Could this be the best Christmas present for your child?

The early part of this week was all about Cobra’s F9 launch where we brought you reviews of their new driver, irons, fairways and hybrids.

These clubs aren’t available to buy until January so we’re helping Cobra create some buzz and anticipation around the new products.

But seeing Bryson Dechambeau put the new F9 Speedback driver in play this week on the PGA Tour is fantastic early validation.

We see you and your @cobragolfuk F9 driver Bryson ?https://t.co/cYOI8DzBJH pic.twitter.com/As9hOkDitt

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 1, 2018

We don’t think Rickie Fowler will be too far behind.

New balls please

I have been selected to take part in the seeding process for Titleist’s new golf balls.

It has been nearly two years since the last new Pro V1 and Pro V1x were launched.

The seeding process for Titleist’s new golf balls just got serious #2019Proto pic.twitter.com/s4txjteFef

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 1, 2018

It’s always cool to get the white prototype boxes through in the post.

I’ll be testing these balls out over the coming weeks as we build up to the actual launch which will probably be early in the new year.

But some new balls which have been launched already are the Wilson Duo Professional.

New @WilsonGolfUK Duo Professional golf balls launched today. Premium 3-piece urethane ball available in white, green orange or yellow. SRP: £29.99 pic.twitter.com/YOpbHgAqMJ

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 1, 2018

A premium, urethane, three-piece ball which Wilson say will deliver fantastic performance at a friendly price point of £29.99.

They also come in some funky colours which seem to be all the rage these days.

New Ecco shoes

Our digital editor Alex Perry was out with Ecco in Germany/Denmark this week to get a sneak peak at their new Biom G3 shoes.

Say hello to the new @ECCO_GOLF BIOM G3 shoes.

The same comfort and performance benefits as the BIOM Hybrid 3 … but with spikes.

That unmistakable Ecco design ? pic.twitter.com/yRO1kbtrOU

— National Club Golfer (@NCGMagazine) October 29, 2018

This new spiked model, will replace the G2, will be available to buy in the spring.

Expect the superior comfort, Gore-Tex protection and premium Yak leather which we saw in the Biom Hybrid 3 but with a bit of added traction.

SRP: £210

Rory moves into the hardware game

What keen young golfer wouldn’t want a set of Rory McIlroy junior clubs?

TaylorMade have produced new boys and girls sets in conjunction with the Northern Irishman to help get juniors hooked on the game in the same way he was.

They even come with Rory’s trademark St Bernard driver headcover and a printed signature.

So are these clubs loaded with as much technology at the M3 and M4 drivers and irons?

Well, not quite but they have been specifically engineered to deliver the optimal lengths, lofts and shaft flexes to promote proper swing mechanics for junior golfers.

The driver has 16° of loft and is 400cc in size to instil confidence and produce high launching drives off the tee.

There’s a set for ages four and upwards and a set for those aged eight and above.

The 4-plus set features iron lofts 2˚ lower than the 8-plus set to encourage higher lofts for easy launch for the younger player.

At age 5 I got my first real set of clubs, and that’s when my passion for the game started. Excited to announce I’ve teamed up with @taylormadegolf to create the perfect starter set for young golfers so they can build their passion for the game at an early age like I did! pic.twitter.com/wEpQhuj18c

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) November 1, 2018

Sets also include a fairway wood, rescue, wedge and putter. Here’s Rory explaining why he took on this new venture: