Buyers Zone

Get a grip

If you’re looking to apply less pressure on your hands when swinging your clubs, check out the grips from Tiger Shark and SuperStroke (a division of Tiger Shark). Designed initially for putters, these grips feature unique technology with a fusion of polyurethane and an advanced rubber underlisting that is very shock-absorbent, complete with a non-slip surface. With a growing number of professional golfers using grips for putting, Superstroke expanded to include a set for irons and woods. Each set of grips comes in three different colours and will improve the feel of your stroke and the results of your game.

Range finding goes high-tech

For the hardcore golfer that gets fooled by distances between the ball and the pin, fear no more thanks to the latest offering from SkyGolf. The new SkyCaddie SGX model is capable of storing up to 30,000 ground-verified course maps on a hand-held unit with a three-inch colour screen. The sleek device uses a high performance GPS engine for fast satellite acquisition, ensuring precision accuracy. By making this rangefinder an essential part of your golf equipment, you will never have to worry about selecting the wrong club again.

Make the most of your swing

One interesting buzz phrase in the golf equipment industry is “ball fitting.” It makes you wonder—what can the right ball do for your game? This year, Bridgestone introduced the B330-RX, a ball designed to make the most of an amateur’s swing speed. The science of this ball is fascinating. The core is seven per cent softer, allowing golfers to make straighter, more precise shots by reducing spin. The Ionomer inner cover allows the ball to fly at a greater speed, without wasting energy on sidespin. The ball is incredibly popular—it is currently the third best-selling golf ball on the market—and for good reason.

Pretty and functional

Combine the silky feel of bamboo with a slim, long cut and a hint of bling—and you get the lovely Seville golf shirt for women.

Donna Bonn of Donna Bonn designs saw and addressed a need for women’s golf shirts to fit better and perform well. Her shirts are cut longer and closer to the body. Shapeless, boxy shirts that expose your belly during your golf swing are an element of the past.

Can a shirt take strokes off your game? Let’s just say that feeling comfortable and attractive on the course cannot hurt!

Protect your clubs

If you’re a hardcore golfer who will continue to play in inclement weather, you might need some help protecting your clubs from the elements. Consider the Typhoon Cover. This clear cover is durable and lightweight. It secures tightly to your golf bag, ensuring that your club heads and grips stay safe and dry.

This product can be ordered through their website and shipped to Canada.

A gift for the literate, thoughtful golfer

Golf Sonnets is a finely crafted, illustrated collection of poetry that offers 18 Shakespearan sonnets that correspond with 18 holes of golf. Each insight delves into the character, history and culture of golf—and brims with wit and wisdom. Author James Long Hale studied at Dartmouth college under former poet laureate Richard Eberhart, who, in turn studied under Robert Frost.

This is a serious book of (often hilarious) poetry—a perfect marriage of form, image and insight.

Get leggy

The key to IJP’s design philosophy is to “lead with the legs,” and that is just what Ian Poulter’s golf apparel company has done with these snazzy Cobalt Tartan trousers. Not only are they eye-catching, but they are certified—each tartan is registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority. Best of all, the trousers are made of a lovely lightweight merino wool, milled in Great Britain.

Breathe easy

Geox, the makers of breathable shoes, have entered the world of golf. One offering is the stable, flexible Protech line that features a torsional rigidity insert in the heel. These stylish, technical golf shoes are available in men’s and women’s styles. They are available in western Canada at Geox retailers.

Express yourself

Indulge your inner Ian Poulter! FootJoy, the iconic maker of exceptional quality golf shoes, offers golfers the chance to design their own custom shoes—MyJoys. Go to the MyJoy page on the FootJoy website and enjoy the five-step process to select your ultimate pair of FootJoys. Just print it off, bring it to your FootJoy retailer, and they will place your custom order. Your dream shoes will arrive in three to four weeks.

Make your mark

Tin Cup is a metal template for golfers to custom-mark their golf balls using a permanent marker. Just place your ball in the little cup and trace the design punched in the metal. There are many whimsical (dogs and tuxedos) and serious (religious symbols and breast cancer ribbons) designs available—and you can get a custom design created as well.

An attractive repellent

The Insect Defend Patch is a vitamin B1-infused sticker that is placed on the body. The body then absorbs the vitamin, which then makes the person unpalatable to mosquitoes.

I tested a sample on my three-year-old son, who is plagued by mosquitoes. Usually after an active weekend, he has about five bites on his face and neck, a few on his hands, and if he was wearing shorts, a great number on his legs. Despite that, I did not want to use toxic D.E.E.T. on him.

One Insect Defend Patch on the middle of his back—where he could not pick it off—protected him from mosquitoes for a whole weekend. He had only two bites. The product works, and is safe for kids. Sold! Get yours at Home Hardware.

A maintenance-free putting green—in your back yard!

Perfect Turf is a synthetic grass surface, made of recycled material. The product plays like a natural green, offering a true ball roll. The only maintenance the product needs is to be swept off periodically, or hosed down if needed. As the picture shows, it can be installed in any size, shape or contour. This Canadian product has been around for over 20 years.

The Crush rib quick dry polo by Lolë

The Crush rib quick dry polo by Lolë is all about comfort and style. The SPF 50 fabric is finely ribbed poly cotton, that allows for movement and breathability. For stylish interest, the crisp collar and chest pocket flap are in sheeting fabric. The cap sleeves with a pretty keyhole button detail are the cutest part of the highly functional shirt.

Casual Cool Hydromax shoes

Performance and fashion unite on the golf course. Ecco’s Casual Cool Hydromax shoes have contemporary rubber elements and weather resistant leather; some with metallic finishes. Designed for a foot-flattering profile, the Casual Cool Hydromax’s outsole matches the upper. The low-profile, direct-injected polyurethane midsole—with arch support and an optional swing stabilizer insert—ensures stability; and traction is provided by the Stinger 3 cleats with the Q-Lok receptacle system.

Avoid the water hazard

Have you ever had one of those days where the ball seems to find every water hazard on the course? At least your feet can stay dry, even if you’ve just sent your third ball to sleep with the fishes. Drymax golf socks from CHA sports feature breathable mesh and a dual-layer moisture removal system that wicks water away from your feet, keeping them dry and comfortable for the full round. The arch band helps the sock stay secure on your foot and provides support so that when you get back to the club house to drown your sorrows, at least you won’t have to complain about aching feet.