All the Gear: Ping add two putters to Sigma G range
By James Savage
We spent a day last week at the Titleist National Fitting Centre at St Ives Golf Club as part of a feature on the new 718 irons.
It was fascinating to observe four members of our team – with handicaps ranging from 14 to scratch – each get fitted into the new range.
Great day @TitleistEurope HQ for our 718 fittings. Results:@DanMurphyGolf AP3@AlexPerryNCG AP3@TomIrwingolf MB/CB@SteveCarrollNCG AP3 pic.twitter.com/aJ400K6WMf
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) October 5, 2017
We’ll bring you more details and feedback at a later date.
We’ve also noticed a new tour player switching to the Titleist 917 driver…
New driver for @TommyFleetwood1 this week – @TitleistEurope 917 ? pic.twitter.com/12sHtmhUil
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) October 5, 2017
Fleetwood had been one of the last Nike players to still be using the Vapor Fly driver but it looks like he’s finally making a move.
It seems to be working so far…
Course record @carnoustiegolf for @TommyFleetwood1 with his new @TitleistEurope 917 driver in play for the first time. ??? pic.twitter.com/GJYPADMKsN
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) October 6, 2017
Could there be a permanent deal with Titleist in the pipeline for the free agent? We’ll keep you posted.
New Ping Sigma G putters unveiled
The Ping Sigma G range was launched at the start of 2017 and we featured two models in our recent putters test.
And there’s now two brand new additions – the Tyne H and Craz-E
The Craz-E – which looks a bit like a man on bike to me – and Tyne H both feature Ping’s patented True Roll Face Technology.
The design of the Craz-E has been a favourite of tour pros for several years with more than 70 winning versions showcased in the Ping’s Gold Putter Vault – including three major titles.
It has a ball-width centre sight line, and significant heel-toe and back weighting to achieve a high MOI for maximising stability.
The Tyne H is distinguished from the original Tyne by an Anser-style hosel to fit a slight-arc stroke and create offset, plus a top-rail sight line that is white on a black nickel finish for contrast and easy alignment.
SRP: £175
More information available on the Ping website.
Mizuno unveil new JPX golf ball
Mizuno have launched a new, softer, two-piece JPX golf ball which aims to compete at the non-premium price point with the likes of Srixon AD333, Callaway Supersoft and Titleist DT TruSoft.
The brand are famous for their irons but, in my experience, their golf balls are really good too. They still have their MP range of balls and the JPX Platinum for those with a bit more cash to spare.
The new JPX ball features a new micro-dimple pattern and a larger soft-compression core. Mizuno say there’s no compromise in greenside feel despite the explosive tee-shot distance.
SRP: £25 per dozen
More information on the Mizuno website.
Stylish Oscar Jacobson winter golf wear
Swedish brand Oscar Jacobson have added a range of new technologies, styles and colours in their autumn/winter 2017 line.
They have a new zip-in system which allows wind or rainproof outerlayers to be combined with different insulating mid-layers.
Sounds like a smart idea to me. I’ll just need to give myself an extra five minutes to get dressed.
The full range can be viewed on the Oscar Jacobson website.
GolfBuddy launches Voice X
It’s been a while since we last had a new talking GPS device.
Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan and I’m not sure my playing partners have been either. The novelty soon wears off.
But if you’re after a handy GPS device that fits in your pocket – taking up a little more room than a ball marker – then check out the Voice X from GolfBuddy.
As the name suggests, audio is a key option of the Voice X as it will speak your distances.
However, if you wish, at the touch of a button, the voice function turns off leaving you with large figures for front, centre, back and hazards.
SRP: £149.99
More information available on the GolfBuddy website.
Great value winter shoes from Stuburt
Golf shoes are expensive. Sometimes too expensive.
But the latest range from Stuburt will keep your feet dry and comfortable this winter without breaking the bank.
The range, with prices from £64.99, includes the Helium Event Spikeless below.
View the full range on the Stuburt website.
Adidas and TaylorMade split now official
As we reported earlier this year, Adidas have sold the TaylorMade Golf arm of their business.
It’s taken a while but the split has now formally taken place.
Adidas now has it’s own golf business completely separate from the TaylorMade brand.
We’ve always referred to them as TMag but now it’s just TM and ag.
As a big player in the global sports world, I’d now expect Adidas to go after some of the top players for shoe and apparel deals.
We saw Nike pull out of the golf hardware business last year but they underlined their ambition by almost immediately signing up Jason Day – from Adidas.
Their first move is the signing of promising Scottish youngster Connor Syme. Expect plenty more over the next few months.
TaylorMade sold by Adidas for $425m
Ping Sigma G putter line unveiled
Equipment: Boost technology added to Adidas Tour360
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
