May 2008

Now Playing: Cleveland VP Milled When it comes to putting, nothing beats solid fundamentals. However, in the past, many putters weren't designed to help golfers achieve a proper setup. All that changed late last year when Cleveland introduced their VP series. Utilizing something Cleveland calls "Dual Axis Alignment," the VP helps golfers set up to the ball so their eyes look directly down at it, making aligning the putterface and confident strokes a snap.

New for 2008 is Cleveland's VP Milled Series, a line of putters that feature Dual Axis Alignment as well, but with heads that have been CNC-milled from 303 Stainless Steel (and feature a classic-looking platinum finish).

Like the original VP Series, the Milled Series comes in three different styles (two blades, one mallet), and each comes in three lie options (standard, flat and upright) and three lengths (33, 34 and 35 inches). With both lines, there's a putter for everyone.

Putterhead: Steel Putterface: Elastomer Weight: Standard Price: $149 www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks

Perfect Position Remember 150-yard markers? If you've picked up golf in the last 10 years, it's safe to say you probably don't.

Time was, people measured yardage in increments of 50 yards. To determine how far away from the green you were, you had to consult yardage stakes and estimate your distance or walk it off.

All that's changed since things went digital. Handheld GPS units have flooded the market in the last few years, making it easier to get accurate yardage from anywhere on the golf course.

If your course still has colored stakes, check out some of the latest GPS offerings. You'll never have to estimate again! Golf Buddy

Golf Buddy's new Tour version comes preloaded with nearly 15,000 courses, but this color-screen version can hold up to 20,000 (with its auto recognize feature). The Golf Buddy ($429) doesn't require any annual fees, so all you pay for is the hardware itself.

Golf Logix _Ê

Golf Logix ($300) makes the task of getting proper yardage an easy one, thanks to a user- friendly interface, large screen and easy access to content. For a $29 annual fee, golfers can download as many courses as they wish and import up to 20 at a time on the device.

Sky Caddie SG5

The new SkyCaddie SG5 ($429) is a must for golfers who like large color displays and state-of-the-art electronics. Golfers can measure the full depth and shape of the green from anywhere, plus its color display is backlit, making the SG5 easily readable in any light.

Sonocaddie V300 _Ê

The new color-screen Sonocaddie V300 ($399) features a "walking golfer" icon that roams the course, syncing up the golfer's position as he or she moves. The Sonocaddie holds 20 courses in its memory and 15,000 courses are available on the company's website.

Sure Shot GPS _Ê

In addition to the standard GPS features (distance measuring to specific points, course data storage), the SureShot GPS ($399) enables users to record shot statistics and even suggests which club to hit. The light, portable device can be clipped to your belt.

Shank-Less Building off the belief that golf swings start from the ground and work their way up, Ecco's C-Force Hydromax ($220) was named for its carbon footplate that replaces the traditional shank piece, so golfers can get lower to the ground and generate more power, balance and support for today's athletic swing. Comes in five color combinations. www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks

The DT is Back!

That's right, Titleist's storied DT franchise returns with two new high-quality offerings. Each model has a unique dimple design engineered to provide specialized performance. The DT Carry features a pattern for high-lift performance, while the DT Roll features a pattern that promotes a lower trajectory. Value-minded players who need a specific type of trajectory in order to achieve maximum distance will gravitate to both. Both are two-piece constructions, feature Surlyn covers and retail for $22/dozen. www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks

Dat's Cool!

The fifth-generation No Bananas driver from Bob Burns Golf features Draw Alignment Technology (D.A.T) that effectively ends the "banana ball" slice forever. The 460cc clubhead features a Beta Titanium clubface and a convex crown made of an ultra-light titanium alloy. And at a mere 196 grams, the clubhead is easy to swing through the ball. Comes in three lofts (9, 10.5 and 12 degrees). Right-hand only. A draw bias model is available this June. www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks

The Z Factor

Fujikura's Rombax Z is designed for players with standard ballflight and launch angles who like to swing aggressively without losing control and consistency. It features Fujikura's proprietary Triax material and a new computer-woven, braided box-weave composite fortified with Kevlar Triax throughout the body of the shaft. Features a medium flex point and low-torque that aid in providing stability without too much overall stiffness. Just about any type of golfer can find a model to fit his or her individual needs. Comes in a variety of weights (58-81 grams) and flexes (X, S, R). www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks

Distance Edge

Want to add nine yards to your game without working out, upgrading your driver or taking a lesson? Then just slip on one of Bridgestone's new Inner Edge gloves. They claim it adds distance to your game. How? Via its Tryt 3000TS synthetic leather, which provides an exceptionally tacky grip both inside and outside the glove. Now you can hold onto the glove with less grip pressure. There's even a strategically placed inner support pad that protects your palm's pressure point. www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks

Monster Bag

If ever the word "mammoth" was considered an understatement, this is it. Ogio's new, um, massive Mammoth ($330) four-wheeled travel bag isn't just an oversized cargo container for your clubs, it also boasts a detachable shoe bag (with handle, naturally), a cool, crush-resistant hat pocket and full-length easy access zippered pouch that makes moving your bag in and out a breeze. www.golftipsmag.com/ezlinks