July 2008

Now Playing: Tour Burner With its sleek black finish and stylized curves, TaylorMade's new Tour Burner driver ($499) is golf's next hot rod. Featuring Dual Crown technology, the Tour Burner has a small crown and a large sole that are conjoined by a large groove. The result is a high MOI and very low CG._Ê Other features include a SuperFast 60-gram graphite shaft, Inverted Cone clubface technology and Ultra-Thin Wall Casting. The Tour Burner TP (shown) has a slightly higher CG and a square face angle, as well as a trio of shaft options: Mitsubishi White Board, Matrix Ozik Xcon-5 and the Fujikura Rombax Z. taylormadegolf.com

Phat Grips Although oversized putter grips have been around for a long time, the category has only recently exploded in popularity thanks to Tour players K.J. Choi and Miguel Angel Jimenez, who have put them in play. Bigger grips claim to combat unnecessary wrist and hand movement during the stroke and eliminate the yips. Check out the following five options. Take note that each grip is not only affordable, but also a quick way to make better strokes. Just be sure to notice the diameter;_Ê average grips measure about 3 inches in girth. _Ê

_Ê

Macro Grip The Macro Grip ($25) is made to fit in a player's dominant hand to prevent wrist breakdown. Other cool features include the Topnotch alignment on the grip's butt end, and three different size options. The Macro Grip comes standard on Macro Golf putters or can be sold separately to use on any putter. Diameter (approx.): 4 inches

_Ê

2 Thumb The 2 Thumb Light ($15) has the texture of a traditional rubber grip, but is designed with a wide, flat front and back. Its shape eliminates wrist movements from the stroke for better directional control, and the lighter weight feels great. Diameter (approx.): 4.5 inches

 

_Ê

BigLite The BigLite grip ($25) is both big and lightweight, making it a solid choice for golfers who want a larger grip circumference but not too much extra weight. It also sports a unique dual texture, with a softer weave grip design in front and a firmer texture on the back and sides. Diameter (approx.): 5.5 inches

_Ê

Tiger Shark Tiger Shark has been making big grips for years, but the new Jumbo Grip ($15) is better than ever. Why? Because it features Winn Grips' AVS Technology for exceptional feel and control. For more fatness, the "Fatso" model is 25 percent bigger! Diameter (approx.): 4.5 inches

Super Stroke The large nontapered SuperStroke ProLine ($55) has a dimpled surface, flat front and a rounded bottom section if you want to try using the "fingertip grip option." Also, you don't need glue; instead you screw it on with a wrench. Diameter (approx.): 5 inches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speed Racer When it comes to distance, speed is everything. At least that was the idea behind the new Tour Edge Exotics XLD woods ($229). Designed to promote the fastest ball speed possible, the Exotics XLD woods employ a unique pentagonal shape to help foster a higher MOI and more forgiveness (not to mention a greater transfer of energy into the ball, for—you guessed it—a faster ball speed and more distance). Other key features include an ultralight Graphite Design shaft, a low-profile head design and a superhot Carpenter Custom 455 Stainless Steel clubface. For more info, check out golftipsmag.com/ezlinks.

Start Your Engines You probably know by now that shafts are the engines of a golf club. Graphite Design definitely understands that and has three new shafts ready to add horsepower and control to your tee shots. The hard part would be to describe the awesome Tour AD YSQ, the high-powered Throttle and the exceptional AD Quattro MD in one paragraph, so instead we let them do it online._Ê Check out golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for the whole scoop on all three shafts.

Power Gluttons Shopping for a new Cobra Speed LD driver ($299) is like buying a hot, new sports car—only this time you don't have to suffer through a salesman's pitch. There are five models to choose from, ranging from the Speed F (designed for most golfers) to the Speed LD Women's, each with slight differences in design to accommodate a wide range of golfers. The similarities among the models include a size dimension limit of 5x5 inches, a fast-back crown with dimples and a milled clubface. Each driver also comes with a different shaft made by either Graphite Design or Aldila. Speed and power fanatics unite! For the scoop, log on to golftipsmag.com/ezlinks.

Earth Tee Global warming, pollution, water shortages...it seems you can't turn on the news without hearing about the environmental dangers facing our planet. Well, PrideSports, the country's only wooden tee manufacturer, is doing something about it with their new Insignia tee. Billed as the game's first-ever lead-free golf tee, it generates 80% less waste, so golf courses can remain clean and users stay safe. Comes in two sizes (2_â__ and 3_â__ inches) and four color patterns. Log on to golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for more. _