Advances in golf gear make the ‘walk’ more pleasant
True, golf season is well underway. Mother's Day and Father's Day have passed. By now, if you don't have your quiver full of clubs and balls — and some fancy accessories — well, you're somewhat behind the eight ball. But here's the good news: there are still many more months of golf ball bashing to be done.
Mark Twain once famously said, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” However, he was never outfitted with state-of-the-art stretchy pants. He never stashed his sticks in a super-light waterproof stand bag. He never got pinpoint yardage with a laserequipped rangefinder. If he had, his famous quip may have been quantified with “unless you've got some crazy cool gear to make the journey way less jarring.”
Golf gear has come leaps and bounds in the past few years. The balls are nuked and the clubs are space-age sophisticated. And there are a million little “trinkets” out there to add extra spice to your game. Here are five new products that I've found particularly useful on my “walk.” Adidas Crossknit Boost Golf Shoes:
Thanks to the foam midsole — a cushion-like layer that makes it feel like you're walking on a mattress — these shoes are enough to inspire a whole new generation of “walkers.” In my 30 years of play-
ing golf, I've never owned a pair of more comfortable golf shoes. $159. www.adidas.ca.
Bradley Allan Golf Shirts: Designed by former Canadian golf professional Brad Franklin, Bradley Allan golf apparel is firmly rooted in the traditions of the game. However, the fabrics, form-fitting cuts, and stylish designs are appealing to the new generation of golfers as well. The Oxford Pique Pocket Polo is a modern classic that is both simple and sophisticated.
Because even bad golfers need nice shirts. $ 89. www. bradleyallan.com.
Ouul Golf Bags: No, sadly, Ouul golf bags do not come equipped with hydraulic, push-button golf club ejectors like Rodney Dangerfield's one-of-a-kind “kit” in Caddyshack. However, what Ouul's Super Light Python Stand Bag (it tips the scales at a mere 1.2 kilograms) lacks in hydraulic mechanisms, it makes up for in slick, functional features such as multiple handles, a flex-foot base, insulated beverage pockets, and a featherlight dual strap, to name a few. $265. www. ouulbags.com.
Arccos 360: Thanks to 14 sensors (one for each club in your bag) that are inserted into your grip, the Arccos GPS-powered tracking system records every shot you hit. ( Yes, even the mulligans!) The feedback can be instrumental in lowering your scores. Benefits include knowing which club to hit in every situation, exact distances to pins, and advanced algorithms that will detect your strengths and weaknesses. Not surprisingly, tech-savvy golfers are eating it up. Now all we need is a homing-device equipped ball that will send it to its rightful “home” in a single swat! $329.00. www.arccosgolf.com.
Galvin Green Rain Jackets: Given Alberta's unpredictable skies, even fair-weather golfers will get trapped in a tumultuous storm from time to time. May as well be prepared! If you want the ultimate stay-dry protection, look no further than Galvin Green rain gear. The multi-layered, breathable, Gore-Tex Stretch fabric of the Avery Jacket makes it a popular choice for golfers who don't want to sacrifice their performance when Mother Nature gets mad. $495. www. galvingreen.com.
Of course, these “trinkets” just scratch the surface of what's out there. Like most sports, golf and innovation go hand in hand. Every year hundreds of great new products enter the marketplace. And, unless you've been hiding in a water hazard for the past few decades, you've probably noticed that your balata balls, air-conditioned kilts, and hickory clubs could use an upgrade. May as well drop a few greenbacks and get with the program. With a little shopping, your “walk” could be a little more enjoyable.