight bag in its stand bag category, features the XTT® Xtra Traction Technology base, stabilizing the stand system to help eliminate slipping during leg activation. Weighing just four and a half pounds, the Hyper-Lite 4.5 makes walking 18 holes easier on a golfer’s shoulders and back than ever before while not limiting the amenities that golfers desire over a four-hour round. An extra padded 4-point double strap (that can be converted into a single strap) distributes weight across the golfer’s shoulders, while a ventilated foam hip pad adds meaningful comfort. The bag’s 11 pockets can store ample golf supplies and valuables. Available in five colorways, including Navy/White, Yellow/White and White/Black.
“As with all Callaway products and services, we are dedicated to offering the ultimate in authentic and innovative solutions for golfers,” said John Melican, Senior Vice President, Global Soft Goods, Callaway Golf. “Specifically with our new collection of 2012 golf bags, Callaway is delivering products for every type of golfer: lightweight performance stand bags for walkers, and an array of storage and amenities in our cart bags for those who prefer to ride.”
Rick Limpert covers sports, technology and events in and around Atlanta. You can follow him at @RickRoswell on Twitter for more gift ideas.