Equipment news, October 2020

Manufacturer claims, not tested by NCG: Callaway X Forged UT irons

Despite what Bryson DeChambeau may make you think utility irons are still very popular on tour as players opt for both a fairway finder and a club to hit into par 5s.

Callaway tell me the new X Forged UT driving iron is designed to promote faster ball speeds but have a relocated CG position for optimal trajectory and launch.

Keep your eyes out for lots of these on tour in the coming weeks...

Available: October 29

RRP: £229

More information: Callaway website

Callaway Apex irons

My goodness, how good do these look?

Naturally these are designed for the best ball strikers in the game which you can see from the compact shape and thin topline and sole. They are very traditional with a classic shape and style, the only notable exception being a the screw in the bag of the clubhead.

This is a new weight designed to be in the centre of the clubhead. This allows the swingweight of the club to be precisely dialled in for each player without altering the CG location.

The Apex irons are not currently available in Europe, but it is understood that they will be introduced and available at retail across Europe in the early part of 2021. Stay tuned.

Honma caddie bags

Honma are releasing 14 new bags designed to help you stand out on the course. All bags are leather and come with a caddie carry strap and matching rain hood.

I really like the fact each style is offered in numerous colourways so you can find something that really suits your eye. Here are some of my favourites...

Available: Now

RRP: From £200

More information: Honma website

Speaking of new bags, there's also this from Ping...

LAB broomstick putters

LAB Golf might not be working with Adam Scott any more but they have expanded their putter line to include a broomstick handle option to their existing DF 2.1 and B.2 putter head offerings.

Both putters can be ordered directly from the LAB Golf website with numerous custom options such as shaft type, length, and colour. You can also customise the putter head with numerous colours and alignment styles offered. Find out more about the LAB DF 2.1 putter from the video below...

Available: Now

RRP: From £325

More information: LAB Golf website

Right that’s enough from me for one week. If you’re after more equipment content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

If you have any questions about anything gear related, feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or Instagram.

Manufacturer claims, not tested by NCG: FootJoy getting you ready for winter

If you've been out on the course recently you'll have noted the sudden drop in temperature. But don't worry FootJoy are delivering the goods to help you battle the elements this winter.

Again the Hydroknit leads a strong line up of apparel in FootJoy's Autumn-Winter collection. The versatility of this waterproof pullover is definitely a big win for golfers and this season the look can be completed with the new Hydroknit trousers.

Elsewhere we have numerous new polos, jackets, gilets and trousers so they'll definitely be something that takes your fancy. I love the different colour panelling featured in some of the key jackets across the range.

I am so excited about the new red colourway in the ladies Hydroknit jacket and the Insulated jacket and gilet are also catching my eye. I mean you can never have enough gilets right??

Finally if you're always cold like me don't forget to check out the all-essential winter and rain gloves offerings

Available: Now RRP: From £85 More information: FootJoy website

Mizuno add to apparel range

I love the blue aesthetic of this range and think Mizuno have done a great job of tying the collection together to create a range perfect for layering this winter.

The collection has you covered from base layers and polos to trousers, gilets and jackets. Oh and a few beanies too.

Key technologies include heat-generating Thermo yarn which captures vapour helping you retain heat. Don't worry about not being able to swing once you later up the range feature Move Tech, a four-way stretch fabric allowing you to keep your range of movement.

Available: Now RRP: From £26 More information: Mizuno website

Axis1 unveil new putter model

The Axis1 Rose Proto has been gaining traction on tour recently as more players follow Justin Rose's lead putting the torque free technology in play.

Now Axis1 have released a new head shape for consumers who prefer the look of a blade but want the performance of a mallet.

The new Tour HM model sits between the existing Tour S/B and Rose shapes and features the same heel counterweight technology to help the clubface stay square throughout the stroke.

Available: Now RRP: £449 More information: Axis1 website

Poulter debuts new FootJoy shoes

To most this may look a fairly inconspicuous picture of Ian Poulter at the Scottish Open.

But if you take a closer look you can see he is sporting some rather spectacular new FootJoy shoes.

The shoes are very classic in design and the contrasting colours, craftsmanship and detailing are to die for. Let's hope we see these in pro shops in the not so distant future?

New Titleist Pro V1 balls seeded on tour

And finally, after a two-year development process the next generation Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls are now available for PGA Tour players to use in competition.

They'll be in play at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin, where Titleist first introduced the Pro V1 prototypes to players 20 years ago.

I can't wait to get my hands on these and let you know what I think, so watch this space…

Right that's enough from me for one week. If you're after more equipment content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

If you have any questions about anything gear related, feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or Instagram.