All the Gear: I spy with my little eye something beginning with SM8
Hello everyone. It’s been another busy week at NCG and I have been up to something new. Along with Rachael Tibbs I have been filming a fitness instruction series to help you out with some golf specific exercises over winter. Keep your eyes peeled for the videos coming soon.
I know, I know, you’re here for equipment. This week I’m in California at TaylorMade HQ and I’ve got loads of cool stuff planned, so keep your eyes peeled for that here on the website or on my Twitter.
While you wait, here’s some gear news that’s caught my eye in the last few days…
Vokey SM8 in players’ bags this week
The PGA Tour’s RSM Classic will see Titleist players put the new Vokey Design SM8 wedges into play for the first time.
This marks the start of the brand’s tour seeding and validation process for the next generation of Vokey Design models.
The eagle-eyed among you may have already spotted the SM8 as months-long testing has included unmarked prototypes being used during practice rounds on the PGA Tour.
I can’t wait to get these in my hands and you can find more information on Titleist’s website.
Mizuno also teasing us
There have been rumours of new Mizuno drivers for a while now and they are finally in play on the PGA Tour. Keith Mitchell, Lucas Glover, Adam Schenk and Jhonattan Vegas have all put the ST200 in play already.
The ST200, ST200G and ST200X drivers have appeared on the USGA confirming lists so I will hopefully get my hands on one soon. The ST200 drivers will be available from February, so keep your eyes out on NCG for a full review coming soon or you can head to Mizuno’s website if you can’t wait.
Honma open European shop
Premium Japanese brand Honma have opened their first shop in Europe. The new Paris store is set to be the first of many shops across Europe designed to attract high-end customers.
“As the French capital is globally recognised as a centre for market-leading, high-end brands and premium products – and the success of last year’s Ryder Cup contest at nearby Le Golf National complex – Paris became a natural option for our first European outlet,” said Honma’s Alejandro Sanchez.
Honma have also announced they will be introducing a new range of customised clubs next month with gold and platinum finishes and hand-crafted shafts made in the factory in Japan.
And Christmas comes early
Finally, if you’re like me and already getting in the Christmas spirit you will love these custom true temper wedge shafts I spotted on Anthony Taranto’s Instagram. Inspired by candy canes these have got me all ready to put the tree up…
That’s all for this week! If you have any questions feel free to let me know in the comments below, or you can tweet me.
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
