November-December 2009

STX ENVISION TR

From STX, the company that revolutionized lacrosse, comes the Envision TR ($199) putter. Designed by Bob Engman (a sculptor whose work is in MOMA's permanent collection) the Envision TR features square angles and alignment lines to ensure golfers address the ball properly. Also, the square-shaped head distributes weight toward the heel and toe for a higher MOI. Comes in three insert options, Black (softest), Red (medium resiliency) and Green (firm).

Crowned the most innovative club at the 2009 PGA Show by Sports Illustrated, the Axis 1 Eagle ($299) putter is the brainchild of Luis Pedraza, an engineer who designed the 3-D computer mouse that controlled the Mars Rover. Pedraza found that when he relaxed his grip on standard putters, their face would open up. So he placed weight in the heel of the Axis 1 that counteracts the weight in the toe. The result? The center of gravity is now at the sweet spot. Pedraza claims his putter is the first to put the CG directly on the center of the clubface and in line with the shaft's axis.

With eight new models to choose from, it should not be hard to find one of Tiger Shark's new GreenSpeed putters to put in your bag. Each model comes with a five-gram weight installed at the factory and an additional 10- and 15-gram weight, along with a wrench so you can customize its feel. All models are face-balanced and come in a matte finish for reduced glare. Comes with either a Tiger Shark Jumbo grip or the oversized SuperStroke grip.

Featuring an integrated alignment aid to assist golfers while addressing the ball, the Spot On Putter ($129) allows the user to see his or her hands when they move out of position, or when his or her eyes aren't positioned properly over the ball. The face-balanced mallets are CNC-milled out of military-specified stainless steel and are hand-finished. Standard length is 35 inches; custom length no additional charge. Shaft is double-bend offset.

AXIS 1 EAGLE TIGER SHARK GREENSPEED BLACK MAGIC SPOT ON

Designed for the elite player, Bionic's Pro Golf Glove ($39) offers an enhanced grip without sacrificing the feel required for precise shotmaking. Like other Bionic offerings, the Pro was designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon and features ultrathin construction and a prerotated finger design. Conforms to USGA rules; cadet sizes available.

Originally designed for water sports, but making a splash on the golf course, the Trion:Z Active bracelet ($22) combines the negative-ion and magnet technology that has made Trion:Z products popular among pro athletes seeking mental clarity. Features twin 1000-gauss magnets that provide increased magnetic field flow. Its silicone band makes it very comfortable.

Golf is a game of opposites. To hit the ball right, you swing left; to hit the ball far, you hold the club lightly; to get the ball airborne, you hit down. It's this last paradox that stymies 99% of all golfers, at least according to PGA teaching professional, Martin Chuck. So Chuck decided to do something about it. He invented the Tour Striker ($99), a training club designed to help golfers make Tour-like contact. Featuring an elevated leading edge (essentially a rounded face), the Tour Striker forces its users to lean the shaft angle toward the target and compress the ball at impact. Built as an 8-iron, you can use it to chip or pitch, too. Comes with an instructional video.

Why's funnyman Will Ferrell nearly naked on a bottle of sunscreen? To support Cancer for College. Ferrell's college friend, Craig Pollard, a two-time cancer survivor, founded the charity organization in 1993 with the goal of providing scholarships to current and former cancer patients. One hundred percent of all proceeds from Will Ferrell's Sunscreen ($12) benefit Cancer for College.

_Ê 1. Adidas' ClimaProof Storm Soft-Shell Pant ($100) is fully seam-sealed so rain can't get through. Features a four-way stretch fabrication, hydrophilic mesh lining and back-of-knee articulation for comfort even in the worst weather. Comes with a three-year waterproof warranty.

2. Adidas' Waterproof ClimaProof Storm Soft-Shell Jacket ($145) is seam-sealed to prevent rain from entering. Comes in four colors.

3. The antibacterial Cleveland Classics Prospect shirt ($65) has "Briz" technology. What's that? Fabric that has a cooling function in hot-weather conditions. The performance polyester shirt also is moisture wicking. Comes in three colors: white, black and navy.

4. As seen on PGA Tour pro, Luke Donald, Mizuno's Tour Visor ($20) is 100% washed "vintage" cotton and features a rear Velcro closure and inner sweatband.

5. An advanced polymer coating surrounds the microfibers of PING's M-Flex glove ($13) to create a bond that provides a firm grip in all weather conditions.

6. The Casual Cool II GTX ($210) from Ecco feature superior shock absorption via a new low-profile, direct-injected midsole and an innovative, hard-wearing TPU outsole. Fully waterproof via Gore-Tex technology, the shoe comes with two-colored Champ Stinger III cleats.

_Ê 1. From Abacus, the Swedish company that outfitted this year's European Solheim Cup team, comes the Rocky stretch waterproof pants ($129). These jeans-style pants feature five pockets and a mesh lining for better comfort. Available for men and women. 2. The Gore-Tex Hurricane Collection jacket ($400) by Sunice has waterproof stretch inserts, rain channel cuffs so water doesn't drip on your hand and an in-pocket ball cleaner, among other cool features. Comes in six sizes (S thru XXXL) and two colors (black/black shown).

3. TaylorMade's 32 Degrees Cold Weather Gloves ($22) feature a full suede forefinger and palm for a good grip and insulated polyurethane palm to enhance hand warmth. Comes in pairs.

4. PING's Urban Ranger Hat ($20) is made from 100% cotton ripstop fabric with stretch-fit design. Available in sizes S/M, L/XL $25.

5. Ecco's Casual Cool Hydromax Tie shoes ($190) feature water-repellent uppers made with Hydromax leather and a single-density, colored TPU outsole and Stinger III cleats with Q-Lok.