TOG_MAY_16

HUGE
196
PAGE ISSUE!
MAY 2016 ISSUE 346 MARCH 17-APRIL 13 £4.50
MASTERS
SPECIAL
■ A caddie’s
course guide
■ 7 skills you
need to win it
■ From Asda
to Augusta
with Andy
Sullivan
‘I beat Jimmy
Anderson...
with an ace!’
Stuart Broad shares
his best golf stories
4 NEW WAYS TO
CURE YOUR
SLICE!
■ Simple secrets to hit it straighter
■ Real golfers prove they all work
330
Best courses
in England
revealed
Rise of the
golf robots
Will they replace
the club pro?
48-PAGE
GEAR GUIDE
Get the lowdown on
more than 300 new clubs
Improve your chipping,
pitching and bunker play

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Contents
MAY 2016
On the cover
The slice
afflicts up
to 85%
of golfers –
but it can be
cured! Turn
to page 75 to
find out how.
On the cover
75 Beat your slice for good
It’s the ultimate slice guide – why
it happens, key moves to sort it
and reader swing flaws fixed.
86 My Life in Golf: Stuart Broad
England’s best bowler loves his
golf, even chipping in his hotel
room when he’s on tour.
98 2016 drivers tested
The first test of the new big sticks
from TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping,
Cobra and Nike.
116 England’s best courses
As revealed by every English
county champion of 2015.
75
The Masters
48 A caddie’s course guide
Fascinating insight from a caddie
who’s player has won the Masters.
54 “It was intense!”
Rory’s pal Niall Horan on what it’s
like to be a visitor at Augusta.
57 Golf’s most exclusive invite
This year’s rookies reveal what it’s
like to get that invite in the post.
63 How well do you know the Masters?
Test your knowledge against four
players who’ve competed in the
event (and one debuting this year).
68 The course that inspired Augusta
The story of Alister MacKenzie’s
Cavendish in Derbyshire – where
you can play for £20.
47

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Contents MAY 2016
Instruction
34 Master downhill chips
What to do when you’re faced with
this tricky up and down.
37 Why not copy Spieth?
The world’s best golfer looks at the
hole when he putts – so try it!
40 Make a powerful coil
A simple drill to help you make a
better turn and create more power.
42 How to deal with doubt
Pros experience negativity; but they
develop a mechanism to cope.
45 Flare in fashion
Why your lead foot is crucial to
consistent success from sand.
Gear
Guide
p147
Equipment
90 New Gear
Cobra’s game-improvement MAX
range and some tour-inspired King
wedges, plus XXIO’s latest range.
94 Trolley wars
Both Motocaddy and PowaKaddy
reveal their latest models.
99 New drivers tested
Our verdict on the new TaylorMade,
Callaway, Cobra, Nike and Ping.
106 10 rounds with...
Henrik Stenson joins our test team
to rate his new Callaway XR 16 FW.
112 Standbag showcase
11 new waterproof standbags.
Subscribe!
Get an exclusive
Srixon gift pack.
See page 138
33

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FROM THE EDITOR
Get ready for
the offcial
season start
If you’re like me, you can’t wait for the
the clocks to change and The Masters
t’s difficult to underestimate how important the Masters is to
I
the golf calendar. As the year’s first Major, it comes just at the
right time as winter loses its grip on most of the Northern
Hemisphere. This year’s tournament starts the week after the clocks go
back – the start of British Summer Time. And just as many of us feel
an urge to dig out those old tennis racquets during Wimbledon, so The
Masters awakens many fair-weather golfers from their slumbers.
That means more green fees for golf clubs; more equipment sales for
pro shops; more magazine sales for Britain’s best-selling golf title... it is
the official start of the season.
That’s why we’ve dedicated 23 pages of this issue to our Masters
preview, which is packed with exclusive insight from people who’ve
caddied there, people who’ve played there, and people who are about
to play there for the first time.
My favourite is our interview with Zach Johnson’s caddie Damon
Green, who gives some real insight into
playing the course, along with the
wisdom of one of golf’s sharpest analysts,
Brandel Chamblee of the Golf Channel.
The two of them really paint a picture of
what it’s like to take on Augusta National,
with its bumps and borrows.
Augusta was, of course, designed by
Scot Alister MacKenzie, but before he
travelled to Georgia to work with Bobby
Jones, he laid down many of his design
philosophies at a course called
Cavendish, in the Peak District. You can
play here for £20. When the clocks go
back, the sun comes out and the Masters
has been on the telly, I’m going to head
over for a game. Playing new courses is
just one more thing that makes the start
of the new season so exciting.
Chris Jones, Editor
Subscribe!
And save up to
63%! Plus you’ll
get a dozen
Srixon balls, a
towel and a cap!
See page 138
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First
Tee
THE MOST IMPORTANT
THINGS IN GOLF
EDITED BY MICHAEL CATLING
Going...
He knows
that if this putt
drops, he’s got
the outright lead
on his own...
Going...
Nicklaus eyes
his birdie putt
on the 17th
green at the
1986 Masters...
Masters preview Our guide to this year’s event starts on page 47, featuring a
10 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

ANNIVERSARY
The greatest
Masters ever
It’s 30 years since Jack
Nicklaus won his 18th
and final Major in 1986
Gone!
He strikes a
pose as that
final birdie
gets him to an
unbeatable -9.
ack Nicklaus’ 1986 Masters win
J has been labelled the greatest
Major ever. Why? It had everything.
Big names? The leaderboard featured
Norman, Ballesteros, Price, Langer, Kite…
even before the name Nicklaus appeared.
Drama? Seve put himself in the lead with
an eagle at 13, but as he stood over his
second to the par-5 15th, he heard someone
shout “hit it into the water!” And he did.
Heroics? Nicklaus’ back nine was one of
the best in Masters history, a 30 (he shot
65) that included five birdies and an eagle.
History? The greatest golfer ever was 46,
past his prime, a ceremonial starter. Or
that’s what everyone thought... except Jack.
1 He was spurred on by the media
“I read in the paper this week that 46-yearolds
don’t win Masters,” said Nicklaus.
“I kind of agreed. I got to thinking. Hmmm.
Done... through... washed up. And I sizzled
for a while. But I said I’m not going to quit
now, playing the way I’m playing. I’ve played
too well, too long to let a shorter period of
bad golf be my last.”
2 The pose that inspired Tiger
Tiger Woods was 10 when he watched it on
TV. He doesn’t remember much about it –
but he does remember that pose on 17
(left). Woods said: “I remember his arm
going up, and I thought that looked pretty
cool. I had never seen anyone do that.” It
became one of Woods’ signature moves.
3 It inspired Sandy Lyle to victory
Sandy Lyle played one round at Augusta
with Nicklaus – and it was the most famous
round of Jack’s career. “Can you believe my
luck?” he said. “Jack was so focused. He
kept the same rhythm and the same pace
all day, and that was something I learned.”
4 The moment launched a club
MacGregor predicted it would sell 6,000
Response ZT putters in 1986 – the oversized
model used by Nicklaus. By the end of that
year, they’d sold 150,000 – including 5,000
orders on the Monday after Jack’s victory.
winning caddie’s course guide, this year’s rookies and Brandel Chamblee’s insight
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 11

SLOW PLAY
Can you get a move on!
The organisations who run golf are finally starting to tackle slow play
t’s often the cause of many
I expletive-ridden rants and
has even been attributed to
the odd punch-up in the car park.
Slow play is the bane of many
golfers’ lives – but recent evidence
suggests action is finally being
taken to stamp it out...
Ready for ‘ready golf’?
Lichfield G&CC in Staffs has taken
the initiative and is advising its
members on how to get a move on.
It has launched a “Ready Golf”
campaign to help cut the amount of
time it takes to play 18 holes.
The scheme, which is already
widely used in the US, sets out
guidelines (right) to speed up pace
of play. At its core is the principle
that each player, within a group,
hits their shot as soon as they are
ready and it is safe to do so.
Simon Joyce, Lichfield’s
director of golf, told us: “This
allows us to keep play
moving and highlights the
slower players, giving our
marshals a clearer
indication of who to
approach out on the course.
“If someone says you need
to play faster, it does not
mean you need to
abbreviate or eliminate
your pre-shot routine; it just
means to better manage yours and
your group’s time between shots.”
Club captain Rob Taylor believes
the scheme has already had a
positive impact, adding: “Playing
‘Ready Golf’ at our club has
improved the pace of play and
players do not get offended by
playing out of turn.”
The Tour clamps down
The European Tour implemented a
new ‘Pace of Play’ policy during the
recent ‘Desert Swing’, which
delivered a sizeable reduction in
round times compared to 2015.
A combined total of 95 groups
were monitored at the Abu Dhabi
HSBC, Qatar Masters and the Dubai
Desert Classic, with five players
receiving penalties. The culprits –
who included Jordan Spieth (left)
in Abu Dhabi – will be fined the
next time they receive a
‘monitoring penalty’ during
the 2016 season. The figure
will then increase with each
subsequent offence.
The crackdown saw the
average playing times in
Qatar fall by 19 minutes
and 14 minutes versus
2015 figures for the third
and final rounds.
Similar reductions
were also recorded in
READY
RULES...
1. Tee off when
those ahead clear.
2. The player
who is ready
should hit, not
just the one with
the honour.
3. Don’t “cluster”
at one ball, go to
your own ball!
4. Hit when
ready without
delay.
5. Take your
practice swings
immediately if it
does not disturb.
6. If you are the
first at your ball
and ready to hit,
let the others
know and hit it.
7. Limit lost ball
search to three
minutes, except
in comps.
8. Study your
putt while others
are putting.
9. Continue
putting until
holed out. Don’t
mark your ball
unless it’s in
someone’s way.
10. If you can’t
score, pick up.
Dubai, marking a significant step
towards chief executive Keith
Pelley’s pledge to try and reduce
round times by 15 minutes.
The new penalty scheme will
remain in place at all tournaments
sanctioned solely by the European
Tour this season, with the overall
aim of making the game more
appealing to fans, both at the
course and watching on TV.
Golf Express
England Golf is throwing its weight
behind shorter formats by rolling
out a new nationwide idea to help
push nine-hole golf.
Golf Express, which goes live at
the start of May, is designed to
remove the perception that the
game is only played for 18 holes in
five hours. Instead, clubs are being
encouraged to recognise nine-hole
formats can conveniently fit into
a busy lifestyle. Richard Flint,
participation and club support
director at England Golf, told TG:
“We trialled the scheme across 20
clubs in Staffordshire last year and
it has had a big impact in attracting
new people to the sport.”
● Get in touch We want to know
whether your club has imposed any
measures to help tackle slow play.
See page 26 to contact us.
’The crackdown
saw
the average
round times
in Qatar
fall by 19
minutes’

TECHNOLOGY
First
Tee
Rise of the
machines
Are robots about to replace the
golf coach? It’s not that crazy!
he robots are coming. No, this
T
isn’t the next instalment of the
Terminator franchise. Rather the
world of golf is finally waking up to
robotic training aids.
Last month we saw LDRIC the Robot
hit the headlines by sinking a hole-in-one
at the iconic 16th hole during the opening
round of the Waste Management Phoenix
Open. And now Vaughn Taylor, who
bagged his first victory in 11 years at the
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February,
has revealed he’s bought a RoboGolfPro
to groove his swing.
Of course, new training aids come and
go quicker than Dustin Johnson’s swing
speed. But RoboGolfPro doesn’t seem to
be a passing fad. Sky Sports presenter
Robert Lee recently joked that robots
“spell the end of the golf coach”, while
Nick Faldo’s former coach Simon Holmes
says: “I had a go on one and it was
absolutely fantastic because every single
swing, in terms of the sensory movement
and how it feels, is actually very good.”
Though you still need a teaching pro to
operate the system, RoboGolfPro can be
programmed to simulate any swing and
is the first and only training system that
allows golfers of any ability to ‘feel’ their
ideal swing, pitch, chip and putt.
The machine is unique in the fact that
it physically guides the user through the
correct swing path, increasing the speed
each time to ingrain the movement and
counteract old habits. Scot Nei, CEO of
RoboGolfPro and instructor at Pebble
Beach, is quick to point out that the robot
is not a replacement for a coach. He told
TG: “It’s actually specifically designed for
the teaching professional to elevate their
students’ success and their own
reputation as an instructor.”
‘The Robot has
helped me a ton and
it’s a great product.
I recommend it for
everyone, from
all ages and sizes’
Vaughn Taylor, PGA Tour
THE ROBOTS ARE COMING…
RG3 greens mower
It’s not just club pros who need to look
over their shoulder at the robot –
greenkeepers do, too! This contraption
is the RG3 greens mower, which can
move up and down in straight lines
cutting grass. The good
news is that it can’t
move holes, repair
pitchmarks or rake
bunkers, so we
think Britain’s
green staff are safe.
L-D-R-I-C
Aptly named after a former world
number one, this fella generated
millions of YouTube hits after acing the
16th at TPC Scottsdale. What you may
not know, however, is that
LDRIC (Launch Directional
Robot Intelligent
Circuitry) can
communicate directly
with an audience and
can even mimic any pro’s
golf swing.
RoboPutt
This robotic vending machine relies on
auditory and visual training to help
users ‘feel’ the perfect stroke and
develop muscle memory. The device
moves your own – or the
robot’s – putter and allows you
to experiment with different
postures and stances. You can
even get tips and advice for
mental strength and confidence
building. No more missed
two-footers for par then...
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 13

Q&A
Rory McIlroy
Talks Jordan, Tiger, the Ryder Cup and winning Majors over medals
he Olympics, the Ryder Cup and
T four Majors – 2016 is going to be
a busy year for Rory McIlroy
(subject to football injuries...). So how is
he viewing the big events in this biggest of
golf years? And what is his take on the
game’s biggest rivalry? We asked him...
Q. Have you written your goals for 2016
on a boarding pass like last year?
Yeah, same thing. No different than how
I’ve started every year of my professional
career. A lot of the goals are about
preparation and about doing as much as
I possibly can so that when I turn up to
events, I’m ready to go and I don’t have to
think about anything.
Q. How do you view your battle for No.1
spot with Jordan?
I don’t play the game on markers at all.
I want to play my best, and I don’t have
to just beat Jordan Spieth. I have to beat
another 142 guys. It would be foolish of
me to think that’s all that my competition
was. I think it would be an injustice to
every other player that’s in every field.
Q. How has the laser eye surgery you
had over the break helped?
I feel like the surgery hasn’t made
a huge difference from my
contact lenses for distance. But
it’s definitely made things just
that little bit sharper, maybe
within 50 metres or so. I feel
like I’ve always been a decent
green reader, but maybe not
quite as good as I could be. So
that was one of the reasons why
I took this step. And with how
much we travel, it’s just so much
easier not having to worry about
contact lenses, putting them in and
taking them out at night.
Q. There’s a lot of golf this year with the
Majors, Olympics, Ryder Cup…
Well, from basically the US Open until the
Ryder Cup, it’s week on, week off, week on,
week off, and you’ve got the FedEx Cup
and the Ryder Cup after that. So I’d say it
will be a fairly quiet October in golf at the
highest level. I think a lot of guys will take
some time off after that.
Q. Gold medal or a Major Championship?
Major. I think a Major is the pinnacle of our
sport. I think I’ll be remembered for my
Majors. All I’ve dreamt of from a little kid
is winning Majors. I never dreamed of
competing in the Olympics or winning an
Olympic medal. So a Major will always be
more important.
Q. How is the Ryder Cup shaping up?
They are a young, hungry team for a
reason. There’s a lot of guys on that team
that haven’t tasted Ryder Cup success.
They are motivated, they are hungry and
I’m sure they don’t want to lose again. If
they have the backroom team they look
like they’ll have with Davis, Tiger, Phil, they
have got everything possible to win it
back. It’s up to us to try and prevent that.
Q. How do you like wearing shorts in
practice rounds?
It’s a nice change. It’s been a bit weird
looking down the range and not really
knowing who was a caddie and who was a
player. But yes, I think it’s a good change.
Golf needs to move with the times, and I
don’t think there’s anything wrong with
showing the bottom half of your legs.
Q. Lee Trevino has said he believes you’ll
win more than one Grand Slam in your
career. Does that help you?
Not really. It’s just words, someone giving
an opinion. Someone saying that and me
going out and doing it are two entirely
different things. I’d like to think by the end
of my career, I’ll have won each Major
more than once.
Q. How are you feeling ahead of Augusta?
It’s probably my favourite course in the
world. Augusta is obviously going to be
the most talked about Major because of
the gap between the PGA in August and
April. I don’t put so much emphasis on it
this early in the year because there are so
many other great tournaments that I want
to try to win before April.
Q. Are you glad you didn’t have to go
up against Tiger when he was at
his peak, or would you have
relished that?
I feel like the competition brings
the best out of me. So I’d have
loved to. Still would. Hopefully
if he can get healthy. I’d love to
have a crack at him down the
stretch in one of the Majors –
just once.
‘If Tiger can
get healthy,
I’d love to
have a crack
at him down
the stretch’

RULES
Don’t touch that ball!
ne of the first things you learn
O
as a golfer is to always play the
ball as it lies, unless the rules
state otherwise. Such advice is all well
and good, but do you know when you
can and can’t lift your ball? Here’s our
quick recap of the rules...
● You can… Mark, clean and lift your
ball on the green. The same applies if
you are taking relief from an immovable
obstruction or an abnormal ground
condition (eg GUR or casual water).
● You can’t… Lift your ball without
first marking its position. You, your
partner or someone designated by you
can do this.
First
Tee
You can lift your ball during a round – but you need to know when
● You can’t… Swap balls if mud or
other materials adhere to it, the surface
is scratched or scraped, or its paint is
damaged or discoloured.
● You can… Replace your ball
without penalty if someone other than
you, your caddie, your partner or your
partner’s caddie moves your ball at rest,
or it is moved by another ball.
● You can… Substitute your ball if it
is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape. If
your ball breaks into pieces as a
result of a shot, the
stroke is voided and
you must replay
the shot without
penalty.
● You can’t… Reposition your ball if
it is moved by wind or if it moved of its
own accord.
● You can… Mark and lift your ball
to determine that it is yours, provided
you cannot see any ID marks. However,
you must first give your opponent,
marker or fellow-competitor an
opportunity to observe the lifting and
replacement and the ball may not be
cleaned, except to the extent necessary
to identify it.
● You can’t… Reposition your ball
if it deflected off or was stopped by
another ball at rest. A two-stroke penalty
is also invoked in stroke play (or loss of
hole in match play) if both balls were
lying on the putting green before you
made your stroke.
● You must… Replace your ball
without penalty if someone other than
you, your caddie, your partner or your
partner’s caddie moves your ball at rest,
or it is moved by another ball.
WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO...
The Masters
1 It’s time to start
counting down the
days. The first Major of
the year takes place at
Augusta National on
April 7–10 and we can
barely contain our
excitement – get in
the mood with our
23-page preview
which starts on
page 47.
Return of ‘Ken
2 on the Course’
He’s been absent
from our screens for
too long, but Ken
Brown will be back on
the BBC next month
to share his pearls of
wisdom on how to
tackle Augusta’s
devilish holes.
Rubber ducks
in Rae’s Creek?
The clocks are
3 going forward!
Daylight saving starts
on March 27, which
means longer
evenings and
crucially, more golf
after work. It won’t be
long until the comps
start ramping up, so
now is the ideal time
to fine-tune your
game for the summer.
4 Membership
renewals
Now is a great time to
scour the courses in
your local area for the
best membership
deals. Clubs are all
in competition
with one another,
so don’t be afraid
to haggle and
ask for extra
benefits.
5 National
Golf Month
Ian Poulter is the
latest big name to
support the initiative
to get 100,000 people
playing golf this year.
NGM takes place
this May. To get
involved, visit
www.national
golfmonth.
com

First
Tee
EQUIPMENT
50 years of
the Anser
The iconic Ping putter
gets two new models
t may be 50 years since
I
England’s famous World Cup
victory on home soil, but 1966
is also notable for the birth of the Ping
Anser – the most successful putter design
in golf history.
The model has not only yielded more
Majors (22) in the modern era than any
other, but various versions have helped
deliver over 500 wins worldwide. The
stats make impressive reading and now
you can get your hands on two upgraded
versions of the original designs.
Retailing at £135 each, the new TR
1966 Anser and Anser 2 have been
developed using 3D scans of the original
putters to analyse the subtle contours
and radius details that founder Karsten
Solheim personally shaped into the
designs using his mill and hand files.
The new models feature adjustable lie
angles and Ping’s True-Roll (TR) face
tech. Ping chairman and CEO John
Solheim said the goal was “to strike a
balance between advancing the game’s
best putter technology and giving golfers
a sense of the Anser’s history”.
The Anser 2 is
distinguished
by a stainless
steel blast
finish, has a
single white
alignment aid.
Anniversary
Anser design is
finished with
a manganese
bronze PVD
coating
TIMELINE
Greatest
moments
Starring Ping’s Anser...
January 1966 Ping founder
Karsten Solheim makes his first
drawing of an Anser on a 78rpm
record sleeve (left).
March 1966 The Anser’s
maiden Tour victory comes at the
Florida Citrus Open, courtesy of
Lionel Hebert.
April 1969 George Archer
wins the first Major with an
Anser, at The Masters.
July 1988Seve, brandishing
an original Anser, secures his
fifth and final Major at The Open.
August 1994Tiger Woods
wins his maiden US Amateur
using a Ping Anser 2.
September 2012Martin
Kaymer rolls in the winning putt
at Medinah, using a Ping Karsten
Anser 2, to complete Europe’s epic
Ryder Cup comeback.
Revealed! How driver tech has added 70 yards
We love to wax lyrically about some of the
biggest hitters in our game, but we’ve
always wondered how the stars of today
would measure up using drivers from
yesteryear? Well, now we have the
answer. At the recent Northern
Trust Open at Riviera, Rory
RORY’S DRIVING DISTANCES
226.1
yards
McIlroy stepped up to the plate and joined
the likes of Stuart Appleby, Kevin Na,
Charley Hoffman and Jamie Donaldson in
hitting some vintage clubs from the 1920s,
1950s and 1990s.
Starting off with a hickory driver,
McIlroy carried a respectable 226.1 yards.
270.6
yards
304
yards
His following effort with a persimmon
shaft flew 269.9 yards.
The rapid advances in technology mean
that clubs from two decades ago are “like
antiques”, according to McIlroy, so how
did the four-time Major champion fare
using an original Callaway Big Bertha?
As it turned out, there was less than
a yard’s difference versus his previous
attempt with the persimmon equivalent.
What’s more, his effort was nearly 34
yards short of his PGA Tour driving
distance with his current Nike Vapor Pro.
And to think that most of us would be
satisfied with his drive using the hickory
club...
16 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

First
Tee
29 30 31
30
1
2
3
4
21
5
28 27
6
7
17
26
24
25
22 23
14
14 15
16
20
19
21
9 10 11 12
8
18
13
ON TOUR
Tools of the trade
Matt Fitzpatrick reveals what’s inside a pro’s bag
he average bag on tour weighs
T
around 20kg – and having
carried the bags for lots of
players over the years, we can confirm
that’s a lot! That compares to about 10kg
for your carry bag, which got us thinking
– what makes up the difference? Matt
Fitzpatrick gave us an insight, with a
revealing look inside his 2016 bag. Before
you all write in and point out that ‘there’s
more than 14 clubs’, this shot was taken
during a practice round. He swops the
hybrid out for a long iron, while the
rangefinder and phone wouldn’t be
allowed during a tournament, either.
Matt’s bag contains...
1 Driver Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815
Double Black Diamond (10.5 degrees)
2 3-wood Ping G25 (15 degrees)
3 7-wood Ping G25 (21 degrees)
4 Hybrid Depending on course set-up
5 Irons: Ping i25 3-5, Ping S55 6-9
6 Wedges: Ping Tour
Gorge (47 degrees),
Titleist Vokey SM5
(54 and 58 degrees)
7 Putter Yes! Golf C-Groove Tracy II
8 Practice clubs Two wedges fitted
with TwoThumb Grips
9 Notebook For tips or course info
10 AimPoint book New way to read greens
11 Yardage book Every course gets one
12 Greens book Contains flags & reads
13 Medical kit Just in case...
14 Putting aids Practice mat, putting string
15 Water How much depends on climate
16 Hydration tablets See above
17 Hand solution
18 Range finder Bushnell (illegal in comps)
19 iPhone Never on the course, though
20 Ball marker From Harbour Town Links
21 Sundries Wallet, pencil, tees
22 Marker pens
For balls, autographs
23 Pitch mark tool
Metal
24 Club tool
For his adjustable woods
25 Balls
Titleist ProV1x
26
Line ’em up ball marker
27
Shoe tool For his spikes
28 Lip balm
Handy in the sun
29 Sunglasses
Under Armour
30 Gloves
Under Armour, Titleist
31 Protein bars
x2
18 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

facebook.com/bigmaxgolf
www.bigmaxgolf.com | offce@golftech.eu
MONEY PIT
If Bentley
made golf clubs...
They’d look exactly like these £3,000 irons
e all crave a bit of extravagance
W
and owning a Bentley is a sure
sign that you’ve made it in life.
But now, you can take things one step
further by purchasing the brand’s new
collection of golf clubs and accessories.
Like its cars, however, they don’t come
cheap. A set of Bentley irons (3-PW),
which come in a choice of blades or
cavity backs, can cost up to £3,000
– nearly £400 per club. If your
bank balance will allow it, you can
add a driver for £599, a fairway/
utility wood for £349, a hybrid for
£299 or a putter for £349.
The complete graphite set is
always an option, but you will need
to have £7,815 handy. Mind you, the
deal does include a tour bag worth
£2,495, plus three wedges, so there
shouldn’t be too much added expense
thereafter. You can still customise the
range with bespoke clubheads, shafts and
grips, but extra charges apply.
If money really is no object, then look
no further than Bentley’s range of golf
accessories, which includes carbon steel
ball markers for £70 and a box of nine
balls for £60.
For an added wow factor, you can shell
out £1,000 on a silver sterling ball
marker and pitch marker from Ottewill
Silversmiths – the same jeweller that
makes replica versions of the Claret Jug
for every Open champion.
Price is right
Bentley’s clubs
look fantastic,
but they don’t
come cheap...
like the cars.
The i-Dry System from BIG MAX
guarantees 100% waterproof
fabric, fully sealed seams,
waterproof zippers, nearly
weightless.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE XXX 19

FANTASY
GOLF
Win big with
Fantasy Golf 2016
Sign up for free for your chance to win holidays, gear and bragging rights
antasy Golf is back for a sixth
F season and it promises to be
bigger and better than ever.
Thousands of you signed up last year,
with Shane Mills claiming top spot and a
holiday to La Manga Club in Spain. This
year, we’ve revamped the rules and have
some bumper prizes, including trips to
Majorca, Sicily, Belek and La Manga.
To help you along the way, we will
publish in-depth tournament previews
online and regular updates in the
magazine. Our weekly newsletter will also
include our top transfer tips and we
promise they’ll be bang on the money…
How it works
The game will once again cover events on
the PGA and European Tour, kicking off at
the Masters on April 7 and concluding at
the DP World Tour Championship on
November 20. And yes, the Rio Olympics
AND the Ryder Cup will count towards
your score. To add some extra spice, you
can also set up or join a private minileague.
Leagues containing more than five
teams can also be entered into a League
Win four nights for
two at La Manga Club.
of Leagues competition.
What’s new this year
Teams are now made up of 10 players
from a £100m budget. You also need to
select a captain who will score double
points, so pick wisely. Your success will
likely hinge on nine ‘bonus’ tournaments,
which will each add 50% extra points to
your score. These include all four Majors,
plus The Players, The Barclays, the Italian
Open, the Dunhill Links and the seasonending
World Tour Champs. Unlimited
team changes can be made between
now and the start of the Masters.
Thereafter, all teams will receive five
transfers for each week of the season.
What’s up for grabs
The overall winner will receive a fournight
break for two at La Manga Club in
Murcia, Spain, including B&B in the fivestar
hotel and three rounds
of golf (to be taken on
the North, South or
West courses). Each
manager of the
month will also
collect a top prize,
as will the highestscoring
mini-league.
Prizes range from shoes
and rangefinders to free
rounds and short breaks
abroad – details online.
How do I register?
Visit www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/
fantasygolf
Visit www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/fantasygolf

THE NEW
REIGN OF
POWER
#CobraKING

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with dialled in adjustable sole weighting. Low and
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Official Equipment Partner of
the PGA EuroPro Tour

Your say...
Tackling slow play, sticking to a routine
and remembering why we play golf
LETTER OF THE MONTH
Accuracy over power
LETTER OF THE MONTH WINS
A putter from Ping’s Cadence
TR range, worth £139 - £209
recently watched the
I
‘drama’ unfold at the
Waste Management
Phoenix Open in the US and
it was a completely different
animal to the fabulous golf
I watched earlier in the day at
the Dubai Desert Classic. The
likes of Rickie Fowler were just
teeing it high and attempting to
knock the logo off the ball, with
scant regard for where the ball
ends up. In a time where
magazines are printing some
fantastic instruction tips to help
us mere mortals to play better
golf, I find it amazing that the
game on either side of the Pond
is massively different. I much
prefer to watch big fairwaysplitting
drives and soaring
irons into greens, than guys
smashing the ball in the
general direction of the green
and hitting wedges from car
parks. The Europeans tend
to focus more on course
management and I have
lowered my own scores by
using this approach, rather
than just trying to knock the
cover off the ball like some of
the Americans. But hey, if it
helps to keep the Ryder Cup on
European soil, then blast away
boys, blast away!
JUSTIN DONOHOE, EMAIL
TO THE POINT
Our new Staff
Writer caused a
bit of a stir when
he revealed
that he’s never
had a custom
fit. We posed
the question
to you and
the response
was pretty
conclusive…
Neal Gladwin
I had a great
experience at
Callaway HQ. No
stone was left
unturned and you
end up with the
ideal set-up for you.
If you’re serious
about your golf,
I think it’s essential
these days. It
showed how bad
my old clubs were
for me. They were
totally unsuitable
from shaft flex
right through to
grip tape. I would
recommend it to
anyone.
Toby Deas
There is a massive
difference between
being ‘fitted’ and
being fitted by
someone who really
knows what they
are doing.
Alex Pegler
Over the last four
months, I have
been fitted for
everything in my
bag by Jason at Golf
Principles. This is
a real custom fit
with great detail.
Confidence is now
HIGH and the scores
are following. If you
are even half good
at this game go
down this road.
Rich Yorke
I was custom fit for
all my clubs but the
main difference
is with the driver.
It’s lowered my
backspin by
over 300rpm,
lowered my flight
significantly
and made a huge
difference to
dispersal and
distance.
Colin Johnson
Club fitting is
essential if you
want to improve.
I get fitted by Lee
It’s not always
free to pull
the plug.
Patience is a virtue
Golfers are now being urged to play
the game quicker than ever. But If
we are asked to rush around the
course, the standard of play will
likely drop and playing time will
surely increase.
I recently watched an episode
of Golfing World and Mitchell
Spearman was talking about taking
your time during the set-up phase
to deliver the best result.
Personally, I like to take my time
during a round of golf and to think
about each shot. That’s probably
why I am now able to boast a
single-figure handicap. I certainly
don’t think that a round
approaching four hours for a
fourball is too slow.
MARK SEVERN, EMAIL
Tough luck!
I read Charles Mordaunt’s email
(TG, issue 344) regarding plugged
golf balls and rule 25-2, and I have
to agree that many club golfers are
not ‘clued up’ on the allowance of
relief or not. This issue is raised
regularly at our roll-ups and some
players have tried to convince us
that a plugged ball can be dropped
anywhere. They are bemused and
disappointed when rule 25-2 is
explained to them, particularly
when they find out that a free drop
is not allowed in the rough or
around the green.
FINDLAY MCCLYMONT, BERKS
A sensible compromise
The constant threads on slow play
and solutions always seem to throw
up the same answer – it’s all down
to the players. But I actually believe
90% of slow play is caused by
economy golf clubs leaning towards
visitors and societies, rather than
members. The problem is that
24 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

First
Tee
visitors don’t know their way
around the course and often pick
the wrong clubs, leading to
misplaced shots and lost balls. It’s
about time clubs take a step back
and focus on their blood line – their
members – by only allocating slots
to visitors at specific times. This
will not only allow members to
know which times to avoid, but
visitors will be able to enjoy their
rounds more without feeling
pressurised by constantly letting
people through.
DANIEL CLARKE, CHESTER
Solving the debate
I recently attempted to use a rule to
my advantage when my ball came
to rest on the fringe of the green.
I elected to ‘prefer’ my lie onto
the putting surface, within the
committee rule of a scorecard’s
length and no nearer the hole.
My decision was made known
to the competition secretary
(amicably) and my actions were
deemed to be within the rules.
However, post-round discussions
with friends cast some doubt in my
mind and upon researching further,
I interpreted that I had, in fact,
broken the rules. A subsequent
two-shot penalty was imposed
on my score, as per my
request, which reduced my
cumulative winter league total
accordingly.
Fortunately,
the new rules
outlined by the
R&A prevented my
disqualification in
signing my scorecard with an
apparently inflated score. Since the
incident a few weeks ago, several
friends have queried my decision
as they believe I did not breach any
rules. Can you help please?
PHIL SARGEANT, EMAIL
Ed: The answer depends on the
recommended wording of the
Preferred Lies Local Rule that was
in place for the competition in
question. Assuming there was no
adaptation invoked by the
Committee, the ruling says that
when preferring the lie it must be
placed no nearer the hole and it
must not be placed in a hazard and
not on a putting green.
Why we love golf
On the subject of the great Tiger
Woods and whether he will ever get
back to his best, I recently went
through a prolonged slump in form
myself. Despite playing off a
handicap of eight, I was putting in
hours of practice with little reward
and I found myself getting more
and more frustrated. That was until
I almost repeated a ridiculous feat
two Saturdays in a row. Starting my
round on a 168-yard par 3, I hit
a poor 6-iron that barely
managed to stay airborne.
I even joked to my playing
partners that I came
pretty close to
shanking it. I then
watched in disbelief
as my ball bounced
20 yards short of the
green, before taking
Porter who has
tour pros and top
amateurs using him
for everything. He
always finds the
best for you and the
service doesn’t stop
once you’ve handed
over the cash.
Ian Irving-Smith
I couldn’t hit ANY
driver at any point
since I started
playing golf.
I then got fitted
at The Belfry for
a TaylorMade
SDLR 14° with an
upgraded shaft.
Now it’s the best
club in my bag.
Robert Woodmore
I had a full fitting
for TaylorMade last
season. The only
difference was half
an inch longer and
two layers of tape
on my grips. My iron
play is now miles
better and I came
down from 15 to 12
in the space of
two months.
Should bad
weather
closures equal
discounts?
the slope and dropping in the hole.
Seven days later, an almost
identical scenario unfolded. Again,
the ball bounded up onto the green,
only this time it crashed into the
centre of the flag and dropped just
by the side of the hole. After five
minutes of stomach-aching
laughter, I realised why I actually
play the game for fun and
enjoyment. I only hope that when
Tiger finally gets back playing
again, he puts more emphasis on
actually enjoying the game. The
rest will surely fall into place.
HUGH THOMPSON, EMAIL
Putting it into perspective
Chris Johnson asked whether clubs
should give a reduced fee/discount
for prolonged bad weather closures
(TG, issue 345). My club has rarely
been open over the past couple of
months, but with hardly any income
being generated from green fees,
catering and the bar, such a gesture
does not make financial sense. I am
sure most clubs are in the same
ON THE GO
Get TG from Apple’s
Newsstand for iPads/
iPhones, Google Play
for Androids, Barnes
and Noble for Nook
and Kobo’s Newsstand
for Kobo devices.
COMPACT
COMPACT
BY
BY
DESIGN
DESIGN
GET TG IN
YOUR INBOX
Get tips, news and
advice to your inbox
every Monday
by signing up for
our Newsletter at
todaysgolfer.co.uk
GO GO KART
ELECTRIC
KART
GOLF
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 25
From £269. For more info www.gokart.co.uk, 01227 712288, or ask your
ELECTRIC
golf
GOLF
pro
From £269. For more info www.gokart.co.uk, 01227 712288, or ask your golf pro

First
Tee
position. In any event, seeing so
many flooded houses up north does
put everything into perspective.
I would rather forget I paid for golf for
a while, than suffer a similar fate!
GAVIN ELLIOT, SUSSEX
Enough is enough
Having read several letters about
golf products not lasting well,
I thought I would share my own
experiences with one well-known
brand over the past year.
I have had premium balls crack
open on tee shots, despite being
less than a round old, and I have
also had a single bolt holding a leg
on a tour stand bag sheer off after
three months of use.
I have had two driver heads, the
second of which was an upgraded
replacement for the first, break
within a few months. On each
occasion, the defective products
were under warranty and were
eventually replaced with a new
model. Though a replacement is
nice, the inconvenience of being
without a particular club for several
weeks is very frustrating.
The end result is that I have now
lost confidence in their products
and will shop elsewhere. I wonder if
there is an opportunity for build
quality or longer-term testing to be
incorporated into product reviews
conducted by TG? I can’t help but
feel there are manufacturers out
there who think it is more important
to release yet another driver within
a calendar year, than focusing on
building a quality product that will
both perform and last.
MATT ANDREWS, LONDON
Dress to impress
After a long, wet winter of dark
nights and limited opportunities to
hit the course, a dormant golfer
begins to rise. Like many middleaged
men up and down the country,
the dawn of spring sees him shed
his dowdy, mud-splattered winter
GET IN TOUCH
Most of us
don’t look like
Adam Scott
(sadly).
plumage of tattered waterproofs and
head to the pro-shop to revamp his
tired attire.
Like a strutting peacock, said
golfer wants to look the part. What
good is an eagle on 15 if one
doesn’t look like a tour pro? So with
good intentions, he pictures his
dream ensemble and flexes his
credit card in anticipation.
However, disaster strikes. With
little consideration for his winter
paunch, the golfer falls into the
same trap as a thousand others…
he is drawn to the rack of slim-fit,
white chinos like a moth to a flame.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m no
fashion expert. However, I do know
I’m not a tanned, six-foot Adonis.
Adam Scott may be able to pull off
such figure-hugging creations but
the average player at my club
certainly can’t! Of course, we all
want to look good on the course, and
I’m all for freedom of expression, but
how about we let the golf do the
talking? So I urge my ever-expanding
middle-aged comrades to think twice
before squeezing into something a
little on the tight side, and leave the
flash outfits to Bubba and the boys
on tour.
ROB FOSTER, MERSEYSIDE
Top tweets
FROM THEM...
Dan Walker @mrdanwalker
I appear to have received a
#ValentinesDay card from
@JustinRose99. This took
some explaining! I love
you too
Jordan Spieth @JordanSpieth
Riviera this week. In my top 5 courses I’ve
ever played
Zach Johnson
@ZachJohnsonPGA
Thank you @OakleySports for the
one of a kind watch and case!
Gary Player @garyplayer
Simulators can help. But there is
nothing like playing an actual round. On
a simulator, you have a perfect lie and
perfect weather
Jesper Parnevik
@JesperParnevik
Caddy tells me it’s time
to go home, should have
figured it out after 30
years. But golf is golf.
#pgatour #champions
Darren Clarke @DarrenClarke60
Boys and our toys for the fly
fishermen amongst us! The
Claret Jug on the drag knob
is just brilliant
@Nautilusreels
Webb Simpson
@webbsimpson1
There are aspects of professional golf that
I probably take for granted. Receiving a Masters
invite will never be one of them.
Pablo Larrazabal @plarrazabal
Very happy to see the @EuropeanTour,
Valderrama and @TheSergioGarcia working
together to present the best Spanish Open in
a long long time
Davis Love III @Love3d
Special night w/ Jack &
Barbara Nicklaus. Incredible
insight for me, Vice Captains
& potential US #RyderCup
players
n Write to Today’s Golfer, Media House, Lynchwood,
Peterborough, PE2 6EA or editorial@todaysgolfer.co.uk
Like Today’s Golfer on Facebook
Follow @thetodaysgolfer on Twitter
Richie Ramsay @RamsayGolf
Golf is exciting at the moment, add @TigerWoods
back in the mix it can only get better
Follow us on Twitter
@TheTodaysGolfer
26 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Longest Day Golf Challenge 2016
This summer, could you club
together a team of up to four
super golfers to raise funds for
people affected by cancer?
If so, we need you to take on 72
holes for Macmillan’s Longest Day
Golf Challenge on 20 June
(or any day around this).
Your efforts will help us support
someone at a difficult time so they
can start to feel more in control.
Sign up for your free event pack at
macmillan.org.uk/longestday
or text GOLF1 to 70550
In partnership with
Supported by
Texts cost standard network rate. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC15848

First
Tee
Andrew
Cotter
Ever since Augusta National cast its spell as a child, I’ve looked forward to April
I
don’t know about you, but I didn’t enjoy this winter. In
fact, I would go so far as to say that my relationship with
the winter of 2015/16 was a massive disappointment and
that if it tried to keep in touch I simply wouldn’t return its calls.
I would delete its texts. I’d even block it on Twitter.
It was probably a combination of things – the
weather in December and January was comfortably
the worst I can remember. If we weren’t wading
through floods then we were in danger of being
blown somewhere into Eastern Europe.
In the narrow window of approximately 37 minutes
that we had where it was actually possible to play golf,
I couldn’t – due to injuries which apparently are a
legacy of endless golf as a youngster. And then, of
course, there was the fact that the human race
seems to be going quite mad. Terrorism, civil war,
mass-migration and the distinct possibility that the most powerful
country on earth will soon be led by a boastful, divisive man who
will probably announce the commencement of World War III via
social media.
So, all in all, I’m looking forward to an event which may be
a mere golf tournament, but one which can lift our spirits
and lets us know that winter truly is over, spring is here and
that better times might lie ahead. Ah... The Masters.
For me, as will be the case for many golfers, The Masters
enthralled from an early age.
Growing up in south-west Scotland in the 1970s and
’80s, winters could be rather drab or bleak. Then
in the second week of April a window in the
corner of our sitting room would open and in
would flood a world of impossibly vivid
colours. We, who watched from our
monochrome lives, were like Dorothy first
peering through the door of her witchsquashing
house to gaze upon the
technicolour land of Oz. Little wonder that
a youngster in our sometimes grey country
might be quite smitten. And I was not the
only one. It is well-documented that Nick Faldo
and Lee Westwood both took up the game after
watching The Golden Bear prowling through the
pine trees of Georgia on his way to victory in 1972
and 1986 respectively. Faldo’s parents had recently
acquired a new colour television – and as the
greens and blues, azaleas, foxglove and dogwood
mingled with the lively fashions of the early 70s you
can well understand why golf, when presented like
‘It may be
a mere golf
tournament,
but one
which can lift
our spirits’
that, would appear glamorous and bewitching. True, after seeing
Amen Corner for the first time the fairways of Welwyn Garden City
or Worksop would have a lot to live up to, but Augusta had cast its
spell. It was then – and still is, despite the endless tournaments and
coverage now – the first time in the year that golf
appeared on the radar of the general public.
And yes, (warning – trailer alert) on Saturday and
Sunday it is still live on BBC Television. So there will
be people who see golf for the first time, or perhaps
see it in a new light, and want to give it a go. The
Masters can have that effect.
For me, the years that had the greatest influence
were from 1985 to ’91. I was already an addict by that
time, but those tournaments strengthened the hold
that golf had on me and I can still recall almost all of
the key moments. Curtis Strange in the creek on the
13th to let an entirely red Bernhard Langer take control. Nicklaus on
the charge in ’86 as Seve found the water. Ballesteros again,
trudging back up the 10th to leave the play-off before Mize chipped
in a hole later with Norman’s face set in stone. And then of
course, those halcyon years for British golf begun by Sandy
Lyle and followed by Faldo, Faldo and Woosnam.
The Masters sets itself apart where things are done rather
differently to the other Majors. It even sits apart in the
calendar – the other members of the big four clustering
together more closely in the summer. Yes, The Open will always
be my favourite. It is simply the oldest and the purest –
the form of golf I grew up with and love most of all.
But the Masters is special.
Like all fantasy worlds of course, the truth is
rather more prosaic. On my first trip there, in
2002, it rained for pretty much the whole week
and once you have worked there for 15 years
some of the shine inevitably dulls just a little.
All magic, when it is explained, seems
strangely ordinary. But sometimes it’s better
to suspend disbelief and cynicism and simply
let yourself be taken away. The names may
change – for my Seve and Norman, Faldo, Langer
and Lyle we now have McIlroy and Mickelson, Watson,
Day and Spieth. Players as exciting as any who have
gone before. And the magic remains, if you let it. The
Masters is wonderful because it is pure escapism. You
can settle into your chair, take yourself off to another
world and forget about reality or the dark night
outside. And, for four glorious days in spring at least,
the world is a very bright and colourful place.
Part of the BBC commentary team, Andrew Cotter grew up tackling Ayrshire’s links and plays off 3. Follow him on Twitter (@MrAndrewCotter)
28 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

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First
Tee
Denis
Pugh
Today’s ‘big four’ need to prove themselves as true greats, starting now…
T
here’s a lot of talk in golf at the moment about the new
‘big three’ of McIlroy, Spieth and Day – or ‘big four’ if, like
me, you think Rickie Fowler deserves a place in the mix.
But let’s get things in perspective, shall we?
Golf’s original “big three” – Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and
Gary Player – won 34 Majors between them. Spieth, McIlroy, Day
and Fowler share a comparatively paltry seven. Of course, they have
many years of great golf ahead of them, but they’ve got a long way
to go before they can even be compared to the three stars that
dominated the 60s.
The 1962 golf season was a tale of three superstars battling it
out for four Majors. Arnold Palmer won the Masters and The Open.
Jack Nicklaus won the US Open. And Gary Player won the PGA
Championship. No one else got a look in. For the next three
seasons, the big three would take all three podium
spots in at least one PGA Tour event.
Their dominance was such that it led to the
creation of its own television series. “Big Three Golf”
saw them play eight made-for-TV matches, screened
on eight consecutive Saturdays. Fans couldn’t get
enough of watching golf’s three greatest talents do
battle. That appetite for consistent greatness and
rivalry hasn’t abated. It just hasn’t been served for
some time.
You can argue that golf has greater strength in depth now,
making it harder for a top three or four golfers to
dominate, or you can argue that those three
were just a different class. For me, it’s a bit of
both. There are 50 or more golfers now who
are good enough to win a Major, but how many
would they win if they had to overcome the
triumvirate of Palmer, Player and Nicklaus?
Golf’s current unpredictability is interesting in its
own right, but give any tournament organiser or
sponsor a choice between a relatively unknown
first-time winner taking the trophy or a play-off
between two of the current big four, and they’ll opt
for the latter. Every. Single. Time.
In 2016, we want to see golf’s biggest stars doing
battle at the top-end of its biggest tournaments. We
want to see Spieth and McIlroy going head-to-head
down the stretch at Augusta. We want to see the two
of them within a shot of leader Jason Day at The
Open, only for Rickie Fowler to make a late charge
to surprise them all and pinch the Claret Jug. We
want four-way play-offs between the world’s top
four. We want to see them dominate the game,
‘Golf needs
Spieth v
McIlroy down
the stretch at
Augusta’
making headlines, monopolising Majors, breaking records, and
pushing each other to previously unthinkable levels of performance.
I think this could be the year.
I’m backing Rory McIlroy to tame the Augusta greens and finally
complete the career grand slam with a green jacket. His extreme
length and high ball flight make him well-suited for Augusta’s
demands, and after an injury-hit, disappointing 2015, I’m expecting
him to come flying out of the blocks this year.
The USGA will likely go out of their way to mess up the course for
the US Open again, with unplayable greens that only one man can
cope with. That man will be Jordan Spieth.
In July, Rickie Fowler will further bolster his credentials as a
member of the big four by winning The Open. His new swing is
strong enough to deal with the strong winds at Royal Troon and he
has already shown a penchant for Scotland, winning
the Scottish Open at Gullane last year.
I think Jason Day will successfully defend his US
PGA crown at Baltusrol. With temperatures likely to
be over 100° every day, someone in supreme
physical condition like Day will come into his own.
Some may feel that having four players dominating
the game would be boring, but I completely disagree.
Sports thrive under the healthy glow of big rivalries.
Borg v McEnroe. Celtic v Rangers. Prost v Senna.
Barcelona v Real Madrid. Ali v Frazier. These rivalries
grow bigger than the game. They take their sport from
the back page to the front. There is something gripping
about having one man standing between you and glory.
Every great hero needs a nemesis.
If Spieth and McIlroy can establish themselves
as bona fide greats, regularly going toe-to-toe
when it matters most, golf will benefit.
Youngsters will want to take on their mates
at the local pitch & putt. “I’m Spieth!”
shouts one, racing to the first tee. “Shotgun
McIlroy!” calls another, in hot pursuit.
Golf currently has a top four of young,
athletic, marketable characters. No offence
to the Jim Furyk’s of this world, but having
a top four in their 20s can only help attract
youngsters to the game.
So come on, Rory, Rickie, Jason and
Jordan. Step up to the plate in 2016 and
ensure this era goes down in history as
belonging to the four of you. Forget trying to
break Jack Nicklaus’ 18-Major total. Your target
is 35 Majors, split four ways.
Denis Pugh is a Sky Sports pundit, PGA Master Professional and coach to Ross Fisher and Francesco Molinari. Follow him on Twitter (@DPugh54)
30 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

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Hole-out
like Spieth
Why looking at the cup
could help you Page 37
Play smarter
Give yourself a greater
chance of par Page 36
Fault
Fixer
SAVING YOU SHOTS
EVERY TIME YOU PLAY
EDITED BY DUNCAN LENNARD
Coil up
for power
Simple drill to improve
your turn Page 40
How to deal
with doubt
Why pros handle it
better than us Page 42
Get up
& down
Try a belly wedge just
off the green Page 41
100S MORE TIPS ONLINE
Visit www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/tips
THE WHOLE
GAME COVERED
Strategy 34
Putting 37
Ironplay 38
Chipping 39
Long game 40
Bunkers 43

1
Picture a soft, quicklaunching
shot
This shot is typical of downhill
chips in that the green is sloping
away from you. With the downhill
lie effectively delofting your club,
the problem here is obviously
sending the ball flying past the
hole. The only way to get it close
enough to hole the putt is to get
the ball to rise steeply and
quickly, so you’ll need to make
changes to your set-up and swing
to promote that fast launch.
Set up for stability
2 and height
Use your most lofted wedges –
56º or 60º depending on the
severity of the slope. Play the ball
in the centre of a stance widened
to give you a more stable base on
the slope. Stand with your spine
at right angles to the gradient;
it neutralises the effect of the
slope, helping you deliver the
club on an effective angle. Feel
more weight on your lead side.
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34 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Fault
Fixer
STRATEGY
Master downhill chips
Form a clear image of the ball’s journey and make a simple, stable action
Fault: Rare up-and-downs, created by
poor contact and a vague image of the
shot needed.
Fix: Visualise the flight and run of the
ball, then build an action to deliver it.
Duffing a chip shot is a fear all golfers
have, and when your ball winds up on
a downslope – the ground and grass
higher behind the ball – the intimidation
factor increases.
But these shots do give you one
advantage. For the ball to stick on the
slope the grass needs to be fairly long,
and that gives you the opportunity to
open the face and slide the club under
the ball – creating the quick height
needed from a lie that wants to send the
ball low and forward.
Here, we’ll take a look at the changes
you’ll need to make solid, controlled
contact, but note that before the
technique comes visualisation. When
you can ‘see’ the shot, its execution
becomes a whole lot easier.
3
Swing to maintain
balance... and loft
Move the club through rotation
from your core, while keeping
your hands as passive as
possible. This action encourages
the club to move on a shallow arc
through impact, promoting a solid
strike while maintaining the loft
on the clubface. As you swing
through feel your chest turning
to face the target, the clubface
looking at the sky.
Identify the shot’s
4 perfect landing spot
As with any greenside shot, the
key to success lies in identifying
and hitting the ideal landing spot.
While there are times you can
land the ball in the fringe, it’s safer
to carry it to the green where the
bounce is more predictable. Look
for a flattish, evenly-coloured spot
a step or so onto the green,
allowing for sideslopes.
TG TOP 50
STEVE ASTLE
MORLEY HAYES, DERBY
Advanced PGA
Professional
and Head of
Coaching at
East Midlands
Golf Academy.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 35

COURSE PLANNER
Hit smarter,
not further
on par 4s
Make your best driving
decision to save shots
Risk zone
Fault: Bogeys or worse on par 4s
through poor choice of shot.
Fix: Make more pars and birdies
through smarter thinking on the tee.
Here we have a par 4 of some 420
yards. It’s a terrific design that asks
strategic questions both of the tee
shot – with trouble looming left and
right – and also of the approach. But
with just a little use of the grey matter,
you can identify a plan that not only
rules out unnecessary risk but makes
the hole easier – a rule that applies to
the vast majority of par 4s you’ll play.
Length isn’t king
Hitting driver here means
threading one between
the bunkers. Instead, a
lay-up short right of the
left bunker leaves a better
angle for the approach as
it enables the player to hit
more away from the water.
Smart zone
Risk/reward play
The green is guarded by
sand short/right and trees
long/left. It favours an
approach from the wet and
more dangerous left side of
the fairway. Taking that on
with driver is a risk; only do it
if you are driving well.
Check green depth
The green is shallow from
front-to-back; it’ll be tough
to hold with a longer club.
That puts pressure to hit a
long enough shot from the
tee. The ideal shot, then, is
fairway wood or hybrid just
short of the sand.
TG TOP 50
KEVIN FLYNN
TOURNERBURY GC, HANTS
Fellow of the
PGA and a
European Golf
Development
consultant,
based in Hants.
The wrong angle
It’s tempting to drive away
from the water, blasting it
up the right, but you’ll hit
more towards the water on
the approach and bring the
front trap into play. Let the
best angle into the green
influence your tee play.
36 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Fault
Fixer
PUTTING
Why not copy Spieth?
How looking at the hole, not the ball, can improve your touch on the green
Fault: Poor distance control, stroke
rhythm and too much tension
Fix: Look at the hole while you putt to
help your stroke flow
Golf is an unusual sport in that we
don’t look at the target we are trying
to hit. If you consider darts, ten-pin
bowling or pretty much any targetrelated
challenge, our eyes are pinned
on our goal. In the long game,
mechanics make looking at the hole
impossible; but as Jordan Spieth has
shown, looking at the hole on short
putts is not only possible, but also
effective. Trying it with a scorecard in
your pocket might seem scary, but
there’s nothing to stop you using it in
practice to improve judgement of pace
– and if you like it, use it on the links.
1 Trust your eyes
Our eyes are our chief
tool in judging pace,
observing how far the
ball needs to travel and
sending that information
to the brain… which
converts it into the force
needed to reach the hole.
3 Tension-breaker
By looking at the hole,
you shift your attention
from the stroke. This
stops us trying to overcontrol
the putter. You
make your most accurate
stroke when the putter is
allowed to flow freely.
2 Vary distances
Spieth looks at the hole
when holing out. But try
it on longer putts. Just
trust your instinctive
ability to convert the
information from your
eyes into the appropriate
stroke length and speed.
TG TOP 50
KEITH WILLIAMS
HAWKSTONE PARK, SHROPSHIRE
PGA Master
Professional
and former
European Tour
and England
National coach.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 37

CHIPPING
Deliver a body blow
Strike shorter shots with the body
as well as your hands and arms
Fault: Poor part-swing contact through
overusing the hands and arms at impact
Fix: Wake up your body by turning with
the butt of the club in your navel
On full-swing shots, the need to generate
power tends to bring the bigger muscles of
our core into play. But on part-swing shots,
where the emphasis shifts to control, this
isn’t always the case.
Even on short shots, you need your core
to contribute to the delivery of the club. If
your body stops rotating you become overreliant
on your hands and arms, which
promotes a disconnected flicking action
and inconsistent contact with the ball.
But here is a simple drill to feel that
body pivot back and through, and return
some control to your chipping and pitching.
The hands are passive
Keeping the butt against your
stomach, swing through to a finish.
End with your chest and club facing
the target, and come up onto your trail
toe. Feel how, with more contribution
from the body, your hands naturally
become more passive. This is vital to
delivering the club with control, and a
key feeling to take from this drill.
Link club and body
Grip your pitching wedge
halfway down the shaft to
allow enough club over the
hands for the butt end to
fit against your stomach,
around your navel. Take
your regular golfing
posture and turn back.
Stop wrist hinge
With good core rotation the
butt stays in your stomach;
if your hands start moving
unilaterally, the wrists will
hinge so the butt moves
down and away from the
body. Repeat the correct
action until it feels natural.
TG TOP 50
KEVIN FLYNN
TOURNERBURY GC, HANTS
Advanced PGA
Professional
and European
Golf
Development
Consultant
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38 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Fault
Fixer
Setting up to fail
The low point of
the swing’s arc falls
underneath the lead
side of the chest.
When this is behind
the ball at impact you
hit up through it. Here,
I am setting up to do
that, with hands and
shirt buttons behind.
...and the result
That desire to help the
ball up sees the golfer
throw his weight back
to get ‘under’ the ball.
With the club rising
on such a steep arc
you either hit the turf
first or send the club’s
leading edge into the
ball’s equator – a thin.
Set up to succeed
To promote a smooth
downward strike lean
your lead side slightly
towards the target
until your buttons are
hole-side of the ball.
Don’t just move the
ball back – have it just
forward of centre.
...and the result
The new address
position moves the
swing’s low point
further holeside. Keep
your sternum in this
position through the
swing and trust the
loft to squeeze the
ball forward and up.
Get ahead for crisp chips
This is why feeling the squeeze is a good thing when it comes to chipping
Fault: Duffs, caused by trying
to help the ball up
Fix: Promote a downward strike
by moving your shirt buttons
ahead of the ball.
In the short game, the biggest
fault I see with amateurs is
hitting up through the ball.
Typically, this happens because
they do not trust the loft on the
clubface to get the ball airborne,
and try to assist launch. Hitting
up causes problems with the
strike because as the club
ascends, you risk catching the
ground before the ball. Instead,
a smooth downward impact that
uses the club’s loft to launch the
ball is far more effective – and
you can train this by focusing on
your upper body.
TG TOP 50
RYAN FENWICK
WEST HOVE GC, EAST SUSSEX
PGA
Professional
and Director
of the Ryan
Fenwick Golf
Academy.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 39

Copy the feeling
Make five backswings
‘on’ the grips. Remove
them and, with your
usual backswing, copy
the feeling of turning
within your frame,
with pressure on the
insides of your feet.
X
IRONS
Make your
coil more
powerful
A simple drill to help
you make a better turn
Fault: Weak, offline irons caused by
swaying off the ball
Fix: Stay centred by placing two grips
under the outsides of your feet
Lots of you will at some point have been told
to shift weight into your trail side in the
backswing. It’s a dangerous tip. It’s easy to
overdo it and drift away from the target,
thwarting your ability to coil powerfully and
putting you in a weak position at the top.
Instead of shifting weight, think of creating
pressure along the inside of your back foot
by rotating in your own space. Here’s how...
The drill
Lie two clubs on the ground, stance-width
apart. They should be at right angles to
your ball-target line, although angle them
a touch so they are slightly splayed. Now
stand on them so the outsides of your feet
are on the grips. This pitches your weight
to the insides of your feet.
Swing to the top
Swaying means your
weight drifts to the
outside of the trail foot,
so a dynamic start to the
downswing is thwarted.
But your new stance
pins your weight to the
insides of both feet.
TG TOP 50
GARETH JOHNSTON
CALCOT PARK, READING
PGA
Professional
and Director
of Golf at
Calcot Park in
Berkshire.
40 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Fault
Fixer
SHORT GAME
Master the
belly wedge
It’s handy when your ball is against the collar
Fault: Inconsistent results when your
ball is nestled by the collar, just off the
green.
Fix: Modern courses – inland, largely –
have a mown collar around the green
which is bordered by rough. If you run
through the putting surface, the ball can
often nestle against this rough barrier,
making it tricky to putt and hard to hit
the bottom of the ball with a wedge. This
is where the ‘belly wedge’ comes in. It’s
a shot you often see on tour, where the
rough bordering the collar is long and
grabby. Use the leading edge of a wedge,
where all the weight is, and just make a
passive, pendulum stroke at the ball.
There’s no ‘hit’. It will come out with a
lot of topspin – so go and practise it.
Hover your wedge so the leading edge is
parallel to the equator of the ball. You can grip
the club like you would for a chip or a putt and
then make a quiet, pendulum stroke.
PUTTING VIDEO TIPS
www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/tips
Why play it like this?
Lots of grass would get
trapped between club and
ball, creating inconsistency.
This is much safer. The key
is to maintain the same
distance between the
bottom of the wedge and the
ground throughout the shot.
TG TOP 50
ANDREW MURRAY
ANDREWMURRAYGOLF.COM
Former
European
Tour winner
and European
Senior Tour
member.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 333 41

MIND GAMES
How to deal with doubt
Tour pros experience negativity; but they develop a mechanism to cope with it
ack in 2008, Graeme McDowell
B
was leading the Scottish Open by
four shots with just four holes to
play. It was the first time he had been in a
position of having a healthy lead going into
the final few holes. But at this moment – on
the brink of success, and playing the best
golf of his career – a little voice popped into
his head, telling him he was going to top the
ball off the end of the tee. “I couldn’t get that
thought out of my head,” he later told me.
“Every part of me was shaking.”
There is a perception among club golfers
that Tour professionals have iron-clad minds
that don’t allow negativity and doubt to
enter. Don’t you believe it. As McDowell’s
story shows, even the very best players
experience the same doubts and fears
that plague any amateur. The difference
is that they have found a way to
cope with it; if they hadn’t, they
wouldn’t be on tour.
Unfortunately – and no
one knows why – our brains
have a nasty and irrational
habit of throwing negativity at
you at important moments. It is
a natural and normal process;
experiencing doubt is not a sign of
mental weakness. But the key to
dealing with doubt – a lesson Tour
pros have intuitively learned – is
that trying to control it makes it
worse. Try to block it out, or
argue with it, and you
become attached to the
doubt – and that’s when it
becomes a problem. After
all, whatever you resist, you
strengthen.
TG TOP 50
KARL MORRIS
WWW.THEMINDFACTOR.COM
Karl has
worked with
Major winners
including
McDowell and
Oosthuizen.
Instead, the way to deal with doubt is to
see it for what it is – negative thoughts
thrown up irrationally by the brain – and then
get back to focusing on the processes that
give you your best chances of success.
In some psychological circles they talk of
the thinking mind and the observing mind.
The former is our usual chatter of negativity;
the latter gives us an ability to watch it,
’Try to block it out,
or argue with it, and
you get attached
to the doubt’
accept it, and choose to get on with
whatever you have to do.
Jonny Wilkinson is on record as saying he
has never stopped doubting himself, and he
is England’s all-time leading points scorer
by a mile. But he has also revealed that,
regardless of what’s going on, all he tries to
do is create space in his mind where if he
did A, B, C and D he was going to do what
he needed to do to kick that goal. This is a
great example of the observing mind at
work, accepting the doubt and getting on
with the processes.
Darren Clarke has a similar story. He shot
60 at The K Club in 2006, but he went to
the first tee that day wracked with doubt
after having one of the worst practice
sessions he’d ever had, even shanking half-adozen
shots. He told me afterwards that he
had gone back to basics, just making solid
contact with the ball and not trying anything
fancy. It was fairway-green, fairway-green…
suddenly a few putts go in and he is away.
If you want to deal with doubts better, get
good at observing them rather than believing
them. There is a Buddhist theme that doubts
are like clouds scudding under a clear blue
sky. Whether you buy into that or not, it’s
a good way of picturing their lack of
substance, and their transient nature.
Having observed doubt, copy Wilkinson
and Clarke and get back to doing the two to
three things you need to do on every shot
to give you the best possible chance of
success with it. If you don’t know
these, work with your coach to
create them. They could be a
swing focus or something
more physical. For McDowell
it has always been to exhale
fully before stepping into the
shot, a breath that reduces
tension and clears his mind.
It worked on the 15th tee at
Loch Lomond; he didn’t top
the ball… and he went on to
win that Scottish Open.
42 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Fault
Fixer
BUNKERS
Flare in fashion
Why your lead foot is crucial to consistent success from sand
Lead knee is firm
Pointing my lead knee more
towards the target like this
restricts hip rotation, which
limits weight shift and lateral
movement. That keeps my
upper body – and the swing’s
low point – steady throughout
the backswing.
Fault: Excessive lateral body movement in
the bunker, making it impossible to control
the club’s entry point into the sand
Fix: Turn the lead foot and knee out to ‘lock’
the lower body, adding precision to the strike
To master greenside sand play, you need to
control the point the clubhead enters the
sand. This will typically be an inch or two
behind the ball: any more and the sand
stalls the club, any less and you risk
catching it clean. The low point of the
swing’s arc – which falls under the lead
shoulder – is key to a consistent entry point.
If your action involves lateral movement and
weight shift, the arc’s low point moves,
compromising a precise strike. So you need
to stay still over the ball – and this is how.
Set-up: Turn the toe out
Aim square to the target, with the ball
forward of centre. Rotate the lead heel
45º so the toe points midway between
square and the target. Weight should
favour the lead side. The lead kneecap
should be ‘over’ your shoelaces.
Perfect impact… always
The lead knee will hardly budge from
its address position throughout the
swing. Swing from such a solid base
and you can keep the swing’s low point
constant throughout your action…
raising your chances of a sweet strike.
PUTTING VIDEO TIPS
www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/tips
TG TOP 50
RICHARD LAMBERT
CROSLAND HEATH GC
Visit PGA
pro Richard
at richard
lambertgolf.
wordpress.
com
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 333 43

TOUR TECHNIQUE
Rebooting Rickie
The changes that have
helped Fowler flower...
and what you can learn
Rickie Fowler may have been making the
headlines for his baseball-style footwear
in recent times, but this is by no means
where the style ends. An improving
technique, guided by the shrewd hand
of Butch Harmon, has contributed to a
lightning start to 2016, with victory in Abu
Dhabi at the HSBC and a second place at
the Phoenix Open. Harmon has worked
with Rickie on coordinating his arms and
body better, and there is much evidence of
that in this image. Gareth Johnston reveals
what you can learn from Rickie at the top.
Body and arms in sync
There is a great coordination
between Rickie’s upper body rotation
and his arm swing. We can see this
through the relationship between
the left arm and the plane of the
shoulders. His left arm covers his
right shoulder nicely, showing his
arms have not ‘lifted’ the club into
this position. Instead, this position
has been achieved by rotating
his spine while keeping pressure
between his upper arms and chest.
Grip controls the club
Note how the handle of the club is
secured through the base joint of
the little finger of Rickie’s gloved
hand, and not through the palm. This
positioning creates wrist mobility,
allowing them to cock and hinge
fully. It allows Rickie to ‘load’ the club
powerfully, and to swing with great
wrist leverage. That leads to the
effortless creation of clubhead speed
on the way down, helping him fire
speed and penetration into the ball.
Fault
Fixer

Perfect poise
At set-up, Rickie’s head position and
spine angle would have been exactly
the same as they are here. So too
would be his weight, set between the
heels and toes. Rotating within this
framework is what allows Rickie to
create such a superb shoulder and
hip turn in balance. It also permits
the excellent relationship between
the clubface, handle and left wrist;
for any students of the game these
are positions worth copying.
TG TOP 50
GARETH JOHNSTON
CALCOT PARK, BERKSHIRE
PGA
Professional
and Director
of Golf at Calcot
Park, near
Reading
Ground pressure increased
See how Rickie’s right knee has
moved away from the ball while his
left knee has moved down towards it.
Basically, as Rickie has rotated into
this position, his legs and hips have
been used to ‘screw’ his feet into the
ground. This allows the feet to really
grip the turf and move his weight
against it, through the feet. If you can
copy this move, you’ll find it easier
to create a dynamic downswing led
from the ground up.
RICKIE’S 2016
BY NUMBERS
Driving distance: 298.1yds (57th)
Driving accuracy: 62.5% (90th)
Greens in regulation: 73.77% (25th)
Strokes gained tee-to-green: 1.332 (11th)
Scoring average: 69.87 (8th)

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INSIDE THE
MASTERS
You’re essential guide to the year’s first
Major championship, starring...
The course!
Incredible
insight from
a winning
caddie
The players!
Meet the
men making
their debut
this April
The shots!
What you
need to do
well to win
around here
The history!
Play the UK
course that
inspired
Augusta

A WINNING AUGUSTA CADDIE REVEALS...
HOW TO
MASTER THE
MASTERS
Zach Johnson’s caddie Damon Green gives a fascinating
insight into what you need to do to don a green jacket
WORDS KEVIN BROWN PICTURES GETTY IMAGES, RICK D’ELIA
ew people know Augusta National
F
more intimately than veteran bagman
Damon Green, the supremely
knowledgeable and influential caddie who
helped Zach Johnson celebrate an against-theodds
Masters victory nine years ago.
The 50-year-old’s Masters experience has
helped him understand better than most when
you can go for it, and when you need to throttle
back; where you can leave it for a simple upand-down,
and where you just can’t go; where
you can expect to have a putt for birdie – and
where you’ll be lucky to keep it on the green.
This is Green’s 18th year on the PGA Tour –
13 with Johnson and a four-year stint with Scott
Hoch before that. When you add the fact he
played pro golf from 1985-99 (once missing out
on his tour card by a shot) – you can see why
he’s so qualified to make vital on-course calls.
“Augusta is a fascinating course, it really is,”
Green tells TG. “There’s no respite; it’s relentless.
But the cool thing about this course is that you
can use your imagination, and Zach’s got a
great imagination. You can play lots of different
shots, and it’s so cool to see them turn out well.”
Green has been caddieing at Augusta for
almost a decade now, and he’s built up an
incredible depth of knowledge about the
nuances of the fairways and greens. But he
admits that the secret to winning the Masters
is fairly simple.
“At Augusta, you try to hit the fairway and
then try to get it into the right quadrant of the
green. If you can get it on those small areas,
you can get a decent birdie putt.”
Three years ago he even found out what it’s
like to tee it up at Augusta himself. “Zach picked
me up and we played on the Sunday leading up
to Augusta week.” He didn’t break the course
record but summed it up as “a special
pleasure”. And, of course, he was jotting down
hole-by-hole notes as he was going round,
adding to his little book of hole notes – which
he exclusively opens for us here. ➔
48 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 49

Sweet 16
Zach Johnson makes
two on Augusta’s
16th en route to
victory in 2007.
Six ingredients to a victory
1You’ve got to putt like a hero
The first year we went there I think we shot
81 and Zach was knocking his putts 8-10ft past
the hole. I said “Zach you don’t try and make
putts at Augusta, you try and two-putt. If they
go in, treat it like a bonus.” After that he started
to really work on his pace and discovered the
ability to two-putt and master the greens. He
figured it out.
Zach grew up on fast, hilly greens and
despite that experience he’s very
comfortable at Augusta – he knows
where to play the high routes and where
he can two-putt. I remember the next
time we went there we took an
Augusta caddie with us to show us
what the tendencies were. But by
about the 6th hole Zach had
barely asked the caddie
anything about the greens –
and after about five holes this
guy said: “You got dese greens son! You got
dese greens! You don’t need my help no mo’!”
I’ve charted all the putts in my yardage book
for all the various pin placements, showing the
break etc. But one year on the 7th hole, the pin
was far right and Zach virtually had his back to
the hole and he’s starting it way off the line.
I thought he had lost focus a little bit and went
up to him and said: “You do know, the pin is
over here?” He almost holed out, the ball
virtually stopping when it reached the
slope before finally slowly moving on
and down.
2 Power’s an advantage
With fairly generous fairways, the
driving is pretty do-able. Overall,
it’s not as demanding as most
courses we play on the Tour,
so the power hitters have a
significant advantage. It’s
Power up
It’s why
Bubba’s a
two-time
Master.
basically a second-shot golf course, so the key
really is to be a good iron player and wedge
player to find the right quadrants of the green
to give yourself one or two putts.
3Avoid the death zones
If you miss a green at Augusta, it’s
important you miss in the right place –
where you have a chance of getting up and
50 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Different strategy
Zach goes for it on
the 13th – but the
year he won he laid
up on every par 5.
Green smile
The weather
helped Zach
win in 2007.
down. You can get in some areas where
you’ve got no chance at all around those
greens, so you have to pay special attention
to this aspect. Zach has a book with various
pin positions and a whole bunch of Xs mark
the spot and tell him where he has no
chance of getting up and down. So he’s
always shooting away from those dead
spots.
’You’ve got to have
patience around
Augusta, which is
capable of freaking
the hell out of you’
4 Work on
those wedges
We didn’t really know
how to play Augusta
until 2005 or 2006
when we played with Mark
O’Meara (1998 champion). We
watched him and he was kind of
scraping it around, but he was
always hitting it in a spot where if
he didn’t make the green he had
an easy up-and-down. We think he
had a plan: for certain pins – if you
were on the right you had no
chance of getting up and down, and if you were
on the left you had an easy pitch. We studied
his round afterwards and saw where O’Meara
hit it and put some notes in our books to
remind us. Then the year we won it – obviously
we knew where all the pins were going to be –
we made a plan for all the par 5s so if the pin
was at the back we knew what number to go
in with, and the same if it was at the front. We
devised a plan to find the pins with the wedges
that year and it all came together.
5Mind games
Zach is a hyper-smart dude, always
focused, never drifting around and always
aiming to stay in the game. Obviously he isn’t
the longest of hitters so he’s got to find other
ways of getting it round shooting low numbers.
This is one of them. He’s one of the best in the
business when it comes to a golfing mind and
course management and not getting too high
or too low. He doesn’t tend to get too ticked off
and frustrated and that’s why he’s done what
he’s done. When Zach does threaten to get out
of line a bit, I always remind him of the Guns &
Roses song and start singing “You’ve got to
have a little patience, yeah, yeah, yeah”… a
good reminder that can certainly pay
handsome rewards at a place like Augusta,
which is certainly capable of freaking the hell
out of you.
6 You still need some luck
As in any Major, you need a slice of good
fortune. In 2007 we struck lucky with the wet
weather. They’d lengthened the course, Tigerproofed
it, which basically meant guys like
Zach would find it hard to win. We were
hitting 5 or 6-irons into an area the size
of a pool table and if you don’t land it
there you’re screwed. But as soft as
it was, we had a chance because
we were able to stop our midirons
into the area you need
them to find. Even then, the
winning score (+1) was about
the best we could do as we
still couldn’t hold the green
on a lot of those shots. ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 51

A caddie’s guide to the crunch holes
Take your pick – the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 10…
The 11th is just a bear now they’ve got the
trees down the right side, making it a very
demanding tee shot now. There’s water left but
it’s a difficult up-and-down from the right of a
green you’re trying to find with a 3, 4 or 5-iron.
You’ve got to really hit a golf shot there. Then
you’ve got 12, one of the hardest 9-irons in the
game. They’re the ones that stick out.
The 4th and 5th are critical front-nine holes.
I think they’ve lengthened five again this year
and we’re likely to be going in with a 4 or
5-iron to a green where they’ve buried some
elephants! Land it on top and it goes into the
back bunker; come up short and it plummets
down the valley. That’s one of the holes where
people don’t realise how tough it is. As for the
par-3 4th, we’re looking at hitting a 3-wood in
there with a back left pin. You kinda play to the
bunkers back right but we’re looking to miss it
left or short left of the green, missing the right
bunker. You can’t even keep it on the green
from there so we shoot either in front or just
around the left bunker, get par and get out!
Closing hole
The 18th is a
465-yard uphill
par 4. It’s no
easy finish.
Pink Dogwood
Magnolia
2
5
PAR 5
2015 average 4.61 (16)
PAR 4
2015 average 4.14 (8)
575 YDS
If you can hit it
455 YDS
This is a brute. You
down the left side, you can pick
up an extra 20 to 30 yards
because it hits the slope and
rolls out. It’s 3.5 per cent
downhill, which equals about
10 yards. It’s 300 yards to the
bunker. Don’t go left or it will run
and run down into that creek on
the left (a lot of people don’t
even know this is here.) We
basically hit it at the bunker,
and if it turns over, fine.
can’t hit it in the bunkers on the
left – you can’t get to the green
from there. So favour the right
side. And then once you hit a great
drive, this hole just gets harder!
The mounding around the green
is just incredible – those mounds
must be five feet tall. If you’re the
least bit short it rolls all the way off
the green. We try to carry it 18 on,
to cover the mounds – that’s all we
want to do.
52 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

AMEN CORNER
Golden Bell
11
PAR 4
505 YDS
White Dogwood
2015 average 4.32 (1)
The hardest hole on the course by some distance. Since they
planted more trees down the right it’s just brutal. We are hitting about 210
into the green with all that water left and behind. You can bail out right, but
it’s no bargain getting up and down from there. The water is staring you right
in the face, so you always try to favour the right edge of the green, because
there are some big slopes that feed the ball down. It’s a theme of this course
– always aim to use the slopes to your advantage. The drop zone is 40 yards
from the front of the green, coming in over water. Take your par and run!
Azalea
12
13
PAR 3
2015 average 3.12 (9)
PAR 5
2015 average 4.54 (18)
155 YDS
You start thinking about 12
510 YDS
This hole is a pretty good
after you’ve hit your second dry on 11. You
look around to get a feel for the wind.
We’ve decided on the strategy that no
matter where the pin was, we just hit over
the middle of the bunker. We want to get
it on that skinny-ass green and take our
chances. The only place you can’t hit it
is right, because it can hit that bank
and go in the water – unless you’re
Fred Couples. That bank is as fast as
your greens back home, and once it
gets going it’s ‘see you later’. On the
green you can’t hear anything
because the crowds are so far back.
fit for Zach’s eye as he turns the ball
over. In 2007 we hit it into the pine
straw on a couple of days, so just laid
up, but he hit a great drive on the last
day and had 203 to the front. It was
accessible club-wise, but you’re
standing on your head trying to hit a
3-iron – the ball is way above your
feet usually. If you block it you’re in
Rae’s Creek. If you turn it over too
much, you’re either in the bunker
or chipping back towards the
creek. When the pin’s back left,
I don’t know what to do!
Firethorn
15
16
PAR 5
2015 average 4.59 (17)
PAR 3 2015 average 3.01 (13)
530 YDS
There are different
170 YDS
This is a very
strategies on laying up here.
Some people favour the left
side of the fairway for a right
pin, and the right side for a left
pin, but we felt like it was better
accessible pin on Sunday as long
as you use the bank to bring the
ball back down to the hole. If you
get unlucky and the ball stays up
on the top, you’re kind of screwed.
to lay up left on all the pins,
because it gives you a good
angle to the back right pin, and
for the back left pin there’s a
ridge that you can feed the ball
off. Also, it’s a little flatter on
the left side of the fairway.
16
Redbud
The hardest pin on 16 is the one
we almost made a hole-in-one on
in 2007, at the top of the ridge on
the right. It’s so tight that we’d
never go for it – he basically
pushed his shot, and then
three-putted!
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 53

‘It was intense!’
One Direction star Niall Horan talks Augusta
ith his 39 million Facebook
W friends and 24.4 million Twitter
followers, pop superstar and golf
nut Niall Horan will be one of the most
popular people in the grounds during his
second trip to Augusta National this year.
The One Direction star is big mates with
lots of the players, notably Rory McIlroy,
whom he caddied for in last year’s Par-3
Tournament (even hitting a shot, which
found the water). We caught up with him
ahead of his trip back up Magnolia Lane,
to find out what it’s like.
Did Augusta live up to the hype?
It far exceeded expectations! It really is
the most magical and special place and
I enjoyed every second of the week.
What were your first impressions?
I was amazed by the place. I love the
traditions of the tournament and Augusta
itself. I was fortunate to meet members
Tripp Rackley and John Carr, who have
since become friends and every time you
speak to them they have different stories
and tales to tell. It’s hard to really put into
words the aura Augusta National has. The
course has a lot more undulations than it
appears on television, too.
How scary was that shot in the Par 3?
It was intense. I wasn’t expecting to hit
a shot, but Rory made me! I’ll get my
payback on him at some point…
What was the highlight of the week?
Impossible to say. From driving up Magnolia
Lane, to caddying in the Par 3 to meeting
Arnold Palmer. Too many great memories.
Did you get much stick for your little slipup
in front of the Sky cameras?
I did – but I’m not the first guy to fall at
the feet of Kirsty Gallacher!
Did you walk the main course with Rory?
I walked with both Rory and Justin Rose,
who is also a close friend. I also tried to
see all the Irish boys to show my support.
Where was the best spot to watch from?
The course has many areas, but nothing
beats Augusta Sunday when the closing
groups walk up the 18th.
What was your favourite hole?
I loved seeing Amen Corner. You hear so
much about it so was fantastic seeing that.
Did you get any souvenirs?
I think I went to the shop most days. I still
use the Masters phone cover now.
What’s your favourite Masters memory?
Just watching it back home in Mullingar
with my father when I was growing up. It
brings back amazing memories.
Who’s your money on this year?
It’s so unpredictable now as the game has
so many strong players and you saw that
last year with how the No.1 spot kept
changing. European golf is in a great
place and hopefully these players will
continue to inspire young kids to take the
game up. That’s why I love what the
Masters do alongside the USGA and PGA
of America with the Drive Chip Putt
Championship. To get more seven to
15-year-olds into such a cool sport will
ensure we continue to have amazing
talent coming through the ranks.
Niall is
a handy
golfer.
‘Rory made
me hit a shot
– I’ll get my
payback on
him at some
point...’

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Greg Norman on...
What it means to
receive golf’s most...
Exclusive invite
The Masters is the toughest Major to get in, with its limited field of past
champions, PGA Tour winners, elite amateurs and the world’s top 50. We
speak to five men who received an invitation for the first time this year
WORDS KEVIN BROWN PICTURES RICK D’ELIA, GETTY IMAGES
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 342 57

Andy Sullivan
A few years ago, the Englishman was stacking shelves in Nuneaton’s Asda
It’s hard to believe just a few years ago
I was getting up at 4am to stack
shelves for a measly £6 an hour at a
Nuneaton supermarket, struggling to
make ends meet and thinking about
renting somewhere to live. Now I’ve got
a lovely house and car… and am
preparing to play in my first Masters!
I still have to pinch myself about what
has happened and when the official
invitation was delivered at the end of
last year I was like a kid at Christmas.
I’m in a different place now and the
money on Tour is amazing – my
biggest pay day so far was the
‘I’ll prepare well
and enjoy the
experience, as
that’s when
I play my best’
€820,000 I banked for finishing
runner-up in the DP World Tour
Championship in Dubai last November.
It’s great that I’m forging a career for
myself and my family, but it’s not about
the money but winning titles.
I can’t wait for that first drive down
Magnolia Lane… that’s something
I can tell my kids and grandkids
about. I watched it from a young
age on TV and I would make a
point of watching every minute
of it every year growing up.
My earliest Masters
memories go back to 2004,
when Chris DiMarco
played from the bunker
on 18 and gave Phil
Mickelson a great line
for his putt. Then Phil
holed a terrific putt,,
which eventually led
to him beating
Ernie Els by one shot.
His CV...
Born: May 19, 1986,
Nuneaton, Warks.
Nationality:
English.
Career highlights:
Three 2015
European Tour wins
(Portugal Masters,
Joburg Open, South
African Open)
Best Major
performance:
T30, 2015 Open.
I will play a couple of rounds prior to
Masters week to get a better feel for
the course. But it will be nice to spend
some time prior to Masters week
taking in the surroundings of Augusta,
take some pictures to show friends and
family so that I can be fully focused
and try to treat the tournament just like
any other… if that’s possible!
I’ve been picking the brains of Justin
Rose and Rory McIlroy in an attempt to
find out what to do and what not to do.
From what I’ve seen on TV over the
years a good short game and a great
deal of patience is needed at
Augusta.
I’ll have plenty of support at
Augusta. My mum and dad
will be there, along with
my coach Jamie Gough,
caddie Sean McDonagh
and my management team,
Shaun Webster and Brendan
Taylor. It’s not quite the Sulli
army, but I’ve got a great team
around me.
I realise very few players achieve
success at their first Masters, but
I intend to prepare well and basically
enjoy the whole experience as I always
play my best golf when I’m relaxed,
and focused but at the same time
enjoying myself.
My career has been steady, but last
year it just took off. There is no magic
ingredient. Everyone thinks there is
a silver bullet. There isn’t. It is just
determination to get over that line.
Once I had that first win I just wanted
it again and again. It’s like a drug, a
massive adrenalin boost. I think the top
guys, they don’t let up when they
achieve some success; they simply
want it more and more.
As for main contenders, it’s impossible
to overlook the likes of Rory McIlroy
and Jordan Spieth, but I also think
Justin Rose is one to watch.

Fabian Gomez
Relishing a practice round with former Masters champion Angel Cabrera
This is a tournament every golfer
dreams of playing in. When you watch
it on TV, you imagine yourself playing
it at some point in your career.
I remember watching Tiger in his
Masters heyday – he was something
special. He was always my idol and
I watched him closely to see how he
played the course. I will never forget
his amazing chip-in from the back of
the 16th green.
I want to get to Augusta in good
condition, mentally and physically,
and not arrive tired. The idea is to get
there a few days in advance and play
some practice holes on Sunday.
I think my game could suit the course
and I have the chance to play well. My
first goal is to make the cut and then
we will go from there.
Sure, I will have a few nerves on
the 1st tee, but not too much. I am
expecting a lot of support – as soon
as I won in Memphis, I got lots of
His CV...
Born: October
27, 1978.
Nationality:
Argentinian.
Career
highlights:
Won his first PGA
Tour title – the
FedEx St Jude
Classic – last year.
Claimed January’s
Sony Open in
Hawaii, beating
Brandt Snedeker in
a play-off.
Best Major
performance:
Only previous
Major appearance
in last year’s US
PGA Championship
(missed cut).
requests for tickets! We have rented
three houses for the week for about
20 to 25 family members and friends.
As for individual holes, I know 18 and
the way you have to play it. I can think
of 15 before the par 3 over the water,
as well as number nine. We have
already arranged a practice round
with Angel Cabrera on Tuesday and I’ll
watch closely to see how he plays the
holes, because he has played the
course so many times – and won.
More than anything, you have to be
really focused – you can’t afford to get
too emotional. My aim is to play well
and enjoy what is going to be a great
experience for me. Hopefully I can
secure a place in next year’s event.
Rory has to be one of the favourites
along with Jordan Spieth after the way
he played last year. But I think that
Cabrera always has a chance – it’s a
special week for him and he feels so
comfortable on the course.
‘Being my first
Masters, my aim
is to play well
and enjoy what
will be a great
experience
for me’
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 342 59

Russell Knox
Why he needs to hatch an Augusta masterplan, and how Sandy Lyle can help
I can’t wait. This is the dream of every
golfer. I’ve never been to Augusta,
never set foot in the grounds before,
though I did go in late February for a
practice round, with my dad. I’ll be
looking to retain plenty of information
about where you can and can’t miss.
I remember watching Tiger Woods
destroying everyone in 1997. I was 12
at the time and had a poster on my
bedroom wall containing all the records
he broke. He got me interested in golf
and has been my chief source of
inspiration over the years.
The whole experience should be
fantastic from driving up Magnolia
Lane, playing in the practice round and
possibly the Par-3 competition. I’ll
probably be a bag of nerves on the 1st
tee, but that’s what it’s all about – it’s
a new experience and you’ve got to
challenge yourself. It won’t be easy but
you’ve got to find a way to enjoy it.
You’ve got to enjoy and embrace
moments like this.
His CV...
Born: June 21,
1985 in Inverness.
Nationality:
Scottish.
Career highlights:
Clinched his
Augusta spot
after claiming the
2015 WGC-HSBC
Champions by two
strokes from Kevin
Kisner for his first
PGA Tour win.
Best Major
performance:
T45 in 2013
US Open.
Hopefully I’ll get a practice round in
with former Masters winner and fellow
Jacksonville resident Sandy Lyle and
I’ve already taken on board some
advice from good friend Roberto
Castro, who has played in four Masters.
He’s told me to go for it and not to play
too safe. Generally speaking, he says,
good shots are rewarded and usually
that means aiming straight at the pin.
Unfortunately I can’t pound it 320
yards off the tee so I have to come up
with different answers. It will come
down to keeping the ball in play off the
tee, and my approach shots – so much
depends on how close you can get your
second shots to the pin. If I don’t win,
I’d love to see Sergio Garcia win his
first Major. I’ve played with him a
couple of times recently and he’s
a great guy.
Making the cut is always the No.1 goal
– playing four days is always better
than two. Anything else would be a
bonus. I know not too many first-timers
do well there, but at the same time if
you’re playing well you can get some
momentum going and score well. I feel
I know the course quite a bit from
watching it on TV all my life!
I’ll probably prepare slightly differently
to a normal tournament and probably
won’t play all three days beforehand –
I think you’ve got to pace yourself and
that rest is better than over-practising.
A good number of family and friends –
as many as I could get tickets for – will
be cheering me on. It was an easy sell!
‘Hopefully I’ll get
a practice round
in at Augusta
with former
Masters winner
Sandy Lyle’
60 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

David Lingmerth
How he can become the first Swedish champion
This is a dream come true. I’ve been
in golf a while now, but when golf
wasn’t everything I did, Augusta was
one of the few tournaments which got
my attention back home in Sweden.
It’s a dream I’ve been living with for
a long time so getting to go now is
going to be an incredible experience.
I’m from a small town in Sweden
(Tronas), and around Masters time
we’d always go on a golf camp with a
bunch of juniors to practise. We’d all
sit up at night to watch. That was
when I really got into it and when
Tiger dominated.
Being on the first tee will be
something I can’t compare to
anything else, even though I’ve played
in a few Majors. You can get nervous
in any event, especially if you’re not
prepared. So that’s the thing – I’ve
got to prepare well. I’m planning on
going to Augusta a couple of times
beforehand just to get the feel of
the place even though it won’t be
anything like tournament week.
However, if everything is new that
week I’m not going to feel as
comfortable as I could.
I’m excited about everything. A lot of
the crowd really enjoy going to the
practice rounds because the players
are relaxed and like to have fun.
I want to try everything, including
the Par-3 competition. I’m going
there with high hopes of playing well.
‘I like to cut the
ball. I’ve got the
feeling I’ll need
to work a bit of a
draw that week’
His CV...
Born: July 22, 1987.
Nationality:
Swedish.
Career
highlights: T2
in 2013 Players
Championship,
won the 2015
Memorial
Tournament, 3rd in
last year’s Quicken
Loans National
and in January lost
to Jason Dufner
in a play-off for
the CareerBuilder
Challenge.
Best Major
performance:
T12, 2015 PGA.
If I do what I am supposed to do,
hopefully I’ll have a chance come
Sunday. But the competition doesn’t
get much tougher than Augusta, a
course that I gather a few years’
experience of playing definitely helps.
Coming in as a rookie is a great
challenge. A few guys have got close:
my buddy Jonas (Blixt) came second
and so did Jordan Spieth in his first
year. I’m up for the challenge though,
and ready to give it my best to
become the first Swede to win a
Major. We’re certainly getting
hungry for one.
I’ve had a little chat
with Robert Streb,
who played his first
Masters last year,
but haven’t yet
approached some
of the more
experienced guys.
Hopefully I’ll get a
few tips during
practice rounds from
players who have been
there and done it.
Putting is going to be huge,
usually where it’s won and
lost. All the slopes and how
fast they are is going to
take a lot of getting used to
so I’ve got to spend a lot of
time doing that. Also, I like
to cut the ball and I’ve got
the feeling I’ll need to work
a bit of a draw that week.
Amen Corner is something
special and it’s great you
can now see all the action
unfold on those holes via
apps. I especially look
forward to playing 12, 13,
15, 16… so many cool
holes on the back nine.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 342 61

Kevin Kisner
He may be set to make his debut, but he already knows Augusta intimately
I grew up 20 minutes from Augusta so
I’ve been there a bunch of times. I’ve
been lucky enough to go there and
experience a lot of previous Masters
tournaments as a spectator and hear
those crowd roars on a Sunday,
coming down the stretch. To have
that happen for something I do is
something I’ve always dreamt about.
Early Masters memories include seeing
Greg Norman collapsing in 1996 –
I was a big Norman fan – but my
earliest memories are going with my
friends to watch early in the afternoon
and eating a load of sandwiches… you
could buy four for 10 bucks! I recall
hanging out with the guys by the 16th
‘You’ve got to
control spin
going into the
greens with a
wedge to make
birdies’
green and betting on
who was going to hit it
the closest.
His CV...
Born:
February 15, 1984.
Nationality:
American.
Career highlights:
A four-time PGA
Tour runner-up in
2015 (he missed out
in three play-offs)
before sealing his
big breakthrough
win – the RSM
Classic in his 109th
PGA Tour start.
Best Major
performance:
T12, 2015 US Open.
everybody involved is made to feel so
special. I’ve got a couple of visits lined
up to work out a gameplan and I’m
going to rely on it a lot, going back to
my yardage book and looking on each
tee which club I want to hit to certain
pins. I know the course, having played
it about 12 times, but I want to find out
a lot more about around the greens.
I’m going there to win. I’m not there for
anything less and it’s important to get
through those first three holes on
Thursday and get off to a good start.
But it needs to play firm and fast for
me to have a chance and I need some
good roll on the fairways, giving me a
chance to get to some of the par 5s in
two. If that happens, I have a chance.
I know a member there who plays as a
spotter at the weekends and I’m going
to spend some time with him. I’m also
going to play with Zach Johnson the
week before: we have similar
games, are good buddies and,
being a former champion, he’ll
be a great source of advice.
In any tournament you have to
putt well and that’s a huge
factor, especially at Augusta.
But equally important is hitting your
numbers with your wedges – we saw
that with Zach when he won. You’ve got
to be able to control your spin going
into the greens with a wedge because
they’re the holes you have to make
birdie on. So I’m going to focus a lot on
my wedge game and hitting numbers.
I’m aware that only three rookies have
won the Masters... so let’s make it four!
I understand the course, so just getting
over the fear of the week is going to be
key for me. I’ve just got to focus on
what I’ve got to do and hopefully have
some fun on Sunday. Bubba (Watson)
could again be the man to beat; the
way he curves it off the tee is a perfect
fit for him.
I don’t usually get nervous, but I think
I’ll be nervous on that 1st tee on the
Thursday. But I’ve got a gameplan for
where I need to hit it – keep it left no
matter how nervous I am! Having
grown up 20 minutes away I’ll have a
ton of people rooting for me and I’m
looking forward to having my brother
caddie for me in the Par-3 contest. This
will be the highlight for my mum.
I like a lot of the holes because many
are right-to-left and I hit a good draw.
I think 13 is a great hole, a big riskreward
off the tee and even if you’re
well down there on the fairway the
second shot is still way harder than
most people realise from TV.
The Masters is so special because of
the history of the club and the course,
plus it’s looked after so well. It’s a small
field for a Major and I gather
62 ISSUE 342 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

How well
do you know
the Masters?
Test your Augusta knowledge against five PGA
Tour stars who’ve played in the tournament
WORDS KEVIN BROWN PICTURES GETTY IMAGES
WE ASKED...
David Toms
Age: 49
Nationality: American
Career highlights: 13
PGA Tour wins including
2001 US PGA
Best Masters finish:
T6, 1998
Charley Hoffman
Age: 39
Nationality: American
Career highlights: Three
PGA Tour wins, most
recently in 2014
Best Masters finish:
T9, 2015
Daniel Berger
Age: 22
Nationality: American
Career highlights: 2015
PGA Tour Rookie
of the Year
Best Masters finish:
Making debut this year
Steven Bowditch
Age: 32
Nationality: Australian
Career highlights: Seven
pro wins including two
on PGA Tour
Best Masters finish:
26th, 2014
Ricky Barnes
Age: 35
Nationality: American
Career highlights: Won
2002 US Amateur,
T2 in 2009 US Open
Best Masters finish:
T10, 2010

QUESTION RATING EASY MEDIUM HARD
1. Who is the defending
Masters champion?
DT: Bubba Watson… no, wait...
Jordan Spieth.
DB: (quick-as-a-flash) Jordan Spieth.
CH: (immediately) Jordan Spieth.
SB: Oh, Jordan Spieth.
RB: Who won the US Open. Got it…
Jordan Spieth.
2. How many times did
Nicklaus win at Augusta?
DT: Five. Is that close? It must have
been four. It’s four or five...
DB: Five. Is that right? It’s a bit of a
guess to be honest.
CH: Five, but I’m not too sure.
SB: Six. That right?
RB: I’m going to go with five Green
Jackets for Jack.
3. Who hit the ‘shot
heard around the
world’ when he holed a 235-yard
4-wood at the 15th in 1935?
DT: Gene Sarazen or Roberto de
Vicenzo. I’ll go for Sarazen. It was
a bit before my time! That’s an
excellent hit by the way!
Squire on fire
Sarazen put the
Masters on the
map in 1935.
DB: If it wasn’t so long ago I would
say Tiger Woods’ chip on the 16th.
But before that I couldn’t really tell
you – I didn’t watch that much of
Augusta.
CH: I’m not great on my Masters
history, so I’m not fancying my
chances of winning this particular
contest. Not a clue.
SB: Tiger Woods? Or was it before
then? Arnie Palmer maybe? Well, at
least I tried.
RB: I know the baseball version was
Food for thought
Fuzzy Zoeller was
the first rookie
to win a Masters
– but did he serve
elk at his dinner?
‘Jeez, and I only
had dinner
with him on the
Sunday night
when he won,
though we didn’t
tuck into elk!’
a National League-winning home
run by New York Giants’ Bobby
Thomson in the early 1950s. Not
sure about at Augusta, though.
Was it Bubba?
4. Augusta National
was designed by…
DT: Bobby Jones, I guess. That
close enough? Did he do it
with AW Tillinghast? I don’t
really know...
DB: I have absolutely no idea
– and if you promised me a
million dollars to figure it out
it wouldn’t change anything!
64 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Famous shot
But Tiger’s 2005
chip-in wasn’t the
one heard around
the world, Daniel.
CH: I’ll go for Bobby Jones, but I
don’t know whether he was assisted
by anybody else.
SB: Alister MacKenzie along with
Bobby Jones.
RB: Was it MacKenzie?
5. Who beat Greg Norman
(above) in the 1987 playoff
when he chipped in on the 11th?
DT: That’s got to be Larry Mize. I can
still see him dancing around the
green in celebration.
DB: Gosh, I couldn’t tell you. (TG
reveals the answer). I would never
have got that.
CH: (straight away) Larry Mize.
SB: Larry Mize (before we’d even
completed the question).
RB: I know, but can’t remember the
name of that guy who was running
around all over the place after holing
it. Yes, I can… Mize.
Mike Weir? Was it Canadian elk?
DB: I would say Greg Norman, but
I don’t know.
CH: I need a smart-ass answer, but
I’ve never been to a Champions’
Dinner so I don’t know.
SB: Not a clue. Was it in the 1990s?
I’m trying to think of the nationality
of the player so I think you’ve got me
on this one. For some reason, I’m
thinking of South African players.
RB: Oh, gosh! You’ve stumped me on
this one so I’m going to have to say
Fuzzy (Zoeller). Who was it? (Reveal
answer) Jeez, and I only had dinner
with him on the Sunday night when
he won – though we didn’t tuck into
elk!
7. Australia has only had one
Masters winner. Name him.
DT: Hang on, I’ve got to think for a
second. Was it modern-day? I’m
determined to get this. Adam Scott.
DB: (straight away) Adam Scott.
CH: (immediately) Adam Scott.
SB: No problem, my fellow
countryman Adam Scott. That’s the
easiest point of them all.
RB: Adam Scott. That should double
my points tally!
8. Who was the first
foreign Masters winner?
DT: (brief pause) Gary Player.
DB: I couldn’t tell you... Gary Player.
CH: Was it Seve Ballesteros?
SB: (long pause). Gary Player.
RB: It would have to be somebody
way before... I’ll say Seve.
9. First ever Masters
winner was…
DT: Doug Ford? Gene Sarazen?
I don’t really know...
DB: No clue whatsoever.
CH: Not too sure, so I’ll have a stab
at Bobby Jones.
SB: You’ve got me on this one too.
Can’t even hazard a guess.
RB: No idea. I’m struggling to throw
you a name. Give me a clue!
10. Which famous tree was
recently removed from the
17th hole because it was damaged
by a freak snowstorm?
DT: (straight away) The Eisenhower
tree. How was that? Not too bad
overall, but probably room for
improvement.
DB: No idea. I think I’ve had a bit of a
shocker with those questions!
CH: (so quick we didn’t even
complete the question). Eisenhower.
SB: Eisenhower.
RB: Was it called the MacKenzie tree
or something like that? Wait, what
am I talking about... it was the
Eisenhower tree.
First foreign winner?
Two of our players
plumped for Seve.
THE ANSWERS
1 Jordan Spieth
2 Six
3 Gene Sarazen
4 Jones and
MacKenzie
5 Larry Mize
6 Mike Weir
7 Adam Scott
8 Gary Player
9 Horton Smith
10 Eisenhower
THE RESULTS
Is your Masters
knowledge
better than the
players who
actually battle it
out for the
coveted Green
Jacket? Well, if
you scored more
than 12 points
you’ve managed
to put one over
the pros!
Congrats to
former PGA
Championship
winner and nice
guy David Toms,
who won our
Masters quiz on
countback after
registering the
only correct
three-pointer,
enabling him to
edge ahead of
Steven
Bowditch.
1st David Toms
12 pts (play-off)
2nd Steven
Bowditch 12 pts
3rd Ricky
Barnes 7 pts
4th Charley
Hoffman 7 pts
5th Daniel
Berger 4 pts
6. Who put elk on
their Champions’
Dinner menu?
DT: Was it Craig Stadler? I don’t
know, that really is a tough one. Oh,
GET TOTAL
MASTERS
COVERAGE AT
WWW.TODAYS
GOLFER.CO.UK
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 65

The recipe for success
Drive it like Rory, shape it like Bubba, chip like Phil and hole out like
Jordan. Here’s Brandel Chamblee’s guide to winning around Augusta
randel Chamblee is the voice of
B
golf on the other side of the Atlantic,
a former PGA Tour player who is
one of the most analytical and authoritative
pundits around. He says it as he sees it and
though he frequently upsets players with his
down-the-line comments, he always stands
by them. And he’s usually right. Chamblee
has been giving his opinions on TV since his
last full season on the PGA Tour in 2003
and though he only made one Masters
appearance (1999), he’s been there many
times for the Golf Channel. He knows exactly
what it takes to conquer Augusta National...
Use your brain...
like Tiger Woods
You have to have a lot of
intelligence here. If you look at
players who have won the most
Masters, Jack Nicklaus was a
very conservative player, as was
Tiger Woods. Seve Ballesteros
and Phil Mickelson are both
aggressive players, yet had
phenomenal short games. You
have to know when to go for it
and when not to. You have to
be very smart.
BY BRANDEL
CHAMBLEE
GOLF CHANNEL
ANALYST
Be ready for anything...
The reason Augusta National
peaks the interest of the players –
besides being beautiful – is that it
always has you on the edge. You
get up on the first tee and you
know you’ve got to cut it, ideally
around the fairway bunker. So
you’re challenged and you have to
absolutely hit a shot. Once you’ve
pulled it off, you get to your ball
and you need to hit a high, soft
draw to the right centre of that
green. And you want to hit it
below the hole, because if you
don’t you’ve got an incredibly
difficult putt. If you get out
of position at all, things
can get very
complicated.
Brandel is an
ambassador for
Scottsdale golf. Visit
www.experience
scottsdalegolf.com
Shape it both ways... like Bubba
Every tee shot asks you to work the ball
into the prime place to hit your second.
It’s critical you hit your tee shots right-toleft
and you need to be able to hit your
iron shots high and from left-to-right.
Take the 13th – you need to draw it
around the corner, and the more you
draw it the more likely you’re going to
have a flat lie. And from that flat lie the
green is asking you to hit a high cut.
There are so many holes like that at
Augusta where you have to be able to
work the ball in both directions.
There can be no weakness...
like Rory McIlroy
Lee Westwood is a tremendous player
and I have great respect for him. But
he has spent his career with a
mediocre chipping game and that
affects how aggressive a player plays.
If you’re not a great chipper, you’re
going to play more conservatively to
the green. And I’d say Lee, easily good
enough to win a Major, has been
handicapped by that. It makes him a
little more conservative with his iron
play and his woods into the par 5s.
And that hinders him – a shot here, a
shot there and in the end he’s in fifth
place instead of coming out on top.
66 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Don’t go left... like Ben Hogan
You can’t win at Augusta by missing left. Think about it – if you miss it to
the left on No.1 it’s dead; two it’s dead; five it’s dead, seven, eight and nine
– all dead – plus 10, 13, 16… absolutely dead! Ben Hogan didn’t win at
Augusta until 1951 when he had cured that hook of his. If you stand up on
two and 13 and you know you’re going to miss it left, it’s not the hook that
kills you, it’s the fear of the hook. So you play more conservatively, but
you’ve got to be aggressive in the places you need to be aggressive. You’ve
got to cut the corners at two and 13; hit it down the right side at 15; draw it
round the corner at 9 and 10; drive it down the right at 11. Augusta asks so
many questions and you’ve got to come up with the answers…
HOW
IS NOW?
Get up and down...
like Phil Mickelson
You have to have absolute brains
around the greens. I played with
Jose Maria Olazabal the first two
days when he won it in 1999 and
I think he only hit two greens in
regulation on the front nine on
Thursday, yet turned in one or
two under! He hit the most
amazing chip shots you’ve ever
seen. He was a magician – so
was Seve, and Tiger. You have
to be imaginative around the
greens and then you have to be
one of the greatest putters of
your generation to succeed…
Hole out...
like Jordan Spieth
Some would say Nicklaus was
the greatest putter of all-time
and he won at Augusta six times.
Some would say Tiger is the
greatest putter ever and he won
there four times. When Arnie
(Palmer) lost his putter he never
won a Major Championship, he
never won at Augusta after 1964.
Tom Watson started struggling
with his putting in the mid-80s
and he never won there after
1981. You cannot lose that part of
the game. Ray Floyd never lost it
and he almost won there when
he was 49, while Jack of course
won at 46. Putting is huge.
Nothing left to chance.
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a range of up to 500m (550 yards) drives your game forward.
Quit the guesswork. Keep focused.
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The course that
inspired Augusta
(and you can play here for £20)
Before he designed the world’s most famous course, Alister
MacKenzie cut his teeth at Cavendish GC... in Derbyshire
WORDS JONATHAN GAUNT, KEVIN BROWN PICTURES BOB ATKINS, GETTY IMAGES, CAVENDISH GC

very golfer knows about Augusta
E National, the most famous course on
earth. But few are aware of humble
Cavendish in Derbyshire – the course that
inspired the Georgia track.
Both were the handiwork of eminent architect
Dr Alister MacKenzie and current course
designer Jonathan Gaunt has been researching
how the game’s most famous course was born
– in the Peak District.
MacKenzie created Cavendish in 1924, eight
years before Augusta National, and though on
the face of it the two courses are chalk and
cheese, Gaunt has found strong and clear links
between the two layouts. He told TG: “Cavendish
had quite a bit of influence on the making of
Augusta National. The influence of MacKenzie’s
entire body of work inevitably fed into the design
of Augusta, but Cavendish particularly has a
presence there, with its relatively wide and
sloping fairways, carefully and strategicallyplaced
bunkers, meandering water hazards and
dangerous greens.
“Augusta has been developed over the years
with many changes and improvements made to
accommodate the modern pro and present the
course in all its glory to millions on TV.
“However, so much of what golfers love about
Augusta can be found at Cavendish, almost
untouched for 90 years – and still a challenge.
As the younger, glossier, more camera-ready
sibling of Cavendish, Augusta’s design ancestry
is still clearly visible, affirming that despite all
the changes, MacKenzie and his collaborators’
design intentions were good and strong.”
Gaunt now specialises in modernising
courses originally designed by MacKenzie, and
here he explains why a virtually unknown
Derbyshire course was the forerunner to one of
the world’s most revered layouts. Of course
there is one significant difference between the
two courses: you can’t get a game at Augusta
National for love nor money while you can play
Cavendish for just over £20!
The highs and lows
“When first considering the site at Augusta,
which at the time was a fruit farm, MacKenzie ➔
➔

Look familiar?
The 7th hole at
Cavendish in 1927
and the 18th tee at
Augusta (below).
Inspiration?
The bumps and borrows
on Cavendish’s greens
bare similarities to many
at Augusta (inset).
will have noted the significant elevation
changes in the topography, very reminiscent of
the site at Cavendish – compare holes one and
10 at Augusta with holes 11 and 16 at Cavendish
(both with about 150ft difference in elevation).
The clever layout of Cavendish plays over
undulating moorland terrain with deep ravines,
valleys, hollows, raised plateaux, incised rivers
and challenging side slopes. MacKenzie used
the equally dramatic topography at Augusta
to his advantage, routing the holes to traverse
the contours in a careful and incisive design,
to offer a not-too-strenuous yet still
challenging game.”
Raised targets
“MacKenzie took advantage of the raised
platforms and side slopes on both courses as
dramatic green positions. The best examples of
this at Augusta are probably the 3rd, 9th and
14th greens. Of the number of raised greens at
Cavendish, five and 14 in particular have strong
similarities with Augusta’s 9th green with their
‘false fronts,’ designed to repel all but the most
perfectly struck shot.”
Sloping greens
“It’s not just all the above that illustrates the
relationship – it is also the contouring, for which
MacKenzie was renowned. Some of Augusta’s
greens were considered so difficult they were
modified by Perry Maxwell later in the 1930s,
soon after they were built. Ultimately all the
greens at Augusta have been modified since
due to the demands of tournament golf, but to
get an idea of MacKenzie’s original contouring
at Augusta, you really have to go to Cavendish.
The contoured greens here are renowned for
both their severity and their subtlety. In terms of
HOW THE TWO COMPARE
Cavendish GC, Derbyshire
Par 68, 5,721 yards
Members: About 350 (one in five retired)
Why it’s special: Short-but-sweet Peak
District gem, wholly natural where little has
changed in 90 years.
Green fees: £20-£30.
Details: www.cavendishgolfclub.com
Augusta National, Georgia, USA
Par 72, 7,445 yards
Members: Around 300 including Bill Gates
(one in five are billionaires)
Why it’s special: It’s arguably the world’s
most famous golf course.
Green fees: Don’t be silly.
Details: www.augusta.com
severity, the slopes and undulations mean they
can barely be allowed to read higher than nine
on the stimpmeter, especially in summer.
However, this is the course’s main defence, as
it’s relatively short at under 5,900 yards from
the back tees (with only one par 5).
Interestingly, Augusta was only 6,300 yards
from the back tees when it first opened.”
Strategy required
“On both courses, you have to be highly aware
of the placement of the tee shot, and – on the
longer holes – of the approach shot, because of
the limitations these elements place on their
lines of approach. The fairways may be quite
wide, but it doesn’t mean golfers can be
careless about where to put the ball. Players
are frequently enticed into a wrong decision,
discovering that some greens just cannot be
approached from certain angles. Elements of
doubt prevail on every hole.”
Useful bunkering
“No shiny white sand at Cavendish and the
bunkers are not large and sprawling, but small
and deep (to keep the sand in them on windy
days). There are 52 of them compared to
Augusta’s 22 – it had even fewer when it
opened – but each one has an important
purpose and not one is placed purely for
70 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

A LITTLE PIECE OF DERBYSHIRE... IN GEORGIA
4th hole: There are elevated tee-shots on both the 4th and 9th holes at Cavendish – par 3s
playing over deep valleys, like 4, 6 and 12 at Augusta. The effect of the trees at Cavendish
causes eddies and swirls that can make a two or three-club difference –just like Augusta.
7th hole: The ‘bump and run’ shot was encouraged on holes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 14 and 17 at Augusta
from the outset and this is the case on Cavendish’s 7th, with a raised green and a sloping
approach that must be skilfully played to gain the best advantage.
’To get an idea of
MacKenzie’s original
green contouring at
Augusta, you really
must go to Cavendish’
ornament. Some bunkers obscure the front
third or more of the green, making club
selection difficult, and foreshortening views into
the green – a trick that MacKenzie drew from
his observations on the battlefields of the Boer
and First World Wars.”
The setting
“Cavendish was built on open moorland, which
is usually quite windswept, playing much like
a links course, with pure fescue fairways and
slick, bouncy approaches and green surrounds.
Today, following extensive planting of native
deciduous trees through Forestry Commission
grants in the 1990s, the setting of the course
has become more parkland in style. This has
altered its character over the years, so that it
now looks more like an arboretum – a nice
echo of the original nature of the fruit nursery
site at Augusta National.”
8th hole: A bunker obscures the front third of this green, a key that MacKenzie picks up on
again at Augusta: the relationship of a fairway bunker, or an approach bunker to the green,
when seen from the tee or fairway, often confounds the judgement of distances.
10th & 11th holes: The 10th and 11th holes at Cavendish, considered by Tom Doak to be two
of the best par 4s in golf, play alongside the River Wye, which meanders as it flows across the
approaches of both holes. Through Amen Corner, Rae’s Creek does exactly the same thing.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 71

’Padraig and
myself spend
a lot of time
together
chipping against
each other for
$50 a time’

10 RULES
Shane Lowry on...
Short game
Even his peers on Tour admit the likeable Irishman has ‘magic hands’
with a wedge, so his advice on getting up and down is worth listening to
WORDS KEVIN BROWN PICTURES BOB ATKINS, GETTY IMAGES
hane Lowry has broken into the top
S 25 in the world – and his silky short
game has played a key role in his
meteoric rise (along with three European Tour
victories and a WGC title). He’s a magician
around the greens and his uncanny ability to
get up and down from the most awkward of
situations makes him the envy of many of his
peers. His skills with a wedge even earned him
2015 Shot of the Year on the European Tour,
where he carved a shot through the trees to set
up his Bridgestone win. However, Lowry admits
his technique isn’t the best and stresses that
only constant practice turned him into the man
with the golden touch.
1Make sure you put the time and effort in.
There’s just no substitute for that. I spent a
lot of time around the greens chipping when
I was a kid and I think that’s where I’ve got my
good short game from. I still spend a lot of
time on it – and I love doing it – and you can’t
beat that.
2Good technique is not the be-all-and-endall.
I’m not a great technical player, I never
have been. As I say, I spend a lot of time on the
chipping green and make sure I put the time
in. Obviously you need a decent technique, but
with repetition you can have an imperfect one
and still teach yourself to successfully and
consistently get up and down.
3Variety is definitely the spice of this
part of golfing life. I like trying different
stuff and shots and my good friend Padraig
Harrington is just the same. You could stand
there with a bag of balls and hit 100 chip
shots in a row, but you need to vary it up
and hit a variety of shots, including the
hardest up and downs you can find, and
keep doing it until you’ve mastered them all.
Keep doing that and you’ll be suitably
rewarded on the course.
4Keep it fun… but competitive. Padraig
and myself spend a lot of time together
chipping against each other for $50 a time.
You can’t substitute that. It means
something and it really sharpens you up.
The first to 10 (closest to the hole) wins and
we’re about 50-50 at the moment. You
might win 10-nil, but nobody has done that
so far. You need to enjoy it and you can do
this with one or two of your friends. Another
fun game is where you have nine holes and
try and achieve nine up and downs with
three hard, three medium and three easy
shots. I’d aim for one or two over.
5Work on your weaknesses. Padraig
might say he wants to work on
50-yarders that week so we’ll have a few of
those. Currently I feel that my neutral and
my draw chip shots are quite good, but I feel
I struggle to cut one into a back right flag
from 20-30 yards and this is something I’m
working on now. I’m hitting chips with my
pitching wedge because there’s less loft
on it, meaning you have to cut it a little
bit more.
6Have a favourite yardage. The
key is knowing exactly how far
you hit your wedges: my favourite
yardage would be a 110-yarder and
I’ll probably hit that pin high nine
times out of 10 and once you hit it
pin high, you’re always going to
have a chance of making it.
7 Playing in from 50-60 yards, you
see a lot of amateurs make a long
swing and decelerate and end up either
duffing or thinning it. You should have
a short swing with a lot of speed,
taking the club back to nine o’clock
and driving through it. That’s where
you create your spin from.
8In greenside bunkers, you’ve got to pick a
landing area. You see a lot of amateurs
trying to lift the ball in the air, but you’ve got to
focus on getting your weight on the left side
and aiming a little bit square at the target. You
see guys aiming too far left and chopping
across the ball, which leads to an inconsistent
strike. Square up your stance, weight on your
left side and go from there.
9Sometimes, you’ve just got to take your
medicine. I see a lot of amateurs
dropping shots going for the career shot
when even I’d be very happy to get the ball
within 10ft – you’ve got to be realistic. For
amateurs, get it within 20ft and you’ve got a
chance of a putt. You don’t have to try and
hole every shot around the green – you need
to give yourself the best chance of holing the
putt, so look at where you want to leave
yourself and take into account whether it’s
likely to be an uphill or downhill putt. You
have to be smart about it.
10
Finally, be a master on the greens.
Look at the best putters around
such as Jordan Spieth, who’s ball-striking
consistency is second to none. I know he
spends so much time on the
putting greens. I’ve got a
practice drill where I use a
temporary chalk line and
putt for 10 minutes on that
a day, aiming to hole every
putt for 10 minutes. I feel
if I can hole a straight
10-footer I can hole most
putts. There are many
different putting strokes –
Spieth and Brandt Snedeker
both have quick strokes – so
you just need to find a stroke
that works for you and stick
with it.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346
73

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Familiar?
You can see
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oday’s Golfer has teamed up with
T
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COVER STORY
SO WHAT
ACTUALLY IS
A SLICE?
PAGE 76
KEY SLICE-
KILLING TIPS
& DRILLS
PAGE 77
GEAR TO
TAME YOUR
SLICE
PAGE 81
GET THE
SLICE OUT OF
YOUR HEAD
PAGE 85
TG’s definitive guide to curing golf’s
most hated shot... once and for all!
WORDS DUNCAN N LENNARD N PICTURES BOB B ATKINS

hile it may be true that 71% of all
W
stats are made up, the one that no
one refutes is that somewhere
between 85%-90% of all golfers suffer with a
slice. If the shank is the game’s most feared
shot, the slice is surely its most hated.
Why the slice is so common is an
interesting story in itself – but nowhere near
as interesting as the one that involves how to
cure it, and that‘s the one we tell here. Experts
in the swing, technology, the mind and
equipment join forces in a four-pronged
assault on the slice, before their theories are
applied to three TG readers who told us the
shot had them at their wits’ end. Their results
will show you that the slice is not as stubborn
as you might have thought. With the right
advice it can be beaten – and it starts here.
TECHNOLOGY TRACKMAN DISSECTS YOUR SLICE
The first step to
curing the slice is
understanding it.
TrackMan Master
Gary Nicol explains
what launch
monitor analysis
has revealed.
“A slice is a golf shot that
curves strongly from left to right
(for right-handed golfers). We
used to describe a slice as having
excessive left-to-right sidespin.
However, according to TrackMan,
the industry leader in swing and
ballflight tracking and analysis,
sidespin is much better
represented as a tilting of the
backspin axis.
“Imagine an aeroplane’s wings
during flight. When the wings are
parallel to the ground, the plane
will fly straight ahead. Tilt the
right wing down and the plane will
start to turn to the right, very
much like a sliced golf ball.
“This tilting of the ball’s
backspin is caused by the
clubface being open to the swing
path at impact. The greater the
difference between face and
path, the more severe the spin
axis… and ultimately the
curvature of the shot. There are
basically three types of slice,
which can all be understood by
the phrase ‘The face sends it and
the path bends it’.
The pull slice
The ball starts left of your target,
then takes a strong right turn and
finishes right of where you want it
to. The pull-slice happens when,
at impact, the clubface is pointing
left of your intended target and
your swing path is travelling even
further to the left.
The straight slice
The ball starts straight, then
curves to the right at some point
in its flight. This occurs when the
clubface is pointing at your target
at impact but the swing path is
travelling to the left of that.
The push slice
The ball starts right of target due
to the clubface pointing right,
while the swing path is travelling
to the left of where the face is
pointing at impact. So the slice
you have will be dictated by face
and path. Rather than guess what
is creating your slice, find yourself
a good coach with a TrackMan.
THE GEAR-EFFECT SLICE
There is one anomaly to “the face sends
it and the path bends it” – and that’s
when you strike the ball out of the heel of
the club.
When the ball is struck towards the heel,
that part of the club slows down due to the
collision. This causes the toe of the club to
turn over and the ball to spin across the
clubface towards the centre of gravity or
sweetspot.
This is known as gear effect. It is
exaggerated with a driver due to the fact it
has bulge and roll – horizontal and vertical
curvature of the clubface. Whatever the face
and path are doing, heel strikes will cause
the ball to cut.
76 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

TECHNIQUE
SLICE CURES
FROM SET-UP
TO IMPACT
Whichever slice you
have, TG Top 50 coach
Chris Ryan reveals
the faults that go
into creating it
ADDRESS: POSTURE
SET UP FOR ROTATION
To beat the slice, it’s important your
address position is both square to your
target while also encouraging core rotation.
When your body rotates, you are able to
create more of an in-to-in feel in your action
– a shape that helps you attack the ball
powerfully from the inside.
COVER STORY
Avoid this
The biggest contributor to open
shoulders is your spine angle at
set-up. When the spine is
vertical, or even leaning a little
forward, your trail hand has to
reach around and forward to grip
the club – and that opens the
shoulders. Ball position off the
lead toe cap is too far forward,
also encouraging out-to-in.
Shoulder aim
Your shoulder aim at
address has a strong
influence on your swing
path; if your shoulders
aim left (right-handers),
the club will follow it and
you will need to open the
face to cut the ball back –
the foundation of a slice.
Drop your
shoulder
To encourage square
shoulders at set-up,
drop your lead shoulder
to ensure your upper
body develops this
slight ‘leant-away’ look.
Use your driver to help
you, pinning it down
your centre line and
angling the head back
to point at the ball.
ADDRESS: GRIP
FAVOUR SQUARE
TO NEUTRAL
Your hands will tend to return to
their natural hanging position
through the ball, turned slightly
in, so it’s important you set them
on the club like that. A weak
gloved hand grip – palm creeping
under – will tend to open the face
at impact. Here’s how to check,
and what to do about it.
Avoid this
A weak grip – gloved
hand more under the
grip, trail hand more on
top of it – will encourage
an open face, and a slice.
Test your hand position
by taking your grip with
one hand, and squeezing
a tee peg between
thumb and forefinger
with the other. If it points
forwards at all, your grip
needs a tweak.
Tee this
Ideally we need to see
the tee peg pointing in
line with the shaft… or
even slightly behind
it. This position works
for either hand. Work
on orienting your
hand position on the
club – gloved hand
more over, trail hand
more under – until
the peg finds this
position. ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 77

BACKSWING
CREATE MORE ROTATION
A more rounded feel to your backswing – in
which the hands get ‘deeper’ or more behind
you – will make it easier for you to attack the
ball from the inside.
Grip to stomach
Swing back with your trail
hand only. As you turn,
feel the club move back
in tandem with your trunk
rotation; as long as the
butt remains against your
stomach, you’ll achieve
this. Turn until the
clubhead points down at
the second ball.
On plane at the top
Work on this drill and you will
begin to feel a more rotational
backswing move that puts the
club more behind you at the top.
With your hands and arms in this
‘deeper’ position, you’ll find it
much easier to attack the ball
from the inside on the way down.
Feel the rotation
This drill helps you feel
how the rotation of the
body contributes to the
movement of the club in
keeping it on an effective,
neutral swing path. Use
your arms alone and you
will always steepen the
plane, promoting a slice.
Connect the
club to the body
For a better backswing
rotation, place a second
ball some 3ft behind
your object ball, and a
club’s grip inside it. Grip
the club with your gloved
hand only, and down onto
the shaft so the butt fits
against your navel.
Avoid this!
This image shows a typical slicer
position at the top. Instead of
engaging the shoulders and hips
to create a more rotational
backswing, the hands and arms
have simply lifted the club to the
top. This takes the club outside
its ideal plane of movement,
setting up an out-to-in, slicing
attack on the ball.
78 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

COVER STORY
FIRST MOVE DOWN
FIND THE ‘SLOT’
This is where so many slices
take shape. Here are two of
the most common moves, one
for path and one for face…
and what to do about them.
Avoid this!!
Focus on the position of
my gloved-hand wrist.
Note how it is cupped,
the badge facing the sky.
This is quite a comfortable
position for the wrist to
find on the way down, but
it has a direct influence
on the position of the
clubface; as you can see,
the face points to the sky,
a wide-open position that
leads to a slice.
Bowed, not cupped
Instead, work on a feeling
of arching or bowing the
wrist as your hands swing
past the hips. This squares
the face, as you can see
by the way it now faces
downwards, parallel to
my spine angle. This cure
is arguably more useful
to golfers who hit a push
slice, a shot that reveals
the face itself is wide
open at impact.
Avoid this!
This classic over-the-top move
happens for a range of reasons
from an underactive lower body
to an external rotation of the right
arm, the elbow moving away
from the hip. Hold the club at the
bottom of the grip and swing to
this position; if the butt points to
your feet, you’re over the top.
Butt to ball
To find an improved start to the
downswing that puts the club on
a better path, try another swing
with your hands in the same
position. Hold the position with
your hands at hip height. Work
on pointing the butt of the club
outwards, to the ball. To achieve
this you’ll need to keep your trail
elbow tucked in, by your hip, and
pointing downwards. ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 79

DELIVERY
HOW TO ‘FEEL’
THE INSIDE TRACK
I firmly believe that if you put most chronic
slicers into the correct delivery position, three
feet from the ball, it would feel too far from the
inside and wrong. It feels logical – and even
comfortable – to get the club behind the ball to
target line early to hit it up the line; but doing so
only causes you to cut across the ball. Here’s
how to feel the correct attack path.
1
2
Set-up: Balanced and neutral
Take your normal address and stance. Remember to drop that back
shoulder to help square your upper body. Play the ball opposite your
lead foot instep and feel your weight down through the middle of both
feet. Keep your spine extended.
Hinge the club in front of you
Leaving your hands and body where they are, simply hinge your wrists
to bring the clubhead vertically upwards, away from the ground. You’re
looking to create something approaching a right angle between your
arms and the shaft.
3
4
Find the perfect delivery position
Still with your hands in front of you, rotate your forearms to send the
clubhead away from the target. You may feel your hands rise slightly
as you do this; that’s fine. This is the perfect delivery position.
Rotate through the ball
From here, rotate your body to bring the club back to the ball. This moves
the club on an in-to-in arc, ideal for a straight shot or draw. Work on this
drill to close the gap between your out-to-in delivery and an inside attack.
80 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

COVER STORY
EQUIPMENT
GEAR UP TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR SLICE
The way you set up your equipment can make your slice worse… or take the sting
out of it. Top fitter Mark Pearson reveals how you can ensure it’s the latter…
Toed-in clubfaces
Many drivers are designed with the faces
looking left (right-handers), typically
by around 2º. 85% of people hit a
slice, and it’s not unreasonable to
estimate around 85% of drivers
are made toed-in. Manufacturers
don’t draw attention to this, possibly
because some golfers will find it
unpalatable to use a face that isn’t square.
With the bulge and roll on the face, a toedin
angle can be hard to see; but usually, if
you rest the sole on the ground you can tell
if it’s sat pointing to the left or square.
Toed-in faces work by minimising the
amount the golfer leaves the face open at
impact. They can lessen things to an extent,
but usually not as much
as offset. Just be
careful of toed-in
faces promising
a draw. They
can’t do that;
they can simply
moderate your slice,
ideally moving it
towards a soft fade.
Clubface offset
Offset describes a design in
which the leading edge of the
clubhead is set back from the shaft and
hosel. This gives the face a little extra time
to rotate and square up. In my experience
this has always been the most effective
design solution to a slice. The trouble is
that, at least as far as drivers are
concerned, offset clubheads aren’t great
looking and don’t seem popular; Ping
offered an offset G5, but subsequent G
ranges phased it out. Cobra offers one in its
MAX range (see page 90), but until they
sell better as drivers, the benefit of offset
will be felt more in your long irons.
Centre of gravity location
The ideal CG location for the slicer is back
and in the heel. Heel CG encourages the
face to rotate a little bit harder, while
moving it back adds loft to the face, which
helps launch – important as the slicer
typically hits down, delofting the face. On
any non-adjustable driver you’re thinking of
buying, ask your pro how its CG location
will help your slice.
The right shaft
As a rule, go softer, go lighter, go shorter.
A softer shaft will allow more kicking of the
head, which encourages more rotation to
take place. A lighter shaft tends to stop you
hitting at it as hard. You will make an
easier, more rhythmic swing, taking the
shoulders out and that often means a
squarer face. Finally the longer the club,
the more centrifugal force your swing
creates and the more the club naturally
wants to move over the top on
the way down. It takes more
effort to move a longer
club downward on the
way down, and this
is a big reason why
so many people
move the ball leftto-right.
With a
shorter shaft, you’ll
reduce the centrifugal
force, and the less of an
over-the-top action you will
tend to have.
Adjustability
The anti-slice driver setting sees weight
moved towards the heel and the face into a
3 READERS
FIXED
PAGE 82
closed or draw setting. If your driver will
allow it, also add a degree or two of loft.
The more loft you apply to the ball, the less
tilted its spin axis will be, and the less it will
spin offline. This won’t make a massive
difference in itself, but linked with other
things, it can help.
Lie angle
As the club becomes more upright, the
face looks further left (right-handers).
Some driver draw adjustability works like
this, affecting lie angle more than face
angle. Making the club too upright can
compromise contact, so ideally talk to a
fitter to find out to what extent changing
lie angle can help you.
Grip thickness
It’s often overlooked
by golfers, but a grip
that is too thick for
your hands will give
you a palmy hold.
That calms your hand
action and curbs
forearm rotation,
stopping you squaring the
face. It can be beneficial to
go thinner, to get the club
more in the fingers, but you
must ensure some comfort is
retained if you are to keep control
of the club.
Matt Pearson
has been a regular fixture in custom-fit expert KZG’s worldwide top 100 clubfitters. He now runs
Performance Fitting Centre at Waterton Park Golf Club, West Yorkshire. Visit www.watertonpark.org.uk/performancefitting
➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 81

REAL GOLFERS FIXED!
The vast majority of slicers suffer from the same problems. We took three TG
readers with chronic, savage slices to The Belfry to see what we could do to help
CASE STUDY #1 RUSSELL TUDGE, 13 HCP
“I’ve bought five drivers in seven years, but each one just seems to go flying off right!”
● Chris Ryan’s diagnosis: “Russell’s setup
and backswing weren’t too bad, but as
he started down the club quickly began to
move outside the ideal path, the shaft
angle steepening and becoming more
vertical. He began to feel weight move into
his toes. This is a very common slice
cause, and created by a problem with
concept. Golfers are aware of where the
ball and target are, and it feels rational to
send the club out behind the ball to hit it
up that line. In fact a neutral attack is much
more from the inside, and that is what we
need Russell to feel.”
● The cure: Chris began with a subtle setup
tweak, asking Russell to bump his hips
forward to create some backward upper
body lean. This gave him a squarer
address. From here he gave Russell a
simple ball-free drill, feeling the sole of the
driver bouncing the matt behind the tee
before skipping over it. “The low point of
Russell’s swing was holeside of the ball,”
Chris explained. “If we can move it behind
it, we’ll go a long way to straightening that
path.” But the main part of the cure was
retraining Russell’s right arm and shoulder.
“Russell’s shoulder internally rotates as he
starts down – that basically means the
elbow rises and the palm starts to look at
the ground. So we worked on reversing
that – creating an external rotation in
which the elbow points forwards, towards
the ball, for as long as possible and the
right palm faces the sky more.”
● Russell says: “Chris’ tips saw me halve
my start-line to the left with massively
reduced spin, which I am delighted with.
I found the initial bouncing drill great for
path; changing my right elbow position
took some getting used to, but I began
starting the ball right of target, which you
need for a draw. I struggled a bit more
when I tried to square the face up, and the
old out-to-in path returned to an extent. My
advice would be to work on path first, and
only move on to squaring the face when
you groove that new start line.”
We’re trying to create an external
rotation in which Russell’s right elbow
points forwards, towards the ball, for as
long as possible.
THE VITAL
STATISTICS
BEFORE Start line: 6.6 yards left Ball curvature: 26 yards to the right Sidespin: 1274rpm right
AFTER Start line: 4.0 yards left Ball curvature: One yard to the right Sidespin: 74rpm right
82 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

COVER STORY
CASE STUDY #2 IAN PREECE, 16 HCP
“I once put a ball through the windscreen of a moving van – 40 yards right of the fairway!”
● Chris Ryan’s diagnosis: “Ian actually
starts the ball very slightly right of target,
but it curves sharply to the right from there.
The ball takes off pretty much where the
face points, so we know the face is broadly
square at impact. It goes right after this
because the face is swinging across the ball
from out-to-in. So with Ian, we need to
focus on path. Ian’s problems start at setup.
His ball position is a little too far forward
and his lower hand must reach out and
over to grip the club, causing the shoulders
to aim left. He also steepens the shaft on
the way down so, as with Russell, we
need to find a way to help him
move the handle differently.”
● The cure: Chris moved Ian’s ball
position back from the left toe cap to inside
the left heel. Ian was then asked to address
the ball with the left hand only, his right
hand against his hip. Chris asked him to
slide the palm down the outside of the
thigh before gripping the club – a move
that helped him bring the hand in under
the left, promoting squarer shoulders.
For the steepening of the shaft on the way
down, Chris first held a shaft out
horizontally behind Ian, at around hip
height. Any over-the-top move would have
sent Ian’s club crashing into the shaft;
forced to deliver the club inside and below
it, he began to feel a more inside attack.
Chris reinforced the feeling by standing in
front and to the right of Ian, aiming the
shaft at his elbows. By pushing the butt of
his driver handle towards Chris’, he again
felt a more on-line delivery position.
● Ian says: “Chris changed my spin from
24 yards of cut to seven yards of draw – a
really excellent result. The drill that
worked best was swinging below the shaft
behind me. I knew I needed to be
shallower, but it provided a really effective
reference point to force me there. It
almost felt like I was dropping my body
and driving forward. But I found that after
changing the path, squaring the face felt
quite instinctive.”
A shaft placed across Ian’s elbows,
with the swing thought of driving the
butt of the club towards Chris, really
shallowed out his attack angle.
THE VITAL
STATISTICS
BEFORE Start line: 0.7 yards right Ball curvature: 24 yards to the right Sidespin: 1311rpm right
AFTER Start line: 1.2 yards right Ball curvature: Seven yards to the left Sidespin: 299rpm left
➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 83

CASE STUDY #3 JASON HELLIWELL, 14 HCP
“My nickname is ‘two-fairways’... that’s how wide I slice it”
● Chris Ryan’s diagnosis: “Jason’s
problem is mostly with face. He actually
starts the ball left of target – in theory the
right line for a leftie draw – but the face is
so open the ball simply cuts further left. It’s
no wonder his drives end up so far offline.
Generally, Jason’s motion isn’t bad; his
body works quite well, with decent lateral
shift on the way down. He attacks the ball
from a pretty good path. But as the
downswing progresses, his face falls
further and further open. He tries to save
the shot at the last moment, but it’s too
late. We need to work to get him to square
up the face earlier in the downswing.”
● The cure: “A great thought for the slicer
is that the gloved-hand wrist angle is also
the clubface angle,” says Chris. “By a
simple bike-revving move you can take the
face from open (cupped wrist) to closed
(arched wrist). Jason’s wrist is cupped
coming down, a common theme amongst
slicers.” So the first thing Chris worked on
is to ask Jason to feel he was arching his
lead wrist as the club swung from shoulder
to hip height. This would square the face
earlier in the downswing, reducing the need
to rescue the shot. To reinforce the feeling
of helping the face square up, Chris also
asked Jason to hit shots with his back foot
withdrawn – an ultra-closed stance. “Jason’s
body was racing ahead of his hands,
contributing to his wide-open face,” he says.
“This closed stance slows downswing
rotation of the hips and shoulders, giving
Jason more time for his hands to catch up.
It will help him get the feeling of releasing
and squaring up the face.”
● Jason says: “At the start of this session
my shots were ending up 40 yards right of
my target – after Chris’ advice I was hitting
shots 15 yards to the left, and for the first
time in ages seeing the ball move left-toright
through the air – a draw for me. The
closed stance worked very well for me, and
instantly made rotating the face feel easier.
The arching of the lead forearm was a little
trickier, it will take time to become natural.”
Chris encourages Jason to arch his
lead wrist, rather than cup it; you can
immediately see how driver’s face has
squared up as he does so.
THE VITAL
STATISTICS
BEFORE Start line: 1.9 yards left Ball curvature: 33 yards to the left Sidespin: 1147rpm left
AFTER Start line: 2.8 yards right Ball curvature: Three yards to the right Sidespin: 92rpm right
84 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

COVER STORY
MIND
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SLICE-BUSTING
While the slice is a technical problem, it is a shot that can get in your head.
Performance expert Karl Morris explains how to banish any mental demons
o cure your slice, you have to go
T
against all your instincts and
deliberately hit bad shots.
This is because the slice – despite being
Public Enemy No.1 to golfers everywhere – is
actually the result of your brain trying to hit a
good shot.
Your brain is very clever; it can sense when
there is a kink in your swing, and sets out to
correct it. For a great example, find a picture
of a golfer who loses height at impact; the
arms flex to allow for it, giving the famous
chicken-wing lead arm. Not a great impact
perhaps, but a great example of how, at a
subconscious level, the brain is able to sense
danger and compensate for it.
We slice because the clubface is open to
the swing path. The brain senses that open
face, and makes subconscious adjustments to
allow for it. The solution it usually finds is to
create a path that sends the ball further left
(right-handers). Less commonly, if the brain
senses an out-to-in path relative to the target,
it will subconsciously send messages to your
hands to open the face to stop the ball going
left. So the slice is actually the result of your
brain instinctively trying to save the shot. The
problem is that, while both solutions are
logical, they end up making the slice worse.
If you want to defeat the slice, you have to
override the brain’s default setting to help, and
instruct it to hit bad shots. Work technically,
with a coach, to get that face square, or even
slightly shut, and then set out to hit the ball
left. Give yourself permission to hit bad shots
– one of the hardest things you can do as a
golfer. Be prepared to do this on the course as
well as the range – you have to overcome
your brain’s instinct to save the shot, and
that’s more acute on the course. And be
prepared to lose a few balls in the left rough.
Of course, ultimately your brain will start
to hate seeing the ball go left. It will start its
subconscious mission to save the shot… and
just as it did with the slice, its solution will be
to start the ball further right. With time and
application, you will see that out-to-in cut and
open face replaced by a squarer path and
squarer face… perhaps even getting to the
point where you develop a slight draw.
Once you start hitting the ball left as well as
right, you create an environment for learning
known as ‘trapping the feeling’ – in the same
way we learn to ride a bike, falling both ways,
before refining it to an effective middle
ground.
This may sound like an extreme cure, but
this is no ordinary foe we’re dealing with.
Some golfers slice all their lives, and the
reason is they have never taken this counterintuitive
route to defeat it.
‘If you want to
defeat the slice,
you have to
override the
brain’s default
setting to help,
and instruct it to
hit bad shots’
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 85

‘I got some chipping
tips at the airport
in South Africa...
Gary Player was
stood next to me in
the security queue’

MY LIFE IN GOLF
Stuart
Broad
England’s lethal fast bowler reveals how test
match tours have improved his golf game...
I’m way more nervous in a big golf
event than playing in a Lord’s Test.
I train for cricket virtually every day
so I trust my ability. I don’t practise
golf at all – I play, but don’t practise.
If I have the time to play, I’ll play
rather than go on the range. But I’ve
just bought a little Astroturf chipping
mat for my back garden to help me.
I love the social side of golf as much
as anything. I think it’s one of the best
sports you can play with your dad – he
(Chris) loves it and plays off seven –
but I don’t think I’ve ever beaten him
because he hits it so straight. My dad’s
ploy is to give me as many tips as he
can to throw me off my game, but I’m
not listening any more.
WORDS KEVIN BROWN PICTURES HOWARD BOYLAN
his is a big summer for
T Stuart Broad, a fiery and
competitive cricketer and
a handy 12-handicap golfer. After
playing a starring role in England’s
winter series victory in South Africa,
he aims to send Test opponents Sri
Lanka and Pakistan reeling on home
soil – as the world’s best bowler. “It’s
an honour to be No.1 in the world,
but I don’t want to be there for just
a few weeks,” he stresses. “This gives
me hunger to try and stay there for
a long period of time.” It is also the
summer he is determined to finally
become a single-digit golfer...
I started playing golf when I was
eight or nine after my mum went to
a charity shop and came home with
some clubs. They were right-handed
(he’s a natural lefty) so I just played
right-handed. I couldn’t afford to buy
new clubs and hung on until I was
about 15 before I got some. I played
quite consistently, though not to any
great standard and really enjoyed my
golf up until about 20 when cricket
took over. But the past four years I’ve
been completely addicted.
My handicap is 11.9, but I’ve been
playing off 11 of late. Why? During
the recent tour of South Africa
I played quite a bit and shot a 78
– my best round so far – with
a double on the last hole
because the sprinklers
came on so I had to
rush it! After that, the
lads refused to let me
play off 12. We played
more golf than cricket over there!
Broad’s CV...
n Awarded Man
of the Match in
the 5th Test of
the 2009 Ashes
series after figures
of 5-37 in the
afternoon session
of the second day.
n Achieved a Test
match hat-trick
against India at
Trent Bridge in
2011.
n One of 100
bowlers who have
taken four or more
wickets at least 15
times in Tests.
n On the debit side,
he was smashed
for six sixes by
India’s Yuvraj Singh
in 2007.
Golf has really helped my cricket.
That might sound a bit odd, but
you’ve got three or four hours where
you don’t think about the pressures of
the cricket – you just concentrate on
your golf swing, having a good round
and on chatting to your mates. It’s
helped me stay more relaxed with
the cricket because I’m not thinking
about it.
I’ve played some fantastic courses
on Tour and it’s great to be able to get
the chance to play off the back tees.
Ben Stokes, who as you can imagine
with his batting hits it absolutely
miles, was hitting his driver as far as
he could and he’d be well back of the
pro drives. It makes scoring hard, but
it’s a great challenge and it proves how
good the pros actually are.
In South Africa, Jos Buttler and
myself put the duvets over our hotel
room’s door and chipped into them
for practice – both of us had been
struggling with thinning it, especially
in Dubai (during Pakistan series in
late 2015). So we’d finish the test at
5.30pm and go straight to the room
and chip for an hour! It’s amazing how
much that practice has helped me.
I got some chipping tips while
waiting at Bloemfontein airport.
Gary Player stood next to me in the
security queue and he promptly gave
me a lesson. He told me to get my
weight forward, get my hands forward
slightly and just trust the loft. It’s
getting better, though I still feel more
nervous over a chip than over any
other shot.
Paul McGinley sorted my
alignment out. I was previously
facing mid-on, so to speak, but now
when I line up I have a little tweak of
my shoulders and though it feels a bit
odd, it works.
My best golf moment was beating
Jimmy Anderson thanks to a hole-inone
at the 16th at The Grove. He’d
gone first and knocked his tee shot
virtually stiff! I don’t think I’ll ever
better that. That ace was a big boost
for my game. It gave me the belief
that every time I step onto a par 3,
I can go for the pin.
Par 3s are my strength because
I can hit solid long irons: about 230
yards with my 4-iron while I hit my
5-iron 205-210 yards and 6-iron 195-
200 yards. Driver-wise I generally
reach about 280-290 yards with about
250 carry, though not always straight!
My aim by September is single
figures. I’m confident I can lose two
shots this summer. I don’t think I’m
naturally good enough to be a three or
four-handicapper, but you never know.
When I retire golf will be my new
challenge.
My dream fourball would have to
include a pro golfer so he’d give me
tips. I really like Danny Willett at the
moment: he’s got a competitive spirit.
He’ll play along with Glenn McGrath
– my favourite cricketer of all time –
and probably Ricky Gervais, a very
funny guy. Sometimes you need a bit
of humour on the course.
n Stuart Broad plays an ambassadorial role
at four-times Ryder Cup venue The Belfry
(thebelfry.co.uk)
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 87

NEXT MONTH
TOP GEAR
2016
REVEALED! THE BEST CLUBS
YOU CAN BUY THIS YEAR
PLUS
● 250 best courses in Scotland, Ireland & Wales
● A day in the life of Britain’s busiest range
● Exclusive interview with Captain Clarke
● How to master EVERY club in your bag
FREE
STAY & PLAY
GOLF GUIDE

2016 drivers
tested first
Five big dogs go
head-to-head
New
Gear
LATEST KIT REVEALED,
REVIEWED & RATED
EDITED BY SIMON DADDOW
New clubs
revealed
From XXIO
and Cobra
HELPING YOU
CHOOSE BETTER
New Cobras 90
New XXIO range 92
Latest trolleys 94
Drivers test 98
10 rounds with... 106
Bags showcase 112
Get trolleyed
PowaKaddy unveils new-look FW7S
as Motocaddy shows off its new S1

COBRA
Max is here to help
Cobra’s new range is all about making your bad shots better
olf is a difficult game… fact. Yet
G many of us don’t help ourselves
by plumping for equipment that
only suits us when we play our best.
Which means more often than not we’re
putting our potential enjoyment and
scores at risk. Cobra’s designers have
acted on this macho attitude and come
up with an all-new MAX range designed
to simply make golf easier.
The new driver has been designed for
maximum launch and forgiveness. The
head’s length-to-width ratio is the largest
legally allowed, which means an
increased sweetspot and more
forgiveness on off-centre hits. Like the
fairways and hybrids, it also has a
shallow face, offset hosel and draw
biased weighting to raise forgiveness and
carry distances. Cobra’s Speed Channel
around the perimeter of each face also
increases flexibility and ball speed no
matter where you hit shots.
● Details: Driver: £199, Lofts: 9.5˚,
10.5˚, 11.5˚, Fairway: £149, Lofts: 3F, 5F,
7F, Hybrid: £129 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H,
8-piece iron set £399, 6-SW + 4H +5H
£549 steel, £599 graphite. The whole
range is available now. cobragolf.com
Offset hosel
Particularly useful at slower
swing speeds as the offset
hosel gives a little more time
to square the face at impact,
effectively helping you reduce
the amount of slice spin you
impart on every shot.
Fixing your faults
The driver, fairway wood
and hybrid all have a
draw biased weighting. It
helps a ‘slice swing’ from
producing a banana shot
and a swing that would
usually produce a weak
fade into a stronger,
straighter shot.
90
ISSUE 344 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

New
Gear
Our Verdict
Combo sets like the MAX are a great
introduction to the game and demonstrate
really nicely how to pull together a perfect
set when it comes to gapping. Yes, many of
us experienced golfers think we’re above
such a set but here at TG we’re all for
having fun and making the game enjoyable.
With that in mind, for less experienced
golfers or higher handicappers who want
a simple solution to fill their bag, the
MAX is a very strong option.
Buy a combo set
There’s also the option of
buying a combo set, which
means you get hybrids to
replace the 4-6 irons. These
then flow into hollow body 7
and 8-irons and cavity-back
short irons, which for us is a
really sensible option if you
struggle with long irons (who
doesn’t?) and worry about
gapping between your hybrids
and irons.
Max irons too
Cobra’s engineers have
continued their ‘Easy’ concept
through to the irons too. So the
new MAX features a progressive
design to aid performance from
the long irons especially. Weaker
lofts in the 4-8 irons help launch
shots higher to achieve
maximum distance and there’s
improved draw bias to help
eliminate the slice that 80 per
cent of golfers have to deal with.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 344 91

XXIO
The need for speed
Clever tech from this Japanese brand gives slow swingers extra pop
he Japanese are crazy about
T
technology and craftsmanship
and they don’t mind paying for it,
either. XXIO might not be a brand you’ve
tried, but it has a reputation for quality
and performance in the Far East... and it’s
played by women’s world No.2 Inbee Park.
Now they’re taking off in the UK, with
a new range that’s particularly suited to
slower swing speeds.
Engineers analysed the swing from
address to impact and optimised the
XXIO 9’s head and shaft design to help
you create more lag. Termed Dual Speed
Technology, the design combines an ultralight,
high balance-point shaft with a
heavy clubhead. That combination is
meant to create more centrifugal force in
the downswing and then more energy at
impact, resulting in faster ball speeds and
more distance.
It’s a theme that’s replicated in the
fairways and hybrids, too.
To demonstrate the engineering and
use of exotic materials, XXI0’s designers
have gone to town in the irons, too.
There’s a five-piece head construction
which uses tungsten to make the
clubhead heavier (2g more than XXIO 8),
while a titanium clubface is designed to
increase MOI and ball speeds.
● Details: The driver retails at £499, the
fairways are £399, while the irons start
from £144 per club (s), £166 (g).
www.xxiostore.co.uk
Weight is
repositioned
further back in
the clubhead to
improve launch
angles while also
lowering spin.
A new cup face
design provides a
10% larger hitting
area than the
previous XXIO
driver for added
forgiveness.
92 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

New
Gear
Hot this month
Classic grind
Has high bounce
(11-12°) and narrow
sole for all turf types.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
£209.99
Yes it’s a watch, but it can also track
everything from heart rate and calories
burned to your daily movements. It
even monitors your sleep! Did we
mention it’s a golf GPS system with
accurate data on 40,000 courses too?
www.garmin.com
COBRA
Versatile grind
Medium bounce
(8-10°), offering
overall versatility on
medium-to-firm turf.
WideLow grind
Low bounce
(4-7°) and a wide
sole that works
well in medium
to soft turf.
Motocaddy Dry-Series
cartbag £179.99
Motocaddy insists its
new 2016 Dry-Series
cart bags are 100%
waterproof. Expect
a super lightweight
design, 14 fulllength
dividers,
enlarged pockets
and more
waterproofing
than your
average tent!
Comes in four
colourschemes.
www.motocaddy.com
Cobra’s extra bite
New King wedges are already in Rickie Fowler’s bag
obra may not be the first name
C you think of when it comes to
your next wedge. But when you
find out they’ve been developing the
King model for two years – and got
Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson and Jonas
Blixt involved in the process – you
should be thinking about them. Cobra
has been making some great gear
recently and their addiction to
technology has spilled over into these.
They’re talking ‘modal analysis’ to
tune sound and feel frequencies to
create the softest-feeling wedge ever.
There’s also plenty of tech in the
milled grooves (wider and spaced further
apart on the higher lofts) and variable
face roughness which Cobra says is right
on the limit of the rules. There’s also
three sole grinds to cater for different
attack angles and course conditions.
Cobra says it all adds up to more grab,
grip and stop on every shot, irrespective
of distance.
● Details: RRP £89. www.cobragolf.co.uk
Stewart F1-S £1,749
This very compact remote-controlled
trolley is for folks with small boots.
Controlled by a NASA-derived microprocessor,
F1-S has a battery 21%
larger than the original and two Britishbuilt
motors to power you round.
www.stewartgolf.com
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 93

NEXT
MONTH
TOP GEAR 2016
REVEALED!
The best clubs for
your game this year
New chassis
Updated frame and
low-profile wheels are
2016 additions.
New display
That digital dash is
packed with info –
even your calorie
consumption!
DRIVERS
FAIRWAYS
NEW TROLLEY #1
PowaKaddy FW7S
Swanky new display unit even counts your calories!
IRONS
owaKaddy has given its awardwinning
FW trolley range a
P
complete revamp for 2016.
Plump for the top-of-the-range FW7S
and you’ll get an all-new, widescreen full
colour digital display on the handle that’s
the size of a smartphone.
The screen gives all the usual distance
and battery information, but for the first
time thanks to a built-in calorie counter
also tells you how many calories you’ve
burnt during your round.
Other new features include low-profile
sports wheels and Powaframe chassis and
an upgraded, quieter 230W motor.
The popular FW5 (from £349.99 with
standard battery, £499.99 lithium) and
FW3 (from £299.99 with standard battery
and £449.99 with lithium) have also
undergone makeovers, with the addition of
low-profile wheels, redesigned trims and
new graphics for 2016.
● Details: The new FW7S is available now,
prices start from £429.99 (lead acid) and
£579.99 (lithium). More information at
www.powakaddy.co.uk
Easy to use
Three-way folding
chassis system is
simple to operate.
PUTTERS & MORE
Biggest gear test
we’ve ever done!
On sale April 14

New
Gear
Hot this month
Strong , silent type
The S1 comes with
a powerful but
quiet motor.
Labour saving
There’s a new softtouch
handle and nine
speed settings.
Sun Mountain Zero G Belt
The brand’s 2015 Zero-G bag came
with a waist belt to help take the strain.
Now they are selling the belt as a
separate component so anyone can fit
one to a 2016 Sun Mountain featuring
the Zero G Hip Pad. The belt will set
you back £24.99. For more information
visit brandfusionltd.co.uk
NEW TROLLEY #2
Motocaddy S1
There’s a raft of updates for this popular model
otocaddy have taken the trolley
M
market by storm for the best part
of 10 years and they reckon now
is the time to give their most popular S1
model a slick new makeover.
The new S1 has been redesigned from
the ground up and includes a new softtouch
handle, low-profile, quick-release
wheels and a streamlined battery tray.
Throw in a whisper-quiet motor, nine
speed settings, a quick-fold frame and
adjustable bag supports and you now have
an entry-level trolley that is laden with
Quick to pack
The all-new S1
features a super-quick
fold mechanism.
features. Motocaddy have preached the
benefits of lithium batteries for years now
and with their UK sales outstripping
traditional lead acid for the first time,
they’re keen to continue the trend. So to
make the S1’s lithium option even more
attractive, Motocaddy has reduced the
price by £50, to £399.
● Details: The new S1 will be available
from March 2016 priced from £299.99
(lead acid) and £399.99 (lithium).
For further information visit
motocaddy.com
FootJoy Versaluxe
“There’s increased demand for shoes
that can be worn on and off the
course” say FootJoy, so they’ve come
up with these. The Versaluxe is made
from premium leather with a cork and
suede inner and has a one-year
waterproof guarantee and a choice of
23 size and width options. Expect a
pair to set you back £140. footjoy.co.uk
Rule change for GPS
An R&A rule change
from January 1 means
GPS devices with such
features as ‘Plays Like
Distance’ and ‘Club
Advice’ can now be used
in competition. A local
rule allowing DMDs is
still required, but if
those functions can be
switched off, you’re free
to use the device.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 95

SuperStroke
CounterCore
£37.99
www.brandfusionltd.co.uk
SuperStroke are leaders
in parallel putter grips.
They’ve introduced their
whole putter grip range
with a 50g back weight
at the top of the grip. It
might not sound a lot but
it gives you the chance
to counter-balance your
putter to improve stability
while also benefiting from
their oversized tech, too.
Lamkin SINK
from £14.99
www.lamkin.co.uk
Lamkin has two new
SINK shapes: the SQD
(squared) model is
smaller and has more
pronounced corners and
is good for feel putters
seeking control; and a
RND (rounded) model
has a wider profile to
help minimise hand
action. There’s also a new
compound 30% lighter
than traditional rubber.
Golf Pride
SNSR £30
www.golfpride.com
While their contoured
grips still dominate on
Tour, to cover all bases
the new SNSR comes in
both a contoured pistol
shape and straight model
at a 104cc mid and 140cc
oversize. They say SNSRs’
wide paddle fronts help a
lighter grip pressure while
a new rubber compound
is 40% softer than their
traditional putter grips.
GRIPS
Oversized
& over here
Three new putter grips from the USA
versized putter grips are all
O
the rage. Tour pros are winning
Majors with them while putter
brands are slipping them onto their
favourite models as standard stock
options. They’re so popular right now
some retailers reckon putter sales are
dropping because golfers are buying
jumbo grips instead of investing in a
new putter. Grip manufacturers are
keen to get their share of this new
business, so they’re grasping the
opportunity with both hands (if you’ll
excuse the pun) by launching new
models in different shapes, weights and
materials. What does this mean for
you? Well, more choice than ever and if
you believe the hype, possibly the
chance to improve your performance
with the flatstick, too.
96
ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

New
Gear
PRACTICE...
‘CARPET CUP’ PORTABLE HOLE
SRIXON
The soft sell
UltiSoft gains distance for slower swingers... plus feel
remium tour performance or rock hard
P
distance? That was your choice when it
came to ball selection a couple of years
ago. But things have changed dramatically, and
softer balls with lower compressions are storming
the market. Because testing suggests these new
balls are particularly effective in tandem with
slower swing speeds, club golfers now have a
proper choice when it comes to which ball to game.
Srixon is the latest big brand to unveil a soft
option, the UltiSoft. They’ve been working on it for
two years, and what they’ve created is a ball
specifically aimed at golfers who don’t possess a
tour-level swing speed – so pretty much everyone.
We’ve tried it!
I swing at 90mph so
the UltiSoft is ideal.
Switching between this
and a premium ball
bought no major
distance change. I loved
the feel on all shots; it’s
a big upgrade on a pure
distance ball.
They’ve done it with the softest energetic core
they’ve ever created. It’s softer in the centre and
gets harder towards the outside, which Srixon says
improves feel consistency. There’s also a soft, thin
cover to offer more feel, while a new dimple pattern
is said to improve aerodynamics.
The ball’s lower compression means slower
swing speeds can compress the ball more for
greater rebound and distance, while the thin, soft
cover still gives great feel with your wedges and
putter. Srixon says the new ball also offers higher
launch and lower spin off the driver to maximise
distance and accuracy.
● Details: £32 a dozen. srixon.co.uk
PRACTICE...
‘DOUGHNUT’ HOLE REDUCER
PRACTICE...
‘RIGHT ANGLE’ PUTTING ALIGNMENT
Going soft? Here are three more new-for-2016 options
Titleist DT TruSoft
£20 a dozen
The DT is Titleist’s softest
compression ball. It’s aimed
at golfers who prefer a softfeeling
ball on every shot.
Its low long-game spin aids
distance, and you get
greenside spin and feel, too.
Callaway Chrome Soft
£32.99 a dozen
New SoftFast core delivers
fast driver ball speeds yet
also increases spin from
100 yards in. Aimed at a
wide audience; last year’s
model won on tour yet was
loved by club golfers.
Wilson Staff DX3
£30 a dozen
Wilson says the DX3 is the
world’s softest urethane
ball. It’s aimed at feel
players who desire tourquality
spin and control as
well as great distance and
decent durability.
...PERFECT
WWW.GROOVEFIX.COM
020 8240 0527
100% BRITISH MADE
LIFETIME GUARANTEE
USE PERFECT AT THE CHECKOUT
& SAVE 5% ON ORDERS OVER £25.00

98 ISSUE 346 333 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

The
Test
Power tools
The first verdict on the brand new 2016 drivers
from Ping, Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade and Nike
WORDS SIMON DADDOW PICTURES TOM CRITCHELL, HOWARD BOYLAN
f you’re in the market for a new driver
I
this year, there are some sensational
options out there.
Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Nike and Cobra
all have brand new models for 2016, featuring
hotter faces, more adjustability and clever
aerodynamics to help us all hit it further. With all
these models in pro shops now, we wanted to
put them to the test to help you make a better
decision if you’re in the market for one.
We’ve not included drivers not new to the
market in 2016 (like Titleist’s 915 or Srixon’s
Z545). These will be tested in our massive Top
Gear issue next month, where we’ll reveal our
verdicts on hundreds of clubs on sale this year.
The testers
● Chris Ryan Senior professional at The Belfry
and TG’s gear expert. Pro, 115mph swing speed.
● Simon Daddow TG’s Equipment Editor. Plays
off 10, with a 90mph average swing speed.
How we did it
We asked the leading driver manufacturers to
send us their latest 2016 models in both Chris
Ryan and Simon Daddow’s specs. Both hit shots
using a Foresight Sports GC2 launch monitor.
As well as ball data, we measured where shots
were hit on the face to analyse the effect mishits
had on spin and carry distance. By scouring all
this data, and pulling together all our comments
and opinion, we decided if each driver was
doing what the manufacturer claims – and how
each could perform for you. ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346
99

Callaway XR 16 £289
● Lofts: 9º / 10.5º / 13.5º ● Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 565 ● Adjustable hosel: Yes
● How much loft change: -1/+2º ● Contact: www.callawaygolf.com
BEHIND THE
NUMBERS
20
YARDS
A 20-yard carry
distance drop off
with XR 16 is half
that of the Alpha 816
– meaning the XR
is more forgiving
on off-centre hits.
THE TECH
Forgiveness meets fast technology.
Callaway have worked with experts at
Boeing to create a high-speed head design
with low drag to help you increase club
and ball speeds. Callaway say a nextgeneration
R-MOTO face and bigger
footprint head increase MOI from every
impact location.
OUR VERDICT
Aerodynamics play an increasingly
important role in driver design, and by
partnering with Boeing, Callaway has
tapped into some serious expertise.
Does it add up to more speed? Well, our
pro generated his joint highest club speed
with the XR 16, backing up the aero story.
We also really like the speedstep crown,
which focuses attention at address, and
with an excellent retention of ball speed
between good and bad drives (at high and
low swing speeds) the XR proved a very
stable and forgiving driver.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As used by...
Danny Willett
How the XR 16
compares to…
Callaway Great
Big Bertha £369
The XR edged it by
five yards of carry,
which is nothing.
Only you can weigh
up whether
adjustability is more
beneficial to your
game than the extra
speed of the XR.
Callaway
Alpha 816 £429
Chris hit his joint
longest drive (302
yards) with the
Alpha, but big dropoffs
on mishits
mean the Alpha is
not the most
forgiving – nor is it
designed to be.
Blending speed with forgiveness is a real strength of the XR 16. Its solid across-the-board
performance makes it an excellent choice for lots of club golfers, and it’s very competitively priced.
9MM
9mm out of the toe
and 7mm above
centre produced
Chris’ longest drive
of the day... with the
Alpha 816.
118
MPH
This club speed
(with the XR 16) is
joint fastest on test.
It’s an improvement
of 2.2mph over GBB,
suggesting the XR’s
aerodynamics work.
207
RPM
XR’s 207rpm less spin
than GBB means 5
yards’ carry distance
gain. 300rpm less
and we’d be looking at
Alpha 816 distances.
1.6
MPH
1.6mph slower club
speed on Chris’
longest carrying drive
compared to his
average XR speed
proves importance of
impact efficiency.
100 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

TaylorMade M2 £329
● Lofts: 9.5º / 10.5º / HL ● Stock shaft: Fujikura Pro ● Adjustable hosel: Yes
● How much loft change: +/- 2º ● Contact: www.taylormadegolf.com
THE TECH
“Maximum distance with forgiveness”,
says TaylorMade. The multi-material head
has a carbon crown to free up inefficient
weight, which means engineers had more
weight to locate to increase MOI, so less
loss of ball speed on off-centre hits. A
redesigned Speed Pocket behind the face
is meant to boost ball speeds further.
OUR VERDICT
There’s no doubting the M2, like the M1,
looks cracking at address; we’d say it’s one
of the best-looking drivers on the market.
Chris carried three drives over 290 yards
so there’s obviously plenty of power under
the hood, too. Comparing the M2 to the M1
is too close to call on data alone. There’s
under five yards in it for carry, but M2 is
more forgiving than M1; that has tracks
which take up weight, whereas all the M2’s
discretionary mass is taken up creating
forgiveness, which helps maintain ball
speeds when you miss the centre.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As used by...
Justin Rose
How the M2
compares to…
TaylorMade M1
£429
Chris hit one shot
with the M1 2.2cm
off the toe, but it had
the highest ball
speed. This is
thanks to the shot
bias weight being
aligned with the
impact, which for
you means CG
location is hugely
important on offcentre
hits.
The
Test
BEHIND THE
NUMBERS
300
YARDS
This was Chris’
longest single carry
with the M2; 298
yards his longest
single carry with
the M1.
14.1
DEGREES
Launch angle. Chris
hit his longest carry
off his highest-
launching drive with
the M2, proving
TaylorMade’s ‘hit it
high, hit it further’
theory works.
2
YARDS
Two yards of carry
distance difference
comparing the
longest M1 weight
setting (back and
neutral bias) to
the M2.
The ball speed gain
(on average) with
M1’s weight in back
position over mid or
forward positions.
Both M drivers have stood up incredibly well in our testing. The choice between M1 and M2 comes down to
how much forgiveness you want and how much you’re willing to pay for adjustability. ➔
3
MPH
18
YARDS
The loss of carry
distance with the
M1’s weight in its
forward position. But
thanks to its lowspinning
flight it ran
32 yards on landing.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346
101

Nike Vapor Fly £250
● Lofts: Flex Loft from 8.5º-12.5º ● Stock shaft: MRC Tensei CK Blue 50 ● Adjustable hosel: Yes
● How much loft change: 15 settings from 8.5º-12.5º ● Contact: www.nike.com/golf
How the Vapor Fly
compares to…
BEHIND THE
NUMBERS
165
MPH
165mph Chris
Ryan’s fastest ball
speed with the
Vapor drivers came
with the Vapor
Flex 440.
221
RPM
221rpm is the
amount of spin
difference Chris saw
switching Nike’s
FlexFlight weight on
the Flex 440 from
forward to back.
THE TECH
Nike’s cavity-back design spreads weight
to the toe and heel for increased
forgiveness. Flybeam technology and
internal strengthening creates a more
stable head, while a deeper and thinner
compression channel means more of the
head is engaged in the flexing process at
impact, directing more energy to the ball.
OUR VERDICT
The Vapor Fly is a very good driver. Its
shape is fantastic, it sounds good and feels
really strong and hot. We also really like
the lack of an alignment aid on the crown
and the clean look it gives at address. Nike
are out on their own when it comes to
driver colours (there’s been red, green and
blue), but ideas in golf are changing and
this Volt/blue will appeal to many. It grew
on us after a day’s testing. If you don’t
mind the blue crown (let’s be honest, some
will love it and some will hate it), this is the
best driver Nike has ever made.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As used by...
Rory McIlroy
Nike Vapor
Fly Pro £300
You can see why Nike
pros plump for Fly
Pro. It span a little
less and carried a
smidgen further. This
might not be the case
for all as it depends
on the fitting of the
shaft to your swing.
Nike Vapor
Flex 440 £380
Two-tone body will
divide opinion, but it
highlights how over
60% of the head is
created using Nike’s
RZN material. Our
test pro hit this
further than Nike’s
other two drivers.
12.7
DEGREES
Chris’ longest carry
came from his
highest-launching
drive with the Fly.
0.6
MPH
Fly Pro’s 0.6mph
drop-off between
good and bad shots
means excellent
consistency, the
lowest of both
testers on any driver.
18.9
MM
18.9mm from the
toe and 0.8mm from
the heel were the
impact locations for
both testers’ longest
drives with the Fly,
proving you get
excellent ball speed
retention across
the face.
A very sturdy driver. Nike’s internal strengthening has improved feel and sound over last year’s models.
A seriously good driver which stands up well against the stiffest of competition.
102 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Ping G £349
● Lofts: 9° / 10.5° ● Stock shaft: Alta 55 High Balance Point ● Adjustable hosel: Yes
● How much loft change: +/- 1 deg ● Contact: www.ping.com
The
Test
BEHIND THE
NUMBERS
322
RPM
The amount the LS
Tec lowered spin –
even at Simon’s
slower swing speed.
THE TECH
A ‘dragonfly’ crown design removes
inefficient weight from high in the head
and repositions it to lower and deepen the
centre of gravity. ‘Turbulators’, a ‘Vortec
Shredder’ and an aerodynamic head shape
improve speed. A new counter-balanced
Alta shaft means you swing at the same
speed, but the clubhead travels quicker.
OUR VERDICT
To improve on the top-selling G30 is some
achievement, but Ping has managed it.
Both testers reckon G is a solid update and
with options of a lower spin or draw-biased
model, there’s something for everyone.
Some may argue there’s not enough
adjustability, but if you’re properly fitted
movable weights will struggle to improve
G’s performance. The new Alta shaft
worked well with Simon’s slower tempo
delivering his joint-fastest club speeds –
proof counterbalanced shafts help to
maximise swing speed.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As used by...
Bubba Watson
How the Ping G
compares to…
Ping G SF Tec £349
Lighter swingweight
helps increase
speed and aids
squaring the face at
impact. We love how
the head doesn’t
look significantly
different at address
to Ping’s other
two models.
Ping G LS Tec £349
A very good driver;
weighting inside the
head allows extra
control over spin
which for harder
hitters or high spin
players can be a
huge benefit in
maxing carry
and accuracy.
0.8
MPH
The drop-off in ball
speed between
Chris’s best and
worst strikes,
proving the G is very
forgiving even when
hit 1.5cm off the toe!
5.4
MM
5.4mm out of the
toe and 6mm above
the centre produced
Simon’s longest
single drive of the
day with the G LS
Tec.
0.8
MPH
The amount of extra
club speed the
lighter SF Tec model
generated for
Simon’s average
swing speed.
500
RPM
The extra spin
generated by Chris
using the Alta shaft
compared to Ping’s
Tour 65, proving the
importance of shaft
selection if you’re to
max out distance.
Three seriously good drivers. Ideal for those wanting a straightforward, honest club without the bells and
whistles of adjustable weights. But you’ll do your game a disservice if you don’t get fitted. ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 103

Cobra F6+ £299
● Contact: www.cobragolf.co.uk ● Lofts: 9º-12º ● Stock shaft: Matrix Black Tie 65 M4 ● Adjustable
hosel: Yes ● How much loft change: 8 settings from 9º-12º (3 draw settings)
THE TECH
The most adjustable driver Cobra has
ever made. A carbon fibre crown and
weight track mean you get an 18g weight
in the sole that can be positioned to
tune the centre of gravity to your game.
A Speed Channel around the face and a
variable thickness structure increase and
maintain ball speeds.
OUR VERDICT
F6+ is a serious bit of kit – when did you
last see a driver with a single 18g movable
weight? It’s a lot of mass that delivers a
big difference between settings. Chris hit
his longest average carry for all clubs
tested with the F6+ (297 yards) with its
weight in the forward position. Sound
changes depending on where the sole
weight is located. It’s louder at the
back (higher launch), more muted
and solid at the front. The adjustable hosel
offers a range of lofts from one head and
they offer white, black and blue crowns.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As used by...
Rickie Fowler
How the Cobra F6+
compares to…
Cobra F6 £249
F6 and F6+ are very
different clubs. F6
has a titanium
crown where the
F6+ is carbon, which
means less sole
weight to play with
and a noticeable
difference in
performance.
Cobra King Ltd
£349
We liked the look
and performance.
But with the F6+’s
lower price and top
performance, it’s
hard to recommend
it above such stiff
competition, even if
Rickie does game it.
Cobra is having a renaissance, and offering three drivers in 2016 that have really impressed us so far.
The F6+ shows their ideas and engineering expertise are first-class – and deliver out on the course.
BEHIND THE
NUMBERS
302
YARDS
Chris’ joint longest
single driver carry
(shared with
Callaway Alpha)
on the F6+.
2
MPH
Ball speed was 2mph
quicker with weight at
the front of the F6’s
track. But there’s also
more ball-speed dropoff
on misstrikes so it’s
more forgiving with
weight at the back.
408
RPM
Average backspin
difference switching
the sole weight from
front to back.
6.3
MM
6.3mm + 12.8mm
out of the toe were
the impact positions
for both testers’
longest drives with
the F6+.
6.83
YARDS
6.83 + 13.19 yards
the amount of carry
distance lost in high
spin settings with
both the F6 and
F6+. This shows how
important the ability
to control spin
(through weighting)
is no matter what
your club speed.
104 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

The
Test
8 ways to buy your best driver
Handy buying advice we learned during our test
Don’t buy a driver on distance alone
1 Simon’s average swing speed (90mph)
saw a difference of just seven yards
between his longest and shortest drives
with all 14 drivers tested. So to say one
driver is longer than another based on
these results is ridiculous. Yes, that
number rises when you look at Chris’
112mph swing, where misses mean bigger
drop-offs, but you’d be much better off
looking at other factors – forgiveness, shaft
type, adjustability – that could help your
game, instead of just buying because one
has gone a couple of yards further.
Counterbalanced shafts are worth a
2 look Fair play to manufacturers who
have introduced counterbalanced shafts.
They’re particularly effective at average
swing speeds, which is most of us. Our
tests bore out results to support their
theory, with Simon particularly benefiting
from Ping’s Alta shaft.
Matching CG location to your impact
3 position means more ball speed It’s not
something manufacturers are shouting
about yet, but a couple have mentioned
how aligning the centre of gravity of your
driver with your impact position improves
energy transfer and increases ball speed.
Our evidence supports this, and it makes
real sense. Hitting in line with the centre of
gravity means the head rotates less around
its axis, and less rotation has to mean
more energy is preserved.
Hit it off the toe for more distance
4 A lot of our longest drives came from
toe strikes; in a squaring face the toe is
moving the fastest. This means you may
not get the perfect long drive from plum
centre. That said, we also saw a few decent
hits from the low heel, which supports
Cobra’s claim of shaping the sweetspot to
perform from high-toe to low-heel.
5 If you don’t have speed you need
launch; if you don’t have launch you
need speed Sounds simple enough,
but it’s the basis for driver fitting.
Basically, if you’re lucky enough to hit
it high you don’t need extra speed to
achieve your optimum carry
distance. But if you have
difficulty getting
shots
airborne, you need extra launch (loft,
weight positioning, shaft flex and profile) if
you’re to achieve your maximum carry.
There’s no harm in getting speed for
6 free Ping’s engineers refer to
aerodynamics as “getting speed for free”.
And this part of driver design is only going
to get more prevalent. Such tech has stood
up well in our testing, and it offers the
opportunity to wring out a few extra yards
of performance without any trade offs.
Don’t forget dispersion and consistency
7 We’ve not included lots of data
regarding dispersion as the information is
only relevant to the individual tester. Just
because we hit a particular driver into a
20-yard dispersion circle doesn’t mean you
will, too. Obviously when you do try a new
driver you need to pay attention to
dispersion as it’s absolutely key when it
comes to hitting fairways.
8
Get fitted We say it constantly at TG,
but still we come across tons of
golfers who don’t get fitted for a driver.
Trust us, with so much tech now on offer
you really will miss a trick if you don’t
get a big dog tuned to your own game.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346
105

10 ROUNDS WITH…
Callaway XR 16 3-wood
RRP: £189 Tested by: Henrik Stenson, PGA Tour pro
I had an old Callaway Diablo fairway in my bag for
years – it’s been my go-to club from the tee as
I knew I could rely on it under pressure. I’m
stubborn and don’t switch equipment easily, but I’m also not
stupid when technology shows me a club’s better than what
I’m currently using. I first hit the XR 16 3-wood in early
January, and within hitting eight shots I knew it was going
straight in my bag for the Desert Swing.
● First impressions
I liked the look of the XR 16’s head shape from the off. Its
back is slightly bigger, which is more appealing to my eye.
For me, how a fairway sets up is really important; I like the
square face angle of the XR 16. Callaway’s technicians made
the 16 up to the exact spec (loft, swingweight, shaft length
etc) of my old fairway for my initial testing to give a direct
comparison between both clubs.
● Technology
Technology’s moved on massively since my Diablo! It’s really
important for me when testing new equipment to see data on
a launch monitor and gauge what’s happening. When I see a
new model beating what I have in the bag, I’ll change.
Callaway’s Hyper
Speed Cup Face
maximises ball
speed no matter
where shots
are hit.
● Hyper Speed Face Cup
My initial tests with the XR 16 had my club speed just down
on my old gamer, which was to be expected as I’m still
getting used to it and not swinging at it full tilt. Despite this,
I’ve gained 3mph of ball speed which equates to over seven
yards of carry distance over my Diablo, which the technicians
say is down to the XR 16’s Hyper Speed Face Cup outperforming
the Diablo. With club and ball speed only going to
increase further as I become more familiar with the club then
it is definitely the right move to say goodbye to the Octane...
even if it feels like losing a close friend!
● Looks and performance
The XR 16 is a really good looking club, but looks don’t mean
much to me. I’m much more concerned about the results.
The XR 16 is stealing me a few extra yards, which means a
shorter approach.
● Driver or Fairway?
I don’t shape shots too much, so I often hit my fairway wood
from the tee so I don’t have to “thread” a driver to suit a
particular hole’s shape. I consult my caddie on when to hit
driver or fairway, but my fairway wood has always been my
club to trust when I need to hit the short grass. It comes
down to confidence.
Verdict
Callaway has done a great
job. I’ve gained 3mph of ball
speed and over seven yards of
carry distance over my Diablo
fairway wood. I’m so convinced
with this new club I’ve already
put the XR 16 driver and
4-wood into play, too.
They’re great clubs.
The numbers: Old Callaway Diablo: Club speed 113.9mph; Ball speed 162.1mph; Launch 10.8°; Backspin 3412rpm, Carry: 273.6 yards.
106 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

New
Gear
Henrik uses the
XR 16 14° 3 -wood
which has been
bent to 12.2° to suit
his need for a club
that performs just
as well from the
tee as the fairway.
My personal
XR 16 FW set-up
Loft: 3+ (14°,
bent to 12.2°)
Shaft: Grafalloy
Blue x-flex
Length: 43.5 inches
How far does
Henrik hit it?
It’s a difficult question
to answer because he’s
one of the few players
who uses a 3-wood off
the tee more often than
his driver. Looking at
his results for the last
five years he’s broken
the 300-yard driving
distance average twice.
Coincidentally, these
two years were the only
two he broke 70 as a
scoring average and he
finished European Tour
#1 and #2 – revealing
how confident he is
with his fairway wood.
When you can hit a
fairway wood 280
yards, it does beg the
question: Why does
Henrik even have a
driver? An extra 10
yards down the fairway
on tour equates to halfa-shot
a round, two
shots a tournament,
and the difference
between winning and
losing. How does
Henrik’s length with his
3-wood compare to the
average tour pro?
According to Trackman,
his peers average 243
yards with their 3-wood
meaning the big Swede
is a full 37 yards longer.
Callaway XR 16: Club speed 111.9mph; Ball speed 165.2mph; Launch 11.1°; Backspin 3289rpm; Carry 280 yards.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 345
107

10 ROUNDS WITH…
TaylorMade OS Daytona Putter
Cost: £179 Tested by: Simon Daddow, TG Equipment Editor, Hcp 10
You don’t often hear MOI
being talked about in the
same breath as blade
putters. Thin, narrow bodies are not
perfect bed fellows with increased
MOI. Now TaylorMade believe they’ve
come up with an idea that can
challenge our old way of thinking,
with a new Oversized putter range.
relevant to me and would certainly
not guarantee you’d hole more putts.
What I will say is I felt really
confident with the OS. Its straight,
crisp milled edges make it really easy
to set up and align and I felt putts ran
at the hole really nicely. Putting is all
about confidence and I’m going to
ride this wave while I can.
The putters used by the world’s top five
● Jordan Spieth Scotty Cameron 009; Blade
● Jason Day TaylorMade Spider Itsy Bitsy; Mallet
● Rory McIlroy Nike Method Origin B201; Blade
● Rickie Fowler Scotty Cameron Newport 2; Blade
● Henrik Stenson Odyssey White Hot XG #7; Mallet
● First impressions
The idea sounds bonkers, but
TaylorMade has pulled it off. Jack
Nicklaus won the Masters with
something similar in 1986, so who
are we to say the concept is crazy?
The new design removes ineffective
weight – just like engineers do in
drivers and irons – and repositions it
to improve your putting performance.
● Feel and looks
The Daytona OS is crafted from 304
stainless steel, which is a popular
“soft” carbon steel used by many
leading putter manufacturers. Feel
from the aluminium face insert is
responsive and crisp, and putts roll
beautifully. It’s got to be said the
body size is barely bigger than a Ping
Anser, so it doesn’t feel “oversized”.
● Performance
I’d love to offer some stats on how
many more putts I holed thanks to
the higher MOI of the Daytona, but
in a real world these would only be
● The grip
Manufacturers of classic blade
putters have been much slower on
the uptake of oversized putter grips,
so the Daytona’s SuperStroke Mid
Slim 2.0 is a decent “in-betweener”.
Its Midsize doesn’t feel stupidly
large like some huge grips and I’d
go as far as saying some golfers
won’t even notice the difference
between the 2.0 and a traditional
tapered putter grip. It’s a really good
mix of modern tech which can help
your game while maintaining the
ultimate feel that decent putters
who’ll choose the Daytona will
demand.
● The verdict
I really like the OS. It’s not hugely
different in shape and size to a
traditional blade. I buy into the idea
of taking weight out of the middle of
the head to make it more efficient.
Will it help you hole more putts? Who
knows, but it’s certainly increased my
confidence on the green.
Sight line
A red aluminium
cap in the back of
the head acts as a
bold alignment aid
which focuses your
attention really
nicely at address.
Options: Three models: Daytona (blade, 36° toe hang); Monte Carlo (mallet, 20° toe hang); Spider MOI mallet (face-balanced).

New
Gear
1
3
2
10 ROUNDS WITH…
New 2016 shoes
RRP: £129-£140 Tested by: Simon Daddow
Some would say I’m a golf shoe
connoisseur. I’ve been a devoted
fan of my favourite pair of
FootJoy Classics for 15 years. They’ve
moulded to my feet over countless rounds
and I can still wear them. But times are
changing and new tech is making shoes
lighter, more comfortable and through
extra traction we’re told some will improve
stability and power, too. I put three of
2016’s latest models to the test.
1 adidas Tour 360 Boost £129
The first time I took the Boosts home my
wife commented how she thought I’d
bought a new pair of bowling shoes! They
do look really striking, so I can see why so
many adidas athletes plump for them on
tour. adidas says the Boost soles deliver
“endless energy” to your game. I’d say
coming down the stretch after a warm
round abroad they were a revelation over
my heavy Classics. The soles, with their 53
grip-enhancing lugs, actively bounce back
with each step and their lighter
construction makes for a much more
enjoyable feeling as you walk.
The verdict: They have their own unique
look, which for the record I really like,
they’re also super comfortable, lightweight
and very stable.
2 FootJoy Versaluxe £140
Golf shoes with the capability of going
straight from clubhouse to course and vice
versa is a rapidly growing category.
FootJoy says the Versaluxe are versatile
enough to go from office to course to
clubhouse without changing. I’d have to
agree. I was just as comfortable pottering
around the office in them as I was testing
at the range or playing a round. It’s odd
not changing, but I soon got used to it.
The verdict: I love the premium feel of the
Versaluxe, the cork inner sole and quality
leather outer are right up my
“traditionalist” street.
3 Puma TitanTour Ignite £130
The Ignite’s arrived in the TG office with a
ball of Ignite material to show the springyness
of the TitanTour’s soles. Each sole is
filled with 65 traction lugs that guarantee
plenty of grip and stability. I’d go as far as
saying I’d wear lightweight, extreme
comfort spikes like these for the vast
majority of the year, and just switch to
spikeless shoes for the very hottest, driest
days of the year.
The verdict: Straight out of the box the
Ignite’s felt sculpted to my foot shape,
supremely comfortable and a joy to wear.
The sleek, single-piece styling is tailored
to the younger market – if that’s you we’d
thoroughly recommend them.
Options: adidas Tour 360 Boost (come in six colours); FootJoy Versaluxe (four colours); Puma TitanTour Ignite (six colours).
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346
109

New
Gear
1 Titleist
DT TruSoft
£20 per dozen
2 Callaway
Chrome Soft
£32.99 per dozen
3 Srixon
UltiSoft
£32 per dozen
4 Wilson Staff
DX 3 Urethane
£30 per dozen
10 ROUNDS WITH…
The latest soft balls
Tested by: Sarah Pyett, Snr Web Producer, Hcp 10
There’s a lot of talk about soft
compression balls being longer
off the tee, but offering just as
much feel and spin into the green. Four
big brands have new balls that claim to do
exactly that – so we put them to the test.
1 Titleist DT TruSoft
Feel: Firm off the tee and with iron shots,
solid roll off the putter face.
Distance: Surprised it was slightly longer
than my regular tour ball; would be a great
ball to use during winter months.
Spin: Really responsive going into greens
from 100 yards and in.
Verdict: I usually use the same ball year
round, but having used these in wintery
conditions, I can see the benefits of using
a ball that delivers low long-game spin.
2 Callaway Chrome Soft
Feel: Very soft-but-solid feel off the face
with iron shots, and a really nice roll off
the putter. I could really feel the grooves
gripping the cover on wedge shots.
Distance: The softness of the ball doesn’t
compromise its length; it definitely added
a few yards off the tee,
Spin: Stopped really quickly from high
shots into the green.
Verdict: I was taken aback by the
hexagonal dimple pattern at first, but soon
realised it was doing its job of reducing
drag and increasing lift. A great ball
all-round.
3 Srixon UltiSoft
Feel: Felt softer around greens than the
others, golfers playing harder distance balls
will notice it feels better off the driver too.
Distance: Great distance for a ‘soft’ golf
ball, mid-low swing speeds would benefit
from the low-compression here.
Spin: Stopped just as quickly on full-shot
approaches as a premium ball.
Verdict: Designed for slower to mid swing
speeds, and I really liked the feel on and
around the greens. A decent improvement
over pure distance balls.
4 Wilson Staff DX3 Urethane
Feel: Wonderful feel from tee to green,
solid off the tee yet very responsive around
the greens.
Distance: Just as long as my usual ball,
and a very similar feel off the face on
woods/iron shots.
Spin: Very responsive from 100 yards
and in, it stopped really quickly on the
putting surface.
Verdict: I was really impressed with this
ball, superb feel and very durable. It takes
a lot to persuade me to change from my
regular ball, but I’m definitely considering
putting these in my bag permanently. The
price is attractive, too.
Options: Titleist (white or optic yellow); Wilson Staff (white only); Callaway (white, or TruVis); Srixon (white only)
110
ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

PRIZE DRAW
WIN
A PAIR OF
NEW ECCO
Bag one of four pairs of Ecco’s Golf’s new shoes, worth £170 each
CAGE SHOES
Swing aid
The outsole
design moves in
unison with the
foot’s ligaments
and muscles.
Fit for purpose
Ecco Cage is
designed to
promote better
stability,
flexibility and
cushioning.
e’ve teamed up with Ecco Golf to
W
give you the chance to win one of
four pairs of the company’s brand
new Ecco Cage shoes.
Having set the standards in innovative
footwear manufacturing for more than 50
years, Ecco Golf has developed Ecco Cage
to provide unparalleled levels of stability,
flexibility and comfort.
Representing the Danish company’s
flagship cleated shoe for 2016, Ecco Cage
boasts an advanced array of comfort
technologies and is available in five distinctive
colour combinations.
The outsole is created to move with the
foot’s essential ligaments and muscles,
while a unique one-piece cage wraps from
the heel through the midsole and across the
toe box, locking the heel in for exceptional
stability and comfort throughout the golf
swing.
To ensure a pleasant walk round after
round, Ecco Cage is fashioned from
lightweight, breathable performance leather.
Stain-resistant and easy-to-clean, this soft,
full-grain cow hide is also extremely waterrepellent
due to Ecco’s Hydromax treatment.
To explore more about the new Ecco
Cage, visit golf.ecco.com
How to enter
Visit www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/win, click on
the Ecco option and enter your email address.
Competition entries close at midnight on
April 13, 2016. Full terms and conditions can
be found on the Today’s Golfer website.
ENTER NOW AT WWW.TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK/WIN

Waterproof
standbags
It’s easy to keep ourselves
dry in a storm these days...
and these 11 bags will do
the same for your clubs
Ogio AquaTech £229
www.ogio.com
Colour options: 3 Features: Eightway
divider; six waterproof pockets.
Wide all-terrain stance keeps 1.9kg
bag stable on slopes or in the wind.
TaylorMade TM16 £179
www.taylormadegolf.com
Colour options: 4 Features:
Waterproof fabric with heat welded
seams. Waterproof shoulder strap
and hip pad. Six pockets. 2.6kg.
112 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

New
Gear
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite 14 Way £219 BIG Max Aqua 8 £189.99
www.brandfusionltd.co.uk
www.bigmaxgolf.com
Colour options: 6 Features: 14 full-length club Colour options: 5 Features: 100% waterproof
dividers, five pockets. 2.4kg.
(incl. zips) with fully-sealed seams. 2kg.
Cobra Dry Tech £169
www.cobragolf.co.uk
Colour options: 1 Features: Created from
StormCell water resistant fabric. 2.04kg.
Callaway Aqua Dry Lite £169
www.callawaygolf.com
Colour options: 4 Features: Four waterproof
pockets (incl. zippers). Seam sealed. 2.2kg.
Titleist StaDry £190
www.titleist.co.uk
Colour options: 4 Features: Waterproof
fabric and zippers. 2.44kg. Six pockets.
BAG BOY Techno-Water
£199
www.jsint.com
Colour options: 4 Features: Fully taped and
sealed seams. 2.4kg. Five pockets.
Ping Hoofer Monsoon £230
www.ping.com
Colour options: 2 Features: Seam sealed
construction & waterproof strap. 2.27kg.
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite £209
www.brandfusionltd.co.uk
Colour options: 6 Features: Guaranteed
waterproof to 2000mm. 2.16kg. Five pockets.
Wilson Staff Dry Tech £149
www.wilson.com
Colour options: 2 Features: Waterproof
polyester fabric with PU coating. 1.9kg.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346
113

Courses
&Travel
WHERE TO PLAY AT
HOME AND ABROAD
EDITED BY KEVIN BROWN
SPECIAL FEATURE
Hand-picked
for greatness
The best courses in England – as chosen by 2015’s county champions
WORDS KEVIN BROWN
NEXT
MONTH:
SCOTLAND,
WALES AND
IRELAND
116 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

he best players often have a certain
T
authority – when it comes to the
swing, equipment and the courses
they compete on. So who better to ask about
the best tracks in every English county than
that county’s reigning champion?
This massive guide – now in its third year
– features 330 layouts sprinkled around the
country. It offers some great insight from
outstanding golfers who know their county
courses like the back of their hand, as they
play them regularly on the county circuit.
Expect the usual big names to feature –
like Royal Birkdale, Sunningdale and Woburn.
But there’s a host of hidden gems, and green
fees starting at just £15.
BEDFORDSHIRE
County champion: Matt Hill
(Leighton Buzzard).
Handicap: Scratch
1 Leighton Buzzard The quality of the course
has improved massively and now has some of
the best greens in the county. The final three
holes are a real test of nerve before visiting the
most welcoming bar around. Green fees: £38.
Tel: 01525 244800.
2 John O’Gaunt (John O’Gaunt course) The
narrow fairways and subtle greens make for a
stern challenge. The par-3 10th is the star…
170 yards to a lightning fast green makes for
a tricky par. Green fees: £55 midweek, £50
weekends (after 3pm). Tel: 01767 260360.
3 Beds & County About as windy as golf in
Bedfordshire gets and great for year-round
golf. With OB right of the first 10 holes, make
sure to aim left! Green fees: £30 midweek, £35
weekends (after 3pm). Tel: 01234 352617.
4 Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands A short
course by modern standards, but with some
tough holes around the turn it will test even the
best course management. Green fees: £40
midweek, £56 weekends. Tel: 01908 583596.
5 The Bedford The best course in the county
for an ‘off season’ game as it is in excellent
condition year-round. Green fees: £25
midweek, £35 weekends. Tel: 01234 320022.
6 Dunstable Downs My favourite starting hole
in Beds is a fun par 5 with the fairway 100ft
below the tee. Don your hiking boots for the
physically demanding 8th hole, a 470-yard
uphiller. Green fees: £40. Tel: 01582 604472.
7 John O’Gaunt (Carthagena course) A really
enjoyable course with a fun finish. A great
option for a full day’s golf with another 18 to
explore on the other side of the main road!
Green fees: £55 midweek, £50 weekends (after
3pm). Tel: 01767 260360.
8 Luton Hoo The best stay-and-play in Beds
with the longest par 3 in the county, too – you’ll
do well to walk off with par at the 260-yard
13th. Green fees: From £25. Tel: 01582 734437.
9 Pavenham Park With some of the most
entertaining greens around, it is well worth
paying a visit though it’s probably best played
in spring. Green fees: £30 midweek, £35-£50
weekends. Tel: 01234 822202.
10 South Beds Home of one of the toughest
opening stretches in the county and if you play
the first four holes well you should be on for a
good round. Green fees: £30 midweek, £45
weekends. Tel: 01582 591500.
BERKS, BUCKS & OXON
County champion: John Gough
(Stoke Park).
Handicap: +2
1 Stoke Park My home course has it all:
27 holes of superb mature parkland golf,
outstanding practice facilities including three
short game areas and a clubhouse to die for.
A great place to play golf. Green fees: Apr £115
midweek, £180 weekends. Tel: 01753 717171.
2 Woburn Three outstanding courses with a
variety of challenges. All the courses are tough,
offering gorgeous views and all are extremely
well maintained. Green fees: Spring packages
between £135-£179. Tel: 01908 626881.
3 Castle Royle Great course in a linksy setting
– long rough and large greens, and can be
windy. Great facilities too with a good range
and chipping green. Green fees: Members &
members’ guests only. Tel: 01628 820700.
4 The Berkshire Two very challenging courses.
Stoke Park
Grandeur and
great golf
in Bucks.
Leighton Buzzard
Improved greens
in a stunning
Beds setting.
‘Dunstable Downs has
my favourite opener in
Beds... with a fairway
100ft below the tee ’
One is a tad longer and plotted within a lovely
setting while the other is shorter but provides a
great challenge with six par 3s, par 4s and par
5s. Green fees: £150. Tel: 01344 621495.
5 Wexham Park Golf Centre Great facilities
with a smashing clubhouse and a testing little
course. Green fees: From £15 midweek, from
£18 weekends. Tel: 01753 663271.
6 East Berkshire Lovely picturesque course
but, be warned, a great test of accuracy. A very
welcoming club with a lovely clubhouse and
facilities. Green fees: £50. Tel: 01344 772041.
7 The Buckinghamshire Quality parkland act
with stunning views and holes as well as a
cracking clubhouse and facilities with driving
range and a classy short game area. Green
fees: £90 Mon-Thurs, £120 Fri-Sun.
Tel: 01895 835777.
8 Studley Wood Long course with a great
layout – a mixture of long, wide and narrow
holes giving a great test to all golfers. Great
views of the whole course from the top of the
hill. Green fees: From £40 midweek, £55
weekends (after 1pm). Tel: 01865 351144.
9 Frilford Heath Boasts three great 18-hole
championship-calibre courses. The whole
complex is great with a nice clubhouse and
reception area. Contrasting challenges with a
short tight course, a longer, more open course,
and a long and tight layout. Green fees: To Mar
31 £50 midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01865
390864.
10 The Lambourne A beautiful course which is
well maintained and looked after and is a fair
challenge with its overall length. A pretty
exclusive but nevertheless welcoming club.
Green fees: £70 midweek, £90 weekends
(subject to availability). Tel: 01628 606717. ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 117

CAMBRIDGESHIRE
County champion: James
Reeson (Brampton Park).
Handicap: +3
Wallasey
Duel with the
dunes in Cheshire.
CHESHIRE
County champion: Tom
Heggarty (Royal Liverpool).
Handicap: +2
1 Saffron Walden Has the best greens in the
county – undulating, very fast and if you end
up above the hole, you can be left with some
horrible putts. Views are amazing. Green fees:
£55 midweek, £65 Sundays (after midday).
Tel: 01799 522786.
2 Gog Magog (Old Course) Well designed with
bunkers placed to catch slightly off-line tee
shots and greens that make getting up and
down tough. Steeped in history. Green fees: To
Mar 31 £30-£45 midweek. Tel: 01223 247626.
3 Gog Magog (Wandlebury course) In my
book the county’s best layout and though
scoring can be easier here than at other
courses, it’s still a great test and a course I love
playing. Green fees: To Mar 31 £30-£45
midweek. Tel: 01223 247626.
4 Links GC Newmarket We play a lot of
county games at Newmarket and it’s always in
fantastic condition. The club is always making
improvements and new greens have been
constructed on a few holes. Green fees: £39
midweek, £42 weekends. Tel: 01638 662395.
5 Brampton Park A fantastic test as the course
is very tight and has water on most holes. It’s
always in brilliant condition and you have to
take advantage of some of the easier midround
holes to score well. Green fees: £30
midweek, £35 weekends. Tel: 01480 434700.
6 St Ives It’s amazing this course was created
from flat fields just three-and-a-half years
ago. There is always some wind no
matter how calm it seems
elsewhere. Green fees: To Mar
31 - £30 midweek, £40
weekends. Tel: 01480 499920.
7 Ely City A mature parkland
course where you have to take
your opportunities. Back-to
back par 5s early on give you a
chance to register welcome birdies
Trevose
Vibrant layout
in Cornwall.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Brampton Park’s
formidable stroke index 1
4th – surrounded by water
– was once voted the
third toughest par 3
in the country.
though you need to putt well on the fast
greens. Green fees: £40 midweek, £50
weekends. Tel: 01353 663317.
8 Abbotsley There are two courses here, but
it’s the Abbotsley – a parkland layout with
every fairway tree-lined – that stands out. The
holes are great with a mix of short and long,
testing all areas of your game. Green fees: £35
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01480 474000.
9 St Neots Classic parkland course and
though on the short side, don’t be fooled. What
it lacks in length it more than makes up for
with tough 90° dog-legs and some of the
tightest driving holes around. Green fees: To
Mar 31 £25 midweek. Limited weekend
availability. Tel: 01480 472363.
10 The Cambridgeshire (Bar Hill)
An underrated course and with
its length it sets a challenge for
the very best. It’s always in
great condition and as it has a
bit more margin for error off
the tee, it’s very enjoyable to
play. Green fees: £32 midweek,
£40 weekends. Tel: 01954 780098.
1 Royal Liverpool Ever-changing, and one of
the best links in the country. It’s fair, fast and
full of great golf holes. The view from the 9th
tee is one of the best in golf. Green fees: £125
in Mar, £185 Apr-Sept. Tel: 0151 632 3101.
2 Delamere Forest A fine heathland layout.
Changes to several bunkers and tees mean it is
even a greater test. Green fees: £55 midweek,
£70 weekends. Tel: 01606 883800.
3 Wallasey Home of the Frank Stableford
competition, a classy links with tricky holes
flowing through the dunes. Green fees: £90
midweek, £100 weekends. Tel: 0151 691 1024.
4 Caldy A blend of links and parkland action,
Caldy provides wonderful views from holes 4-7
and a particularly tricky finish. Green fees: £70.
Tel: 0151 625 5660.
5 Heswall A parkland course which has
wonderful greens. Par 3s are particularly
strong. Green fees: £60. Tel: 0151 342 7431.
6 Sandiway A difficult driving course as many
fairways are guarded by trees and gorse. Tricky
greens make for a most enjoyable and testing
course. Green fees: £55 midweek, £70
weekends. Tel: 01606 883247.
7 Carden Park (Cheshire course) Though the
Nicklaus is regarded as the premier course, the
neighbouring Cheshire layout has great views
and is a good test of golf too. Green fees: £50
midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01829 731000.
8 The Mere Mature James Braid parkland
which winds around a large lake (the Mere)
and the last three holes are a real challenge.
Floating golf balls means the venue has one of
the most innovative practice grounds around.
Green fees: £75. Tel: 01565 830155.
9 Prestbury A really enjoyable parkland course
with rolling fairways and many changes in
elevation. A treat to play. Green fees: £60.
Tel: 01625 828241.
10 Wirral Ladies Though short by modern
standards, Wirral Ladies has some of the
trickiest holes in the county. A great test… if
you are brave enough to use your driver on
every par 4 and par 5. Green fees: £40
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 0151 652 1255.
CORNWALL
County champion: Conor Wilson
(Perranporth).
Handicap: +3
Abbotsley
Complete test in
Cambridgeshire.
1 St Enodoc Stunning links course which has a
few tight holes but the whole course is always
in immaculate condition and plays very long
for its par of 69. Green fees: £75 Sun-Fri, £85
on Sat. Tel: 01208 863216.
118 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Courses
DID YOU
KNOW?
Bowood Park is plotted
within 230 acres of rolling
hills and woodland, once
part of a 13th century
deer park owned by
the Black Prince.
Silloth
Wind-strewn
and stimulating
Cumbria links.
2 Trevose Wonderful links course with a
tremendous variety of holes. The multiple tees
provides varied length and you’ll love the great
views. Green fees: £57-£79. Tel: 01841 520208.
3 Perranporth My home course is the highest
natural links in Europe so is undulating with
great views and blind shots. You’ve only nine
bunkers to avoid though. Green fees: £36
midweek, £42 weekends. Tel: 01872 572454.
4 St Mellion (Nicklaus Course) Proud home
of the toughest course in Cornwall – and
probably the south west – being a long tight
parkland layout. Turn up with your A game or
else! Green fees: £30-£95. Tel: 01579 352004.
5 West Cornwall Tricky links course with
several tight holes and a handful of extremely
interesting par 3s as well as gorgeous coastal
views. Green fees: £37 Mon, Tue, Thurs-Fri &
£42 Wed & weekends. Tel: 01736 753401.
6 Bude & North Cornwall Had to be in the
selection as it was the venue of my county
championships success and boasts excellent
but tricky greens; you don’t often have a flat
putt. Green fees: £28. Tel: 01288 352006.
7 Tehidy Park A well-maintained parkland
which has a good layout using the contours of
the land with the two of the toughest par 4s in
Cornwall. Green fees: £35.50 midweek, £40.50
weekends. Tel: 01209 842208.
8 Lanhydrock An interesting parkland course
with an assortment of water features which
you need to negotiate but combine to create a
tricky test. Green fees: Apr £30, May-Sept £38.
Tel: 01208 262570.
9 Mullion England’s most southerly course
which has some dramatic level changes
making for several entertaining holes. Green
fees: £30 to Mar 31. Tel: 01326 241176.
10 Bowood Park A terrific mature parkland
‘West Cornwall has
extremely interesting
par 3s as well as some
gorgeous coastal views’
course which offers a mix of relatively open
holes with some densely tree-lined with the
stand-out being a 600-yard par 5. Green fees:
Apr £30, May-Sept £40. Tel: 01840 213017.
CUMBRIA
County champion: William Bowe
(Workington GC).
Handicap: +3
1 Silloth-on-Solway One of my favourite
courses and a tough links test, specially when
the wind is blowing though it’s set up fair.
Green fees: £49-£58. Tel: 01697 331304.
2 Seascale Another strong links layout and test
and like Silloth is always in good condition.
Green fees: £35-£40. Tel: 01946 728202.
3 Carlisle Mature parkland with lots of trees.
However, hit the fairways and you’ll be all right:
don’t and you could shoot a high number.
Green fees: £40-£50. Tel: 01228 513029.
4 Penrith A similar layout to Carlisle; again,
miss the fairways and you could be struggling,
specially as it’s quite long. Green fees: £35
midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01768 891919.
5 Workington It’s not the longest course
around but it’s fair and if you’re playing well
you can get a good score going. It really comes
into its own in mid-summer. Green fees:
£32.50 midweek, £37.50 weekends.
Tel: 01900 603460.
6 Brampton A hilly course though there are
a lot of short holes and birdie opportunities.
Green fees: £32 midweek, £38 weekends. Tel:
01697 72255.
7 Eden A relatively new course with pretty wide
fairways. Generally a nice layout and good test
of golf. Green fees: £50 midweek, £60
weekends. Tel: 01228 573003.
8 Ulverston Not unlike Workington in that it’s
not too difficult or demanding as it’s set up fair
for mid-handicap golfers. Green fees: £44
midweek, £48 weekends. Tel: 01229 582824.
9 Furness A good test with small greens. We
played a county match against Lancashire here
this year, the wind blew and it was hard. Green
fees: To Mar 31 – £15. Tel: 01229 471232.
10 Appleby Plotted on a hill and is a nice
course in the summer and boasts some of the
best greens in the county. Green fees: £27
Mon-Sat, £34 on Sundays. Tel: 01768 351432.
DERBYSHIRE
County champion: James Booth
(Shirland).
Handicap: +1.2
1 Kedleston Park Set in the grounds of
Kedleston Hall, this is one of the few courses
that will test your whole game. It’s long off the
back tips but is playable for any level via the
range of tees. An Open qualifying venue. Green
fees: In April – £60 midweek, £80 weekends.
Tel: 01332 840035.
2 Chesterfield Always in great condition, a fair
course with some tough holes and scoreable
par 5s. Good practice facilities and great views
from the clubhouse. Green fees: £50 midweek,
£60 weekends. Tel: 01246 279256. ➔
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3 Horsley Lodge Home of some of the best
greens you will play with water in play on quite
a few holes. A new clubhouse restaurant and
hotel rooms make for a great weekend break.
Green fees: £30. Tel: 01332 780838.
4 Erewash Valley A challenging course in great
condition. You can get the driver out, with the
4th and 5th the stand-out holes along with two
short par 3s in an old quarry. Green fees: £37
midweek, £48 weekends. Tel: 0115 932 3258.
5 Burton-on-Trent Arguably the county’s
toughest course with some fairly long holes
and greens which can get very quick. Green
fees: £35. Tel: 01283 544551.
6 Chevin Another course which is usually in
great condition, offering contrasting nines: the
front nine are uphill but it’s downhill all the way
from the 12th with a lovely reachable par-5
finale. Green fees: Mon-Thurs £32, Fri £36, £40
weekends. Tel: 01332 841864.
7 Matlock A solid course that’s not overly long,
and can give a lot… but take it back just as
easily. There are some reachable par 4s and 5s
with a number of tough par 4s thrown in.
Green fees: £40. Tel: 01629 582191.
8 Mickleover A short, tight tricky course to
negotiate – you certainly don’t need to hit
driver off every tee – and with small greens,
you need to be accurate with your approach
work. Green fees: £40. Tel: 01332 516011.
9 Buxton High Peak A course for all
handicaps: it’s not too tight but can play fairly
long at times so the challenge is always there
to keep things interesting. As a result, I always
enjoy my visits to Buxton. Green fees: £10-£25.
Tel: 01298 26263.
10 Cavendish It’s not long but can be fiddly
with quick greens that can penalise you. But
generally you’re firing in with short-mid irons
so you’ve only got yourself to blame if you’re
on the wrong side of the hole. A superb little
course. Green fees: £25-£35. Tel: 01298 79708.
DEVON
County champion: Leon Fricker
(Yelverton).
Handicap: +2
1 Saunton Beautiful links course which offers
a great test of golf and the par-3 17th is an
absolute belter – my personal favourite hole.
Green fees: £60 in Apr, £90 May-Sept. Tel:
01271 812436.
2 East Devon Great heathland course with lots
of beautiful views and overall a very good allround
test. Green fees: £50. Tel: 01395 443370.
3 Bovey Castle On the edge of Dartmoor
National Park, this is a magical setting offering
several stunning holes which meander through
a scenic valley and by a river. Green fees: £70
(£49 for residents). Tel: 01647 445009.
4 Churston A splendid course by the sea
offering good test of golf and it’s usually found
in excellent condition. Green fees: £45
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01803 842751.
5 Yelverton My home course so I’ve a lot of
great memories playing here. Its moorland feel
has allowed me to hone my skills over the
years. Green fees: £30 midweek, £35
weekends. Tel: 01822 852824.
6 Teignmouth A cracking heathland which
starts in style with a fantastic par-5 opener and
provides stunning views. Green fees: £40
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01626 777070.
7 Royal North Devon The oldest course in
England and fun to play as there is no one way
to play each hole on any given day. It frees
your imagination and creativity. Green fees:
£65 Sun-Fri, £75 Sat. Tel: 01237 473817.
8 Exeter G&CC A very good parkland course
which has undergone significant changes
which have improved the layout and making
it even more fun to play. Green fees: £40
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01392 874139.
9 Tavistock A strong moorland course with a
decent variety of holes and challenges and
home of some of the best greens in the county.
Green fees: £30. Tel: 01822 612344.
10 Dawlish Warren An underrated layout but
definitely another fun course to play. Dawlish is
always in good condition and the greens are
pretty special, too. Green fees: £30 midweek,
£35 weekends. Tel: 01626 862255.
DORSET
County champion: David Norton
(Parkstone).
Handicap: Scratch
1 Parkstone Top heathland course but only a
stone’s throw from Poole harbour. A good mix
of risk/reward par 5s and 4s with one of the
best finishing holes in the county, a 200-yard
par 3 with a 50ft elevation change. Green fees:
£60-£110. Tel: 01202 707138.
2 Ferndown Similar to Parkstone, benefits
from having 27 holes. A new head greenkeeper
from the Old Course at Sunningdale means it
is getting back to its best. Green fees: £90
midweek. Members & members’ guests at
weekends. Tel: 01202 653950.
3 Dudsbury Something of a ‘bombers’
paradise, Dudsbury is a US-style layout with
lots of water and long par 4s. Green fees: £40
midweek, £55 weekends. Tel: 01202 593499.
4 Remedy Oak Millionaire’s golf at an
impressive if very private club, especially
following the upgrading of the greens. An Open
qualifying venue. Green fees: £95 (limited teetimes
available). Tel: 01202 812070.
5 Broadstone Home of one of the oldest clubs
in the county and a tough par 70 with some
great holes that have stood the test of time.
Green fees: To Mar 31 £48 midweek, £85 (after
2pm). Tel: 01202 642524.
Saunton (East)
Stunning setting
and true links
golfing in Devon.

Courses
Rockliffe Hall
Modern classic
in Durham.
6 Dorset G&CC Formerly East Dorset, this is a
modern layout, and is long off the back tees.
Overall, offers 27 holes and a good challenge
for all playing levels. Green fees: £45 midweek,
£49 weekends & £50 a day. Tel: 01929 473915.
7 Came Down Another historic Dorset course
near Dorchester. A good test with risk-reward
par 4s and reachable par 5s. Hopefully your
tee-time won’t be delayed due to fog! Green
fees: £40 a round, £50 a day. Tel: 01305
813494.
8 Knighton Heath A shorter more strategic
course where irons off tees are a better bet
than pulling out the driver on the short par 4s.
Made my top 10 as it was the venue for my
County Championship win! Green fees: £38
midweek, £45 weekends. Tel: 01202 572633.
9 Isle of Purbeck The best views of Poole
harbour and most aesthetically pleasing
course in the county. Pick a sunny day to play
and even if the golf is bad, the views will make
up for it. Green fees: To Mar 31 £30 Mon-Thurs,
£35 Fri-Sun. Tel: 01929 450354.
10 Yeovil With three holes actually across the
Somerset border, Yeovil only just sneaks into
Dorset. It is always maturing and there are
plenty of opportunities for both birdies and
disasters in equal measure. Green fees: £40.
Tel: 01935 422965.
DURHAM
County champion: Richard
Aisbitt (Brancepeth Castle).
Handicap: +3
‘Chelmsford is always
in good condition
and every hole has
a different look’
lovely undulating parkland course. Green fees:
£30 midweek, £35 weekends. Tel: 01388
661618.
4 South Moor Classy Alister MacKenziedesigned
heathland and though not long it’s
pretty tight and tricky with brain definitely
ruling over brawn. Green fees: £23-£28. Tel:
01207 232848.
5 Rockliffe Hall Home of the prestigious
European Tour English Senior Open and in my
view the best greens in the county. A modern
classic. Green fees: From £35. Tel: 01325
729999.
6 Wynyard Club Another outstanding modern
layout and among the many fortunate enough
to grace it include Seve Ballesteros. So really
it should be No.1 for that alone! Green fees:
Summer two-ball, £89 per pair. Tel: 01740
644399.
7 Castle Eden Not particularly wellknown,
but Castle Eden is
nevertheless a pleasant parkland
course and it’s always in good
condition. Green fees: £30-
£38. Tel: 01429 836510.
8 Hartlepool This is where
Durham’s finest – current
European Tour star Graeme
Storm – learnt to play the game
and it’s a good all-round test.
Green fees: £33-£42. Tel: 01429
274398.
9 Darlington Another MacKenzie design and
this one features densely tree-lined fairways
usually leading to huge rolling greens. Green
fees: £22.50 midweek, £25 weekends. Tel:
01325 355324.
10 South Shields Close to the coast and noted
for its fine greens. Can be tricky to combat
when the wind blows. Green fees: From £18.
Tel: 0191 456 8942.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Isle of Purbeck, the historic
heathland layout plotted
within a nature reserve,
was once owned by
children’s author
Enid Blyton.
ESSEX
County champion: James Allan
(Chelmsford).
Handicap: +3.5
1 Chelmsford Heavily tree-lined while the
sloping greens, which are often raised, makes
scoring tricky. It’s always in good condition and
every hole has a different look. With only one
par 5, your iron play has to be spot on to score
well. Green fees: £65. Tel: 01245 256483.
2 Thorndon Park Always in good condition
and with fantastic greens, Thorndon boasts
a fantastic layout with the mature tree-lined
fairways giving you a great feeling when
playing – provided you keep out of them!
Green fees: £65 midweek. Tel: 01277 810345.
3 Colchester A tight and short course – most
holes are waiting to punish errant tee shots –
with arguably the best finishing hole in the
county. Green fees: £43 midweek, £48
weekends. Tel: 01206 853396.
4 Orsett This course offers a unique feel
compared to others in the county, with lots of
gorse to contend with and waiting to gobble up
any wayward shots. Green fees: £47.50
midweek. Tel: 01375 891797.
5 Abridge G&CC A rollercoaster
of an undulating track which
offers a fantastic all-round test
of golf. The greens are right out
of the top drawer. Green fees:
£40 midweek, £50 weekends
(after 2pm). Tel: 01708 688333.
6 Essex G&CC In my opinion
one of the best layouts in Essex,
featuring a string of highly demanding
par 4s. Green fees: From £13 midweek, from
£20 weekends. Tel: 01787 224466.
7 Frinton One of the few links in the county.
A back-to-back par-5 finish is a good chance
to bow out in a blaze of glory! It’s always in
good condition, too. Green fees: £35 midweek,
£39 weekends (after 11am). Tel: 01255 671618.
8 Thorpe Hall A tight well tree-lined course
with small greens which can often lead to
tricky up-and-downs if you happen to miss ➔
1 Brancepeth Castle Classic Harry Colt
design... a course which, for me, provides the
fairest and best test in the county. Green fees:
To Mar 31 £20 midweek, £25 weekends. Tel:
0191 378 0075.
2 Seaton Carew Quality links and in fact the
only true links in Durham. Has hosted plenty
of major events including the 2014 Brabazon
Trophy. Green fees: £50 for two on Mon, £42
Tues-Fri & £50 weekends (after 12). Tel:
01429 266249.
3 Bishop Auckland Expect to receive a warm
welcome at this superb club blessed with a
Ferndown
Improved layout
in lovely D orset.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 121

Colchester
Work on accuracy
before tackling
this Essex test.
them. Green fees: From £30 midweek. Tel:
01702 588195.
9 Channels A fantastic club with a nice
clubhouse serving fine food and overlooking
a fun course with a great mix of holes. My
favourite is the signature par-3 17th over a lake.
Green fees: From £40. Tel: 01245 440005.
10 West Essex A very undulating course which
makes some holes extremely tricky and
meaning positional play and good course
management is critical. Green fees: £20-£30.
Tel: 0208 529 4367.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
County champion: Nick Day
(Henbury).
Handicap: +4
1 Ross-on-Wye A fantastic parkland course in
the Wye Valley with very good greens. Every
hole is tree-lined so accuracy is key. The wellmanicured
fairways are extremely inviting from
the tee. Green fees: £49. Tel: 01989 720267.
2 The Kendleshire A real favourite of mine with
firm, fast greens. Even though the course isn’t
that old, it is growing into a quality track. Green
fees: To Mar 31 £26-£46. Tel: 0117 956 7007.
3 Henbury It’s parkland and though not long,
is tight off of the tee which provides challenges
every time you play it. Green fees: £35
midweek, £38 weekends. Tel: 0117 950 0044.
4 Bristol & Clifton Another parkland with fast
greens and a tough front nine. With the course
protected by lots of fairway bunkering and
trees, accuracy is key. Green fees: £45
midweek, £55 weekends. Tel: 01275 393474.
5 Knowle Another good parkland course
I enjoy playing. It tests all parts of your game,
is heavily tree-lined and has good greens.
Green fees: From £22. Tel: 0117 977 0660.
6 Long Ashton The back nine is fantastic and
the recently refurbished greens are great to
putt on. A tight course in places you have to
carefully plot your way round. Green fees: £35
midweek, £45 weekends. Tel: 01275 392229.
7 Minchinhampton (Cherrington course) This
The Kendleshire
Maturing
parkland layout
in Gloucesterhire.
was used for Open Regional qualifying in
recent years so that tells you the quality of the
course. A long course with great greens and
always well presented. Green fees: £50
midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01453 833866.
8 Cotswold Hills A relatively new course for
me as it’s just found its way onto our County
Order of Merit list. A great addition too: it’s
long with plenty of testing holes, notably the
597-yard par-5 16th. Green fees: £38 midweek,
£45 weekends. Tel: 01242 515264.
9 Chipping Sodbury I have grown to like this
one over the years. It is probably the longest
course in the county and it’s testing too with
numerous holes with ditches you need to
consider laying up or carrying. The greens are
upturned saucers and are difficult to hold.
Green fees: From £25 Mon-Thurs (after 2.30).
Tel: 01454 319042.
10 Shirehampton Park A very tight course with
tiny greens all of which seem to be raised, so if
you miss one it’s not an easy up-and-down.
The par-4 3rd is one of the best holes in the
county. Green fees: £30 midweek, £35
weekends. Tel: 0117 982 2083.
HAMPSHIRE, ISLE OF
WIGHT & CHANNEL ISLES
County champion: Darren Walkley
(Hayling). Handicap: +2.2
1 Hayling My home club and home to a
beautiful links course overlooking the Solent
with fantastic views to the Isle of Wight. It is
also kept in great condition all-year round with
‘With some very thick
heather and towering
pine trees, Liphook in
Hants is a hidden gem’
fantastic drainage and brilliant fescue greens.
Green fees: £70 Mon-Thurs, £75 Fri-Sun. Tel:
023 9246 4446.
2 Liphook A hidden gem with very thick
heather with most holes overlooked by
towering pine trees. Beware of the fast, sloping
greens. Green fees: £67 midweek, £85 Sun
pm. Tel: 01428 723785.
3 Blackmoor An outstanding heathland course
which is a joy to play and should provide a
good test in mid-April when hosting the first
part of the Hampshire Salver, a World Amateur
Golf Ranking event. Green fees: £60. Tel:
01420 472775.
4 North Hants Where it all started for Justin
Rose and a superb example of a mature
heathland layout with a delightful mix of
heather and tall trees bordering the
impressively manicured fairways. Green fees:
£65 Mon-Thurs, £75 Fri-Sun. Tel: 01252
616443.
5 Brokenhurst Manor Scene of my first
Hampshire county championship, it always
presents a challenge and is set in the most
beautiful surroundings. And it’s always in great
condition. Green fees: £60 midweek, £70
weekends. Tel: 01590 623332.
6 Stoneham Very much an unsung hero and
being dominated by mature trees, it will punish
you for being wayward. It’s a good walk – it’s
quite hilly in places – but it is always in great
condition. Green fees: £52 midweek, £59
weekends. Tel: 023 8076 9272.
7 Hockley The course impressively and
naturally flows through the undulating
landscape. It provides great views, stretching
as far as the Isle of Wight on a clear day.
Always in fantastic condition. Green fees: £50
midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01962 713165.
8 Corhampton Has a combination of natural
contours, mature woodland and sneakilyplaced
bunkers so provides a good
examination for low and higher-handicappers
alike. Green fees: £40. Tel: 01489 877279.
9 Rowlands Castle A delightful place to enjoy
a challenging and exciting round though it’s no
stroll in the park – you will need to display
good course management skills to score well
here. Green fees: £45 midweek, £55 Sun. Tel:
023 9241 2784.
10 Army Golf Club Mature trees and
rhododendrons border many of the shaped
fairways and provide a blaze of colour in the
spring. Groups of small deer can frequently be
seen quietly observing play from woodland
clearings off the fairways. Green fees: To Mar
31 £45 midweek. Tel: 01252 337272.
122 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Courses
HERTFORDSHIRE
County champion: Laurie Owen
(Letchworth).
Handicap: +1.6
1 Ashridge My favourite course is full of wildlife
and character and not a boring hole in sight.
It’s always a joy to play and well presented.
Plus the clubhouse serves a great carvery!
Green fees: £69 (Apr-Oct). Tel: 01442 842244.
2 Centurion Club It starts very Woburn-like
and then goes into a US-style open course
with well placed bunkers and amazing greens.
Green fees: Members & members’ guests only.
Tel: 01442 510520.
3 West Herts Always a pleasure playing West
Herts, our home course for the men’s county
team last season. A great challenge, though it
has a scoreable back nine. Green fees: £45
midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01923 236484.
4 The Grove A fun course and you can really
get a low score going. It’s known for being in
awesome condition all year round. Boasts
great facilities and hosts the British Masters
later in the year. Green fees: To Mar 31 £99
Mon-Wed, £115 Thurs-Sun. Tel: 01923 294266.
5 Brocket Hall (Palmerston course) With
mature tall pine trees it’s Woburn-esque and
always good fun to play though take care
on the sloping greens. Green fees:
£110-£175. Tel: 01707 368700.
6 Letchworth My home course
is underrated. Over a century
old, it’s a tight parkland course
always kept in great condition
and continuing to improve.
Look out for the black squirrels!
Green fees: £40 midweek, £45
weekends. Tel: 01462 683203.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Prince’s neighbours Royal
St George’s and had its
moment in the limelight
when it hosted the
1932 Open won by
Gene Sarazen.
7 Berkhamsted Extremely challenging even
though it’s bunkerless. Miss a green and you’re
dealing with all sorts of undulations. Green
fees: £55 midweek, £60 weekends (after
11.30). Tel: 01442 865832.
8 Moor Park (High course) Lovely tree-lined
course with greens running slick year-round.
A tough but fair challenge off the back tees.
Also famed for its huge mansion clubhouse
which is worth a visit itself. Green fees: Mar-
Oct (midweek) £60-£90; May-Sept (weekends)
£60-£90 after 2.30pm. Tel: 01923 773146.
9 Hadley Wood Designed by Alister
MacKenzie, it is a good challenge with very
undulating greens which mostly slope back-tofront.
Green fees: £50 midweek, £60
weekends (after 1.30). Tel: 0208 449 4328.
10 South Herts Well presented parkland
course just on the outskirts of London. It can
get very bouncy in the summer and the greens
always run well and fast. Green fees: £50
midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 020 8445 2035.
KENT
County champion: Liam Burns
(Sundridge Park).
Handicap: +3
1 Royal St George’s The hardest course in
Kent. Par 70, 7,000-yards plus… it’s
a beast of a course. When the
wind blows you have to be
patient and have a very hot
putter. There’s lots of run-offs
and plenty of trouble. It’s great
fun, and you earn a drink
afterwards. Green fees: £180.
Tel: 01304 613090.
2 Wildernesse I would say the most
pleasing to the eye in the county: when it’s at
its best you feel like you’re walking on carpet
and putting on billiard tables. Not the most
challenging, but if you’re out of position it can
be fiddly. Green fees: £60. Tel: 01732 761199.
3 Knole Park A beautiful course set in Knole
Park where the deer run free with some
fantastic holes and even better views. Sitting
on top of a hill it’s a great winter course and
can get bouncy in the summer which just adds
to the fun. Green fees: £70. Tel: 01732 452150.
4 Littlestone Another links with nine holes
going out and nine back. A fair course with flat
fairways, but you better have a good score up
to 16… the final three holes are as hard as
nails. Green fees: £20 midweek, £25
weekends. Tel: 01797 363355.
5 London Club (Heritage course) An
American-style course with some of the best
greens in Kent. A very enjoyable course to play
despite lots of trouble – water, bunkers and
thick rough – lying in wait. With the right
weather, a great day out. Green fees: Members
& members’ guests only. Tel: 01474 879899.
6 Sundridge Park (West course) Beautiful
parkland course with some testing holes. No
one seems to shoot the lights out round here
and it can be very frustrating trying to find
birdies on holes which feel birdieable. Green
fees: £45 midweek only. Tel: 020 8460 0278.
7 Prince’s (Shore, Dunes & Himalayas) With
three nines there’s a few combinations and
in my eyes they’re all as good as each other.
Once again, a typical British links with some
funky fairways – hitting it down the middle
doesn’t mean you’ll finish on the fairway. Green
fees: Mar & Apr £50 Mon-Thurs, £75 Fri-Sun.
Tel: 01304 611118.
8 Royal Cinque Ports A typical links with 10
holes going away from the clubhouse with ➔
The Grove
Immaculate
conditioning and
great fun in Herts.
➔
123

Formby
Perfect Lancs
blend of charm
and challenge.
eight coming back in. For me, the hardest back
nine in Kent – it plays into the prevailing wind
a lot of the time – leaving you to scramble for
pars. It’s brutal. Green fees: £130 midweek,
£155 weekends. Tel: 01304 374007.
9 Hever Castle An enjoyable first 10 holes and
then you reach one of the best runs of holes in
Kent: the 11th has a blind tee shot and hard
second, the 12th is based on a certain par 3 at
Augusta and then the 13th with a tee shot with
water down the left before having to hit across
the water to a small green. Green fees: £37
midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01732 700771.
10 West Kent This friendly course isn’t the
longest course in Kent but it creates some
tricky approaches, and it’s easy to let a score
slip away. Green fees: £55. Tel: 01689 851323.
LANCASHIRE
County champion: Ian Kenwright
(Haydock Park).
Handicap: +3
1 Royal Birkdale A fantastic Open venue, and
I don’t think there is a better links course in the
country, a true test of golf even when it’s
windless and it’s always a privilege to play
here. Green fees: £215 midweek, £245
weekends. Tel: 01704 552020.
2 Haydock Park It’s been my home course
since I was 10 and is a lovely inland, tree-lined
parkland course with fantastic practice
facilities. It’s immaculately presented with
some great holes, notably the stroke index one
13th. Green fees: £30. Tel: 01925 228525.
3 Formby Luckily we are blessed with many
great links courses in my county and this,
along with Birkdale, has to be one of my
favourites. It’s always in great condition with
some fantastic holes, and great views on the
10th tee looking out to the Irish Sea. Green
fees: £105 midweek, £120 weekends. Tel:
01704 872164.
4 Clitheroe Parkland course just outside of
Blackburn which is always well maintained
with the greens in great condition all-year
round. There are some terrific closing holes,
most notably the par-3 17th with its sloping
green surrounded by trouble. Green fees: From
£20. Tel: 01200 422292.
5 Bolton GC An undulating parkland with
some tricky holes and sloping greens, a course
that seems to suit my game. Take care on the
tricky finishing hole. The scene of my
Lancashire amateur victory last year so I
had to include this course. Green fees: £42
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01204 843073.
6 Preston Cracking parkland with fast sloping
greens. Find yourself on the wrong side of the
greens here and you could end up in deep
trouble. The par-5 penultimate hole is a top
risk-reward test with the narrow green guarded
by a stream. Green fees: £40 Mon-Thurs, £45
Fri, £50 Sun. Tel: 01772 700011.
7 Grange Park Mature parkland just a few
miles from St Helens town centre and always
in fantastic condition. You need to be good
driver of the ball to play well round here,
especially the par-5 6th and par-5 13th where
water threatens. Green fees: £40 midweek,
£45 weekends. Tel: 01744 28785.
8 Fairhaven Links Course on the Fylde coast
which has a bunker for every day of the year
‘At Preston GC the par-5
17th is a top risk-reward
test, the narrow green
guarded by a stream ’
so you need to negotiate them to play well.
Starts and ends with a par 5 and there are six
par 5s on the scorecard altogether. Green fees:
£65 Mon-Thurs, £80 Fri-Sun. Tel: 01253
736741.
9 Ormskirk On the outskirts of Southport, this
layout is often overlooked for the area’s top
links. But it’s a fine parkland alternative with a
number of interesting holes and I always enjoy
playing here. Green fees: £50 midweek, £60
Sun. Tel: 01695 572227.
10 Lancaster Nice parkland overlooking the
Ribble estuary, boasting rapid as well as
sloping greens. Lovely par-3 finale next to a
14th century castle. Green fees: From £25.
Tel: 01524 751247.
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Courses
DID YOU
KNOW?
Seacroft, on a strip of land
next to Gibraltar Point
Nature Reserve, is the
east coast’s only true links
between Hunstanton
and Seaton Carew.
LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND
County champion: Martin Anderson
(Market Harborough). Handicap: +2
1 Market Harborough Challenging course with
undulating greens and one of the best three
closing holes in the county. My home course
is very picturesque, a great test of golf and is
always kept in great condition. Green fees: £35
midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01858 463684.
2 The Leicestershire A very tight, tough course
and one of the most challenging in the county.
The greens are great but the subtle breaks on
them make it hard to score well. Green fees:
£50 midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 0116 273
8825.
3 Luffenham Heath Always in great condition
and probably the most challenging in the
county. It’s a regional Open qualifying course
and punishing if you are slightly off line. Green
fees: £50 midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01780
720205.
Royal St George’s
Hard greens to hold
at the toughest
course in Kent.
4 Kibworth A short but tough driving course
as it’s very tree-lined. It’s also always in great
condition with fantastic greens that are fairly
flat but always challenging owing to their
speed. Green fees: £44. Tel: 0116 279 2301.
5 Kirby Muxloe The par 3s especially are
probably some of the best in the county. This is
where I won the county championship so this
course will always have good memories for
me. Green fees: £35. Tel: 0116 239 3457.
6 Birstall Typical Leicestershire course: very
tree-lined with great greens. Overall, a terrific
layout with some really tough holes. Holds a
lot of county events and provides a great test,
always providing a worthy winner. Green fees:
£30 midweek, £40 weekends. Tel:
0116 267 5245.
7 Longcliffe Heathland course which in the
summer plays really hard due to the slopes
that make it very challenging. Provides a
different test of golf compared to a lot of other
courses around, making it even more enjoyable
to play. Green fees: £40 midweek, £50 Sun.
Tel: 01509 239129.
8 Glen Gorse Top course with really
challenging closing holes and generallyspeaking
guarantees a great test of golf. Again,
is usually found in excellent condition. Green
fees: To Mar 31 £16-£22. Tel: 0116 271 3748.
9 Willesley Park Tough, punishing course if
you are slightly off line. Boasts some of the
best holes in the county and always provides
an enjoyable round. Green fees: £50 midweek,
£60 weekends. Tel: 01530 414596.
10 Charnwood Forest Lovely nine-holer and a
really challenging layout where you have to
play very strategically otherwise you can shoot
a high score. It’s unique due to the lack of
bunkers but hilly which makes it very
picturesque. Green fees: £28 midweek (18
holes), £38 weekends (18 holes). Tel:
01509 890259.
LINCOLNSHIRE
County champion: Billy Spooner
(Woodhall Spa).
Handicap: +3
1 Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin course) Known for
being one of the best courses in the country,
it’s a great challenge for your game because
if you miss the fairway it can be really tough.
I also have good memories round here,
winning the Lincolnshire Men’s Amateur
Championship last year. Green fees: £78-£93.
Tel: 01526 352511.
2 Woodhall Spa (Bracken) A close runner-up
because it is also a great course with big
sloping greens and much wider fairways.
I always enjoy playing this course because it
really suits my game – I won the Lincolnshire
Boys Championships by eight shots last year.
Green fees: £54-£64. Tel: 01526 352511.
3 Seacroft Every time I play Seacroft I always
enjoy it. It’s known for having superb greens
all-year round, and is one of the best links
courses I’ve played to date. I would highly
recommend tall golfers to give it a try. Green
fees: From £25. Tel: 01754 763020.
4 Belton Park I love playing here because of its
stunning scenery and every time I’ve played
there it’s been in great condition, even in the
winter. It has 27 holes with lots of variety and ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 125

it’s another happy hunting ground – I’ve won
the Lincolnshire Open here. Green fees: To Mar
31 £25. Tel: 01476 567399.
5 Boston GC A very nice course, but demands
straight tee shots because of the tight fairways.
I’ve played here a lot over the years and every
time I play it, it’s always a good test. Green
fees: £30 midweek, £35 weekends. Tel: 01205
362306.
6 Blankney Whenever I have played here I’ve
always found it difficult to shoot low: it’s a hard
course because it’s not only long but also quite
tight. Green fees: £36 midweek, £44 weekends.
Tel: 01526 320263.
7 Forest Pines There are trees everywhere so
your tee shots have got to be accurate or you
can run up big scores. The greens have always
been very good every time I’ve played and it’s
a great all-round test of golf. Green fees: To
Mar 31 £25 midweek, £27 weekends. Tel:
01652 650770.
8 Market Rasen Parkland course which
provided a solid all-round test of golf and it’s
always been known for having good greens
year-round. Green fees: From £23. Tel: 01673
842319.
9 Holme Hall Short-but-sweet layout. You don’t
need to hit your driver very often, but you need
to be wary of the tricky greens which are pretty
sloping. Green fees: £20-£30. Tel: 01724
862078.
10 Spalding Not an easy parkland course and
you have to be on top of your game to shoot
a low score. In the summer it’s an enjoyable
course to play because the greens are always
in good condition. Green fees: £35. Tel: 01775
680386.
MIDDLESEX
County champion: Liam
Ainsworth (West Middlesex).
Handicap: +1
1 West Middlesex My home course features six
par 3s – some of the toughest short holes
you’ll ever play. Overall though every hole is
completely different and a real test for any level
of golfer. Green fees: £30
midweek, £40 weekends.
Tel: 020 8574 3450.
2 Fulwell This parkland course
has the best layout of any
course in Middlesex: tight
fairways mixed with some
undulating greens make for a great
challenge. Green fees: £55 midweek,
£70 weekends. Tel: 020 8977 2733.
3 Northwood Another parkland course though
this one has a slight links feel to it and features
a signature double green for the 7th and 9th
holes. Green fees: £45 midweek. Members
only at weekends. Tel: 01923 821384.
4 Ashford Manor I get a strange feeling every
time I tee it up here; it is the only course in
Middlesex that is lined with pine trees and
gorse. Green fees: £40 midweek, £45 on Sun.
Tel: 01784 424644.
5 Ealing It never disappoints in terms of
condition and is renowned for having the best
greens in Middlesex and quite possibly the
south of England. Green fees: £22-£35 in
midweek. Check for weekend availability. Tel:
020 8997 0937.
6 North Middlesex A quirky course with a few
driveable par 4s, the round unusually finishing
with a lovely par 3 in front of the clubhouse
and making for an entertaining finale. Green
fees: £15-£25. Tel: 020 8445 1604.
7 Ruislip Where I first started playing, Ruislip
is a lovely, short course that requires undivided
concentration and attention in order to score
well. Green fees: To Mar 31 £15 midweek, £20
weekends. Tel: 01895 277777.
8 Muswell Hill Another relatively short course
with small, tricky greens. It’s always in good
condition and fun to play because of its nice
par 3s and driveable par 4s. Green fees: From
£20. Tel: 020 8888 1764.
9 Hendon Has been host to many matches
and events in my golfing life and always makes
for a good challenge because of its tight
fairways and undulating greens. Green fees:
From £18. Tel: 020 8346 6023.
10 Wyke Green It never disappoints with the
condition of the course and
DID YOU
KNOW?
Royal Cromer’s spectacular
clifftop course has been
significantly improved with
new pot bunkering which
gives it a more
linksy feel.
I would say it is one of the
tougher Middlesex courses – it
has some lengthy par 4s and
some postage stamp-size
greens. Green fees: £30 Mon-
Thurs, £40 Fri-Sun. Tel: 020
8560 8777.
NORFOLK
County champion: Simon Clark
(Gt Yarmouth & Caister).
Handicap: +1
1 Royal West Norfolk Pure links heaven in
a picturesque setting, though Brancaster is
something of an acquired taste: like Marmite,
you can either love or hate it! Green fees: £65-
£85. Tel: 01485 210087.
2 Great Yarmouth & Caister My home course
is also a traditional links which unusally
crosses the race course on the 1st and 18th
holes. Signature hole is the 410-yard par-4 11th
which cuts straight through the sand dunes.
Green fees: £40. Tel: 01493 728699.
3 Hunstanton A tough traditional links which
has hosted many England Golf events. It’s a
true test with a great combination of holes.
Green fees: £70 day rate in Apr. Tel: 01485
532811.
4 Thetford My first inland pick is a perfect
heathland layout but is a tough test, especially
between holes 7-11. Green fees: £30-£40. Tel:
01842 752169.
5 Sheringham Picturesque clifftop track with
terrific views. Overall, a stunning golf course
and I just happen to hold the course record
here (65)! Green fees: £75 a day Sun-Fri, £80
on Sat (per day). Tel: 01263 823488.
6 King’s Lynn A very tough inland course and
you’ve got to be seriously straight here… if you
miss the fairways, you’ll be hitting out of the
trees. Green fees: £50 midweek, £60
weekends. Tel: 01553 631655.
7 Royal Cromer Another splendid clifftop
course which over the past few years has
climbed up the rankings and rightly so. It’s
always in great condition. Green fees: £60
Luffenham Heath
Great shotmaking at
this Rutland test.
Woodhall Spa
Traps aplenty at
Lincs’ top venue.
Hendon
Tight treat in
Middlesex.
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Courses
midweek, £70 weekends. Tel: 01263 512884.
8 Weston Park A fairly new layout but a good
inland test within a striking parkland setting.
It’s in the process of being upgraded and being
taken over by Royal Norwich. Green fees: £30.
Tel: 01603 872363.
9 Swaffham Has been transformed from a
nine-holer to a challenging 18-hole layout with
difficult, pacy greens. Green fees: To Mar 31
£15-£30. Tel: 01760 721621.
10 Ryston Park Fine and extremely demanding
nine-hole course near Swaffham Market.
Lovely to play in the summer. Green fees: £20.
Tel: 01366 382133.
NORTHANTS
County champion: Jack Brown
(Kingsthorpe).
Handicap: Scratch
1 Brampton Heath A modern course that is
maturing well – it gets better every year – with
the addition of a new water hazard on the 9th
and 18th holes. Green fees: £22 midweek, £27
weekends. Tel: 01604 843939.
2 Northants County A classic, old fashioned
but well designed and testing course. Green
fees: £70. Tel: 01604 843025.
3 Peterborough Milton It’s not the longest but
it’s also a good test as you have to carefully
plot your way round. Green fees: To Mar 28
£20 midweek. Tel: 01733 380489.
4 Northampton GC A very fair course and one
that mid-high handicappers in particular will
enjoy. Green fees: £45. Tel: 01604 845155.
5 Wellingborough Undulating parkland course,
but it’s pretty tight so you can’t afford to be too
wayward. Green fees: From £27.50. Tel: 01933
677234.
6 Staverton Park A particularly good course
for societies: the pretty parkland layout is quite
open and enjoyable to play. Green fees: £20
midweek, £25 weekends. Tel: 01327 302000.
Brancaster
One of Norfolk’s
purest links
experiences.
‘Collingtree is a former
European Tour venue
with a thrilling par-5
finale to an island green’
7 Collingtree Park A US-style course best
known for being a former European Tour venue
and the thrilling par-5 finish to an island green.
Green fees: £40 midweek, £47.50 weekends.
Tel: 01604 700000.
8 Kingsthorpe Quite a short course but it’s
always to be found in immaculate condition.
Green fees: £20. Tel: 01604 710610.
9 Overstone A fairly open course but is a
pleasant walk and a pleasure to play. Again, in
great condition. Green fees: From £24. Tel:
01604 647666.
10 Kettering Definitely worth playing if you’re
in the county. It may be shortish in overall
length but it’s testing and in good nick. Green
fees: £25. Tel: 01536 511104.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
County champion: Matthew
Hogg (Rushcliffe).
Handicap: +3
1 Sherwood Forest Stunning heathland layout
with the toughest stretch of back nine par 4s
you will play anywhere. Always in a fantastic
condition with quick greens that justify its
place in the list of Britain’s top 100 courses.
Green fees: £65 (May-Sept). Tel: 01623
626689.
2 Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) Host of the 2015
Brabazon Trophy and a layout that is a great
test. The 2nd and 13th are examples of a dogleg
par 4 and downhill par 3 you will struggle
to better. Green fees: £55-£80. Tel: 01623
753225.
3 Coxmoor Another club with a rich history
and a course kept in great condition. Always
a pleasure to play. Out of bounds and water
hazards are just some of the protections while
the huge green on the par-5 18th must be one
of the biggest in England. Green fees: £59. Tel:
01623 557359.
4 Worksop Venue for the 2014 English Mid-
Amateur Open Stroke Play Championship and
right out of the top drawer. The par 3s are the
ones you will remember and if you need par
on the 170-yard 18th – with the clubhouse on
the right, OB, bunkers and wickedly sloping
green – good luck. Green fees: £50. Tel: 01909
477731.
5 Wollaton Park Set in the glorious grounds of
Wollaton Hall where key scenes of the Dark
Knight Batman movie were filmed. Don’t let
the deer that roam the course distract you
from the challenge of a lovely parkland course.
The 3rd and 11th are stunning tree-lined holes.
Green fees: £25. Tel: 0115 978 7574.
6 The Nottinghamshire The Open course has
been transformed by recent investment and a
new layout. Almost every hole features water
and overall it is a real test of accuracy and
power. Green fees: £38 midweek, £45
weekends. Tel: 0115 933 3344.
7 Newark If tough starts are your bag, the 450-
yard 1st – with the practice ground out of
bounds left and trees right – will be right up
your street. It gets easier, but the speedy
greens and narrow fairways are a pleasure
to play – every time. Green fees: £38 in Apr
(midweek). Tel: 01636 626282.
8 Rushcliffe The views and hilly layout are a
great combination of my home club where
I started playing, aged five. Its undulating
fairways and small sloping greens are a test for
all players and look out for three tough par 3s
in the first seven. Green fees: £30 midweek,
£40 weekends. Tel: 01509 852959.
9 Stanton on the Wolds A course always
beautifully presented to complement its fast
and super-smooth greens. You will feel like a
good score should always be possible but it’s
strategy and staying out of the trees, rather
than reaching for driver every hole, you will
need here. Green fees: £18 midweek, £35
weekends. Tel: 0115 937 4885.
10 Beeston Fields Take advantage of the short
par-4 1st. The rest of the course becomes a lot
tighter especially into the back nine. The 17th –
a long par 4 guarded by bunkers – is the
toughest of the lot. Green fees: £32. Tel: 0115
925 7062.
NORTHUMBERLAND
County champion: Jack
Hermeston (City of Newcastle).
Handicap: +2
1 Berwick upon Tweed (Goswick) A true links
test with all the humps and hollows that are ➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 127

Hollinwell
Brabazon Trophy
host among the
finest in Notts.
attributed to seaside golf. An Open qualifying
venue with large firm greens which add to the
test with a great mixture of risk-reward holes.
Green fees: Mon-Fri £47; Sat-Sun £57.
Tel: 01289 387380.
2 The Northumberland Another Open
qualifying venue and a very tough test,
especially the last four holes if they’re played
into the wind. The greens are very firm and
fast which challenges players to either hit the
ball high or run the ball up which adds to the
challenge. Green fees: £80 midweek, £100
Sun. Tel: 0191 236 2498.
3 Alnmouth (Foxton Hall) Has a great variety
of holes that make for an interesting round.
Head greenkeeper Jim Storey has done a great
job over the past few years getting the very
best out of the course and the addition of new
Gold tees has made it very challenging.
Green fees: Mon-Fri & Sun morning £39; Sun
after 12, £29. Tel: 01665 830231.
4 Hexham I always look forward to playing
Hexham as it is always in fantastic condition.
The course is very tight and requires straight
hitting all the way round. There are a lot of
good birdie chances but several tough holes
too! Green fees: Mon-Fri from £25; Sat-Sun
from £35. Tel: 01434 603072.
5 Ponteland Over the past few years these
have been the purest putting surfaces I’ve ever
putted on, so all credit to the greenstaff. The
layout of the course is also great as it forces
players to shape the ball both ways. Green
fees: £40. Tel: 01661 822689.
6 Close House (Filly course) The new changes
to the course made by Lee Westwood have
turned it into a true test. Now it’s extremely fun
to play with lots of birdie chances. Green fees:
£50 (£37.50 for residents). Tel: 01661 852255.
7 City of Newcastle My home club has a truly
great layout which really challenges players to
think their way around, and changes to the
13th hole will really toughen it up! Green fees:
£28. Tel: 0191 285 1775.
8 Alnmouth Village A lovely, quirky and
historic nine-hole links with wide fairways and
sloping greens, making it a great test for all
golfers. Plus it is always in great condition yearround.
Green fees: £20. Tel: 01665 830370.
‘Tree-lined Bridgnorth
offers sloping greens
and spectacular views
over the river Severn’
9 Newbiggin Another superb links, this course
can vary day-to-day due to the wind and as a
result can be extremely demanding as you
have to hit a variety of shots. Green fees: £25
midweek, £30 weekends. Tel: 01670 817344.
10 Whitley Bay Recent course changes have
definitely made this one of the best courses in
the county though the great finish to the round
(holes 16-18) is chiefly why this course is in my
top 10. Green fees: Mon-Fri from £25; Sun pm,
£40. Tel: 0191 252 0180.
SHROPSHIRE &
HEREFORDSHIRE
County champion: Will Enefer
(Wrekin). Handicap: +1
1 Hawkstone Park (Hawkstone course) Not
the longest course in the county, but it’s always
kept in immaculate condition and despite the
lack of length offers a good test due to the tight
tree-lined fairways and small greens. Green
fees: £49. Tel: 01948 841700.
2 Hawkstone Park (Championship) The best
championship course in Shropshire and from
the back tee offers plenty of length measuring
just over 7,000 yards. Green fees: £39. Tel:
01948 841700.
3 Oswestry This is where Ian Woosnam honed
his game and it’s a very tight parkland course
Alnmouth
Variety and views
in Northumberland.
with tiny greens and many dog-legs, so good
course management is critical. Green fees:
£24-£40. Tel: 01691 610535.
4 Ludlow More of a heathland course which is
always in fantastic condition and playing firm
due to it being sand-based. Also, the greens
are very slippery with subtle breaks. Green
fees: £36 midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01584
856285.
5 Wrekin My home club and even though it
may not be longest around it has helped me
develop a sharp short game due to its small
greens that slope away either side. Green fees:
£25-£30 (winter rates). Tel: 01952 244032.
6 Bridgnorth One of the oldest courses in
Shropshire and an absolute pleasure to play
with spectacular views over the River Severn.
Tree-lined fairways and sloping greens
guarantee it’s no stroll in the park. Green fees:
£30-£45. Tel: 01746 763315.
7 Worfield Has seen a lot of recent
development with some holes being
completely re-designed to make it a better and
harder test. Beware of the very quick greens.
Green fees: £30-£40. Tel: 01746 716541.
8 Lilleshall Hall A truly good test of golf, where
straight driving and accurate iron play is a
must. This is the place where I won my first
county amateur championship. Green fees:
£25 midweek, £35 weekends. Tel: 01952
604776.
9 Church Stretton Played atop the Shropshire
hills, this wildly undulating course offers
stunning views. It’s short and sweet and you
can find yourself in trouble if you play too
aggressively. Green fees: £30 midweek, £40
weekends. Tel: 01694 722281.
10 Shifnal A tight and tree-lined course that
is always kept in superb condition, and long
straight tee shots are essential if you want to
shoot a good score. Green fees: £40. Tel:
01952 460330.
SOMERSET
County champion: Josh Hilleard
(Farrington Park).
Handicap: +3.6
1 Burnham & Berrow (Championship course)
One of the best links courses in the county,
B&B is always in the best condition and has
many classic holes. Usually a strong wind is
blowing off the Bristol Channel, making it a
tough test of anyone’s game. Green fees: £90.
Tel: 01278 785760.
2 Farrington Park The Duchy course is a good
test of ballstriking with a wide variety of holes
ranging from picturesque par 3s to long par 5s.
The greens play well all-year round and have
some big slopes and contours. It’s my home
course and I enjoy playing it every time! Green
fees: To Mar 31 – £25-£30. Tel: 01761 451596.
3 Bath Located right on top of the hill
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Courses
overlooking the town centre, the course plays
well all-year round. With some of the purest
greens in the county, it’s a course you’re always
keen to return to. Green fees: From £30. Tel:
01225 463834.
4 Mendip Springs A good layout with lots of
trees and water, resulting in demanding tee
shots. Again the greens are pure and fast and
this course is always enjoyable to play. Green
fees: £30 midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01934
852322.
5 Orchardleigh One of the prettiest-looking
courses in the county. Plenty of long holes with
trouble positioned in all the right places and
lots of elevation change throughout the round
mean it’s a tough walk but well worth the
effort. Green fees: £25 midweek, £32.50
weekends. Tel: 01373 454200.
6 Enmore Park Another undulating course that
looks good on the eye. With greens that run
fast and true, it’s an excellent test, an enjoyable
walk and a treat to play. Green fees: £43
midweek, £45 weekends. Tel: 01278 672100.
7 Oake Manor Great strategic course with lots
of water throughout: playing for position rather
than length is the key. It’s usually in great
condition, and overall is an underrated course
but definitely worth playing! Green fees: £37
Mon-Thurs, £39 Fri, £46 weekends. Tel: 01823
461993.
8 Saltford A great layout that suits the longer
hitter, Saltford rewards good shots and
punishes bad ones. It’s always in good
condition and has an excellent variety of holes
with its signature par-3 17th stealing the show.
Green fees: £35 midweek, £40 weekends. Tel:
01225 873513.
9 Burnham and Berrow (Channel course) The
best nine-hole course in Somerset: every hole
is tricky with tight drives and greens that are
fast and hard to read. Plus it’s playable all yearround
and always great fun. Green fees: £20
(9 holes). Tel: 01278 785760.
10 The Mendip Located on top of the Mendips,
it provides great views throughout the round,
and the course isn’t too bad either though a bit
fiddly with lots of small sloping greens. It’s one
of the most mature courses around and is in
great shape year-round. Green fees: £28. Tel:
01749 840793.
STAFFORDSHIRE
County champion: Dan Jukes
(Bloxwich).
Handicap: 1
1 Bloxwich My home course is a mature rolling
parkland track and always a treat to play,
unusually containing five par 3s and four par
5s… and some extremely difficult par 4s!
Green fees: From £30 (midweek). Tel: 01922
476593.
2 Enville Something of a hidden gem even
though the Highgate layout is an Open
qualifying course and a quality heathlandwoodland
combination sitting next to the par-
71 Lodge course. Green fees: £55 midweek.
Members & members’ guests only at
weekends. Tel: 01384 872074.
3 Whittington Heath A short course plotted on
heathland in the middle of scenic Staffordshire
countryside. It meanders through some mature
woodland so you can’t afford to be too
wayward. Green fees: £55. Tel: 01543 432261.
4 Brocton Hall With plenty of testing hazards
and stunning scenery, provides the best of
both worlds, while the undulating fairways
mean accuracy will be rewarded along with
precise approach work to well-protected
greens. Green fees: £43 midweek, £50
weekends. Tel: 01785 661901.
5 South Staffs This course was originally
designed by Harry Vardon and is no stroll in
the park – tree-lined fairways and small greens
make pinpoint accuracy a must. Green fees:
£43 midweek. Check for weekend availability.
Tel: 01902 751065.
6 Sandwell Park Home of a quality partwooded
heathland course which is both
challenging and scenic. However, there are
plenty of unforgiving hazards to negotiate.
Green fees: £40. Tel: 0121 553 4637.
7 Leek A moorland treat in the north of the
county that will reward you with a challenging
round as well as wonderful views. Take care on
the sloping greens though. Green fees: £35
midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01538 384779.
8 Maxstoke Park Par-71 course which sits
within the striking grounds of the medieval
Maxstoke Castle so it may be hard to
concentrate on your game. You need to
because water features on eight holes. Green
fees: £35. Tel: 01675 466743.
9 Beau Desert Quality heathland golf which
provides a memorable golfing experience from
the short par-4 opener to the thrilling par-5
finale. Green fees: £70 Mon-Thurs, £75 Fri, £80
weekends. Tel: 01543 422626.
10 Trentham An Open Regional qualifying
course plotted on part of the former Duke of
Sutherland’s Estate with beautifully wooded
areas and lakes. Good solid driving is all
important. Green fees: £55 midweek, £65 Sun.
Tel: 01782 658109.
SUFFOLK
County champion: Sam Byford
(Ipswich Purdis Heath).
Handicap: +2.9
1 Purdis Heath My home course and in my
opinion the best course in Suffolk. It is
predominantly a heathland with mature treelined
holes. It is in great condition year-round
and has a good mix of challenging and
rewarding holes as well as new renovated
bunkers. Green fees: £60 midweek, £70
weekends. Tel: 01473 728941.
2 Aldeburgh One of the oldest clubs in Suffolk
and also one of the toughest to score round. ➔
Burnham&Berrow
Classic links fayre
among the dunes on
the Somerset coast.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Awesome Aldeburgh
will test you to the limit,
with the Suffolk course
having no par 5s but nine
400-yard-plus
par 4s!
129

Aldeburgh has narrow fairways which
are lined with gorse bushes and
large tricky greens which make
it an excellent challenge. Green
fees: £80 midweek, £85
weekends. Tel: 01728 452890.
3 Woodbridge A great
heathland course similar to
Purdis Heath. However, it is not
long, standing at just 6,299 yards.
The fairways are lined with a mixture
of heather, gorse and trees which make the
course both interesting and challenging. Green
fees: £55 midweek, £65 weekends. Tel: 01394
382038.
4 Thorpeness An excellent heathland course
which offers a good test. The fairways, lined
with gorse and well-placed bunkers, make it a
challenging but rewarding layout which has
benefited from the recent extension of the 9th
hole from a par 4 into a par 5. Green fees: To
Mar 30 £35 midweek, £40 weekends. Tel:
01728 452176.
5 Felixstowe Ferry The fifth oldest course in
England and one of the best links courses in
the region. It is a fairly flat low-lying course,
but the wind is its biggest defence and it can
easily punish you if not allowed for. Green fees:
To Mar 31 (Mon-Fri) 18 holes with full English
breakfast/fish & chips, £32. Tel: 01394
286834.
6 Haverhill A great golf course with undulating
fairways and quick greens making it a fantastic
parkland course to experience. Green fees:
Mon-Fri £34; Sat-Sun £45. Tel: 01440 761951.
7 Stowmarket A parkland course with mature,
tree-lined fairways requiring accuracy off the
tee to leave a shot to the green on most holes.
It is also home to one of the longest par 3s in
England in the form of the 250-yard 4th hole.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Walton Heath is steeped in
golfing history, boasts Old
and New courses and has
staged many major events
including the 1981
Ryder Cup.
Green fees: Mon-Fri £36; Sat-Sun £46.
Tel: 01449 736473.
8 Hintlesham Home of a fairly
new club which opened in
1990 and a very enjoyable golf
course. The 4th hole is one of
my favourites, a challenging
219-yard par 3 over water with
trees either side, and bunkers
surrounding and protecting the
green. Green fees: Mon-Fri £40; Sat-
Sun £48. Tel: 01473 652761.
9 Halesworth Quite an open course with
undulating fairways and smooth greens.
However the fairways are lined with thick
rough which can prevent you from hitting the
green with your approach if you’re not
accurate. Green fees: £32 midweek, £38
weekends. Tel: 01986 875567.
10 Waldringfield Opened in 1983 it is a short
course measuring just 6,046 yards. But it
boasts narrow fairways lined with a mixture of
trees and gorse bushes which mean positional
play is key in setting yourself up for the
approach shot. Green fees: £24 midweek, £29
weekends. Tel: 01473 736768.
SURREY
County champion: David Corben
(Hindhead).
Handicap: +3
1 Hindhead: Elevation changes trick the senses,
the heather shines in the sun hiding its true
menace and the layout snakes through the
glacier-formed valleys before emerging up to
the top plateau to provide amazing views. I’m a
tad biased, but it is justified. Green fees: From
£85 (Mon-Thurs). Tel: 01428 604614.
2 Sunningdale (Old course) Betters its younger
brother due to the cathedral-like trees that line
each hole and make it feel like you are in
complete isolation. Every time I play here
I get a sense of childish excitement on the first
tee. A must play. Green fees: £125-£215. Tel:
01344 621681.
3 Coombe Hill When the rhododendrons are
out in full bloom there potentially is no better
place to be. The greens here are both some of
the truest and heavily sloped which adds to
the pace of them. A true joy to both play and
walk around. Green fees: £65-£110. Tel: 020
8336 7600.
4 Sunningdale (New course) Of the two
courses this is the tougher more athletic track
and provides some of the toughest holes in the
county. A superb driving course that requires
all shapes off the tee. Both courses
complement each other perfectly. Green fees:
£125-£215. Tel: 01344 621681.
5 Hankley Common A vast estate and a layout
like no other; you can stand on one hole and
would have no idea where the rest are! Off the
championship tees it is a brute, but a fair test.
One of the toughest long game tests of any
inland course in the country. Green fees: £100
midweek, £115 weekends. Tel: 01252 792493.
Woodbridge
Short but sweet
test in the gorse.
130 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

Courses
Walton Heath
One course where
it’s easy to hit a
purple patch.
‘Hindhead’s fairways
snake through glaciated
valleys, before rising up
to give amazing views’
6 Woking I can never put my finger on why
I enjoy Woking so much which I think is what
makes it great. It must be the complete
package as it tests all areas but provides
entertainment while doing so. Green fees: £60-
£85. Tel: 01483 760053.
7 Addington Palace A course of two nines…
the front requires caution while the back
requires brawn. Undoubtedly the best all-yearround
greens you will putt on anywhere: visit in
January and they will still be double figures on
the stimp! Green fees: From £55.
Tel: 020 8654 3061.
8 Royal Wimbledon A hidden gem of a setting
no more than five miles from the centre of
London. After what is potentially the hardest
starting hole in golf, the course pans out with
a wide range of holes demanding an equally
broad range of golf shots. Green fees: £150.
Tel: 020 8946 2125.
9 St George’s Hill Set on one of the most
desirable estates in the country it holds an
aura as it winds its way through the properties.
A course for all as it is relatively simplistic off
the tee but the challenge lies around the
greens. Green fees: £90-£145. Tel: 01932
847758.
10 Walton Heath (New course) Of the two
courses, the new is the more balanced and
enjoyable test. When in bloom the heather is
punishing yet beautiful. Green fees: To Mar 31
£150 midweek, £180 weekends. Tel: 01737
812380.
SUSSEX
County champion: Edward
Richardson (Rye).
Handicap: +3
1 Rye My home club is a quintessential private
members’ club and home of a par-68 course
built on pure sand with a reputation for the
best winter greens in the country. Revered
nationwide as a top-drawer links with bags of
history and pedigree. Green fees: £125. Tel:
01797 225241.
2 East Sussex National Home of the East and
West courses: the former is a monster of a
Stadium course that has previously hosted the
European Open and the greens have severe
slopes so when they’re running fast, it’s a
serious test. Plus there’s a 100-room hotel and
award-winning spa. Green fees: Until Mar 26
from £20 midweek, from £25 weekends.
Tel: 01825 880256.
3 West Sussex A pedigree heathland classic
which has been thrilling and testing golfers
since opening in the early 1930s. In recent
years it has undergone minor but key
alterations that have enhanced its reputation.
Green fees: £95 Mon-Thurs, £105 weekends.
Tel: 01798 872563.
4 Royal Ashdown Forest (Old course) The
private members-only Old course is a unique
heathland course where accuracy is essential,
offering the best views of East Sussex than any
other course. Green fees: £75 midweek, £95
weekends. Tel: 01342 822247.
5 Mannings Heath Main attraction here is the
par-72 Harry Colt-influenced Waterfall course –
magnificently situated in 500 acres of beautiful
Sussex downland. Green fees: Members only.
Tel: 01403 210228.
6 Goodwood (Downs course) Glorious for golf
too, boasting this prestigious century-old
James Braid-designed Downs course which
has benefited from recent significant
investment and changes. Green fees: Members
and members’ guests only. Tel: 01243 755133.
7 Haywards Heath Another must play,
Haywards Heath is a mature parkland with top
South Downs views thanks to some testing
elevation changes. Green fees: £35. Tel: 01444
414866.
8 Piltdown Unusually bunkerless and plotted
West Sussex
Classic heathland
quietly improved.
on heathery commonland with an abundance
of gorse and heather to negotiate. Green fees:
To Mar 31 from £25. Tel: 01825 722389.
9 Royal Ashdown Forest (West course) The
shorter West course, while lesser known, offers
the visiting amateur golfer an opportunity to
play a very different type of course to other
daily fee courses in the area. Green fees: £17-
£40. Tel: 01342 822247.
10 Crowborough Beacon An unsung hero
perched 800ft above sea level, this underrated
layout has a terrific variety of holes and offers
excellent value for its green fee. Green fees:
From £30 Mon-Thurs, from £35 Fri-Sun. Tel:
01892 661511.
WARWICKSHIRE
County champion: Adam Lumley
(Coventry GC).
Handicap: +1
1 Coventry It can prove a stiff test. It’s a wellconditioned
course with four brilliant par 3s
and a tough five-hole finish. No matter how
many times you play this course it never gets
boring. My home course and where I learned
to play. Green fees: £60 midweek only. Tel: 024
7641 4152.
2 Copt Heath One of the tougher courses in
the county: with long par 4s and big steep
bunkers it makes for an enjoyable but good
test of golf. Scene of my Warwickshire Amateur
title win! Green fees: £55 midweek. Check for
weekend availability. Tel: 01564 772650.
3 Edgbaston I like the way that the course is
laid out – the lie of the land has been used
very well, creating some great holes. Another
course with steep bunkers which makes you
focus on hitting the ball straight. Green fees:
£57 midweek, £67 weekends. Tel: 0121 454
1736.
4 Forest of Arden The Arden course is a
demanding former British Masters venue,
a great layout with big bunkers and those,
combined with the fact that the majority of
holes are long, makes it a tough proposition.
Green fees: £60-£120. Contact: 01676 526113.
5 Handsworth I like Handsworth because you
have to think your way around this very
strategic course, which consists of hitting more
irons off tees in order to avoid the many
perfectly-placed fairway bunkers. Green fees:
£60 midweek, £70 weekends. Tel: 0121 554
3387.
6 Ladbrook Park Another top layout and
challenging test. It can be easy to drop shots
around here and every shot has to be hit with
a purpose. Green fees: £50. Members &
members’ guests only at weekends. Tel:
01564 742264.
7 Moor Hall This is another course that is
always fun to play because of its tree-lined
fairways and great general condition. You have
➔
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 131

to be swinging well to play and score well
around here. Green fees: £50. Members &
members’ guests only at weekends. Tel: 0121
308 6130.
8 Olton Another great test with the first couple
of holes testing your ability straight away.
Hitting the ball solidly is essential – with only
one par 5, it means your approaches into the
par 4s have to be spot on. Green fees: £50.
Members & members’ guests only at
weekends. Tel: 0121 704 1936.
9 Robin Hood A lot of changes were made to
the course a couple of years back which has
made Robin Hood one of the best in the area.
It’s now a much more demanding course
where the last three holes could make or break
a round. Green fees: £40 midweek, £50
weekends. Tel: 0121 706 0061.
10 Sutton Coldfield An inland links-type course
with fast fairways and heather which makes
hitting it straight the key to success. The
fencing around the greens to keep the cattle at
bay is another cool feature that I like at Sutton
Coldfield, meaning they’re in top shape yearround.
Green fees: £40. Tel: 0121 353 9633.
Bowood G& CC
Landscaped test
needing power
and precision.
WILTSHIRE
County champion: Garry Slade
(Bowood G&CC).
Handicap: 1.4
1 Bowood Golf and Country Club My home
course winds through Bowood Estate and
offers a real test, ranging from long par 3s to
par 5s with well positioned hazards. No matter
what your ability, a great test specially from the
Blue tees measuring 7,200 yards plus! Green
fees: £35 to Mar 31. Tel: 01249 823881.
2 Manor House Set in the medieval village
of Castle Combe, quite easily the most
picturesque course in Wiltshire. As you play
into the valley of the course you encounter
some visually stunning holes such as the par-5
12th. It’s in great condition year-round. Green
fees: To Mar 31 £35. Tel: 01249 782206.
3 High Post A great strategic layout with wellplaced
greenside hollows and bunkers which,
along with great putting surfaces and a tough
finishing stretch, make this a must play. Green
fees: £60 midweek, £75 weekends. Tel:
01722 782356.
4 Kingsdown A really fun downland course
with some pretty holes such as the par-3 17th.
Guaranteed excellent putting surfaces
whatever time of the year. Green fees: £25-
£40. Tel: 01225 743472.
5 Cumberwell Park Boasts four sets of
contrasting nines – parkland, woodland,
lakeland and an inland links – plus great
facilities like the short game area and a new
par-3 course currently being built. What more
could you want? Green fees: £35 midweek,
£45 weekends. Tel: 01225 863322.
‘At Hamptworth you’ll
need to negotiate The
Beast... the immense
666-yard 16th hole’
6 Tidworth Garrison A testing, well-manicured
and enjoyable course designed by Harry Colt
which has small greens with subtle borrows
guaranteed to get your golfing brain into gear.
Green fees: £35 midweek, £42 weekends. Tel:
01980 842301.
7 Salisbury & South Wilts This course is
renowned for having one of the toughest
opening four holes in the county. However, if
you get through them unscathed you can
definitely get a good score going round this
fun layout. Green fees: £45 midweek, £60
weekends. Tel: 01722 742645.
8 North Wilts My former club provides a tough
18 holes of downland golf. The first 10 holes
can give up a good score but it’s a case of
holding on once you cross the road for the
back eight. With friendly members and play
available all-year round, a good day out. Green
fees: £40 midweek, £45 weekends. Tel: 01380
860330.
9 Hamptworth A mix of forest and downland,
Hamptworth is another favourite with lots of
strategy required to miss well-placed hazards.
You also have to negotiate ‘The Beast’, the
immense 666-yard par-6 16th! Green fees:
Mon-Thurs £25; Fri-Sun £30. Tel: 01794 390155.
10 Wrag Barn Good all-round test with a
decent mix of holes from ‘blind’ tee shots to
risk-reward holes such as the par-5 17th. You’ll
be impressed too by the new academy run by
professional Richard Scarrott. Green fees: £30
midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01793 861327.
WORCESTERSHIRE
County champion: Oliver Walker
(Bransford).
Handicap: 2
1 Kings Norton My favourite county course
presents a challenging test right from the word
go, and being 7,000 yards plus isn’t for the
faint hearted. The three nines offer lots of
variety while Kings Norton is always presented
in the best of condition, regularly hosting
county competitions. Green fees: £35
midweek. Members & members’ guests only
at weekends. Tel: 01564 822635.
2 Bank House Hotel, Golf and Spa (Bransford
GC) An impressive variety of holes with six par
3s, six par 4s and six par 5s and featuring 14
lakes which come into play on 13 holes so
playing a round with the same ball is some
feat! Green fees: To Mar 31 £15-£25. Tel:
01886 833545.
3 Kidderminster Classic old course, a hidden
jewel if you like, with the first and last holes
being drivable par 4s capable of causing much
drama. Each hole presents a different
challenge and this mature parkland course
is definitely worth playing. Green fees: £40.
Tel: 01562 740090.
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Courses
4 Stourbridge Recognised as one of the finest
courses in the West Midlands, Stourbridge is
steeped in history but has excellent modern
facilities. In my opinion this course has the
best greens in the county in the summer – fast
and true and fun to putt on. Green fees: £36.
Tel: 01384 395566.
5 Blackwell A traditional mature parkland
layout measuring 6,260 yards from the white
tees with a par of 70. Former Masters and
Open winner Sandy Lyle has long been
associated with Blackwell, which in my view
also boasts one of the county’s most beautiful
clubhouses. Green fees: £50-£90. Tel:
0121 445 1994.
6 Enville (Highgate course) Home of two
18-hole courses, which are set in pleasant,
undulating heathland and woodland. They
form contrasting layouts, which make for a
fun and challenging game. Green fees: £55
midweek. Members & members’ guests only
at weekends. Tel: 01384 872074.
7 Fulford Heath One of the most enjoyable
Manor House
Wiltshire golf
at its finest.
courses to play and there is a good
opportunity to get a good score going early
doors with the first five holes being short and
fairly straightforward. Three lakes and the River
Cole add to this picturesque environment,
while a splendid split-level clubhouse
overlooks the 18th green. Green fees: £38
midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01564 824758.
8 Moseley Founded in 1892, this course is
a superb mature parkland layout course
designed by Harry Colt and is a challenging
but fair test for golfers of all abilities with
immaculate greens in use throughout the year.
Off-course, the clubhouse and catering
facilities are superb quality, too. Green fees:
£45 midweek & Sun, £50 on Sat.
Tel: 0121 444 4957.
9 The Worcestershire Established in 1879
and the oldest club in the county, The
Worcestershire is a private club but always
welcomes visitors to play the challenging and
well presented course. You’ll love the
smashing modern clubhouse and
the magical views of the Malvern
hills. Green fees: £38 midweek,
£42 weekends. Tel: 01684
564428.
10 Cleobury Mortimer Home
of a fabulous 27-hole modern
venue in peaceful and scenic
surroundings and I have
thoroughly enjoyed my outings in
the annual Worcestershire Open Pro-Am
here. The friendly spike bar is a great place to
unwind and relax. Green fees: To Mar 31 £17
midweek, £20 weekends. Tel: 01299 271112.
YORKSHIRE
County champion: Jamie Bower
(Meltham).
Handicap: +3.9
1 Ganton Just edges top spot for me due to
its excellent year-round condition. The
challenging layout, including many deep
bunkers, provides a tough test for golfers of
any ability and unlike a lot of other courses, no
two holes are alike. Green fees: £80 midweek,
£85 weekends. Tel: 01944 710329.
2 Alwoodley Also an exceptional course. Its
best feature is without doubt the immaculate
Alwoodley
Some of the finest
greens in Yorkshire.
DID YOU
KNOW?
The Lindrick staged the
1957 Ryder Cup which
resulted in a Great Britain
& Ireland victory and
America’s first defeat
in 24 years!
putting surfaces. The treacherous slopes on
many of the greens, combined with their
lightning quick speed, means that par is never
guaranteed. Green fees: £85 midweek, £100
weekends. Tel: 0113 268 1680.
3 Moortown One of the most difficult courses
in the county. The narrow fairways are well
protected by cleverly positioned bunkers and
deep rough, making for a stern test from teeto-green.
The stunning 18th, played with the
clubhouse as a backdrop, is a fitting finale to
a memorable round. Green fees: £85 (May-
Sept). Tel: 0113 268 6521.
4 The Lindrick Not the longest of courses, but
it more than compensates with its winding
dog-legs and tree-lined fairways. Another
course where the putting surfaces are always
fast and true. Green fees: £50-£75.
Tel: 01909 475820.
5 Middlesbrough Something of a hidden gem
in Yorkshire, but the welcoming clubhouse and
the friendly members give the place a
homely feel. A course I have enjoyed
playing many times. Green fees:
£35. Tel: 01642 311766.
6 Hull This James Braiddesigned
layout is one of
stunning natural beauty.
Several risk-reward holes
such as the 10th gives golfers
different options off the tee,
making Hull a great matchplay
course. Green fees: £50. Tel:
01482 660972.
7 Huddersfield (Fixby course) The first of
three courses in my hometown to feature in
my top 10 boasts USGA standard greens
which remain fast all year round, making it
more enjoyable to play out-of-season than
many other courses in the area. Green fees:
£60 midweek, £70 weekends. Tel:
01484 426203.
8 Meltham I got hooked on the game here
when I was six, and it has remained my home
course ever since. You will struggle to find a
course with better par 3s than the 3rd, 12th
and 17th. The elevation changes on these, and
many other holes, make for a real challenge
when the wind is up. Green fees: £35
midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01484 426203.
9 Pannal Host of the North of England
Amateur Championship, Pannal is an exciting
course which gives up many birdie
opportunities, particularly on the four par 5s.
The tall pines, which enclose winding fairways,
make this course very easy on the eye.
Green fees: £30-£75. Tel: 01423 872628.
10 Woodsome Hall The quality of Woodsome
Hall is obvious as soon as the grand 16th
century clubhouse comes into view. With a top
class championship course to match, this is
definitely one to visit specially following the
recent addition of a covered driving range.
Green fees: £50. Tel: 01484 602971.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 346 133

BAHAMAS
Emerald island
The only course in the world where you won’t mind being in the water
WORDS ROB Mc GARR
Being left on
the par-5 15th
is no good...
unless you're
a snorkeler.

Travel
he name ‘Bahamas’ comes from the
T Spanish “baja mar”, meaning
shallow sea. It’s the shallowness of
the water surrounding the 700 islands making
up the Bahamas that gives it the
unmistakable turquoise hue.
One of those islands is Great Exuma. It’s
just 35 miles long, and you’ll get the small
island vibe as soon as you touch down at an
airport that would fit inside most clubhouses.
A short drive away, you’ll find Sandals
Emerald Bay, a six-star, 249-room resort, with
its own mile-long white sand beach and 18-
hole golf course designed by Greg Norman.
The par-72 course, measuring 7,001 yards
from the back tees, is not for the faint-hearted
or those short of golf balls. The front nine
meanders through dense mangrove and
features water on six holes, but the back nine
is where things get really special.
The six-hole stretch from 11 to 16 hugs the
peninsula of Emerald Bay and will take your
breath away, as waves crash alongside the
fairway and the ocean spray refreshes you. Be
prepared for some spectacular views and a
few lost balls. The penultimate hole offers a
brief respite from the water, but with a bunker
that runs the entire length of the hole and
then wraps around the green, it’s anything but
dull. “My responsibility is to make all 18 holes
signature holes,” Norman told TG. “We were
lucky that the developers let us put the golf
course on the water. Most developers want
houses on the water and golf on the interior.
That enabled us to create a stretch of holes
with a truly breath-taking backdrop.”
It’s a course that would take you countless
attempts to master, but with so many other
activities demanding your attention, the
number of rounds you squeeze in may be
limited by time.
All land and water sports are included, ➔

Travel
Experience
six-star luxury
at Sandals
Emerald Bay.
It's under 150
yards , but the
par-3 11th is
no pushover.
You're never
far from the
water, on any
hole.
including scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking,
tennis and beach volleyball. We thoroughly
recommend booking the ‘Exuma Cays Ocean
Safari’, a half-day island-hopping trip
exploring the 365 islands that comprise
Exuma, including a small island inhibited
solely by pigs that will swim with you in the
clear blue water. It’s every bit as bizarre as it
sounds, but it’s the only place in the world
where you can do it, so it would be remiss not
to take the opportunity. Bond fans will also
enjoy the ‘007 Thunderball Tour’, visiting the
sites where the 1965 flick was filmed.
With so much to do, you’ll likely work up
quite a thirst and appetite, so take full
advantage of the seven restaurants and six
bars, where everything is included within the
price of your trip. Even tipping is forbidden, so
there’s no need for any cash whatsoever.
Nearby Nassau, from where you’ll get your
connecting flight, is the Bahamian capital,
and a bigger island with large hotels, casinos,
and numerous golf courses, but if you want to
truly get away from it all, the extra flight to
Great Exuma – a sightseeing experience in
itself – is well worth taking.
The rooms and facilities at Emerald Bay are
'My responsibility is
to make all 18 holes
signatures holes'
– Greg Norman
top notch, as you would expect, with three
fresh water swimming pools, a spa, gym and
no shortage of entertainment. There’s a
reason it was named the Caribbean’s best golf
hotel in the 2015 World Golf Awards.
Average temperatures peak around 32°
between June and October, but even the cold
season between December and March sees
averages around 27°. The shortest day of the
year, December 21, sees nearly 11 hours of
daylight, up to 13 and a half in mid-June.
Water sports fanatics will be happy all year
round, as water temperatures rarely dip below
a pleasant 22°.
Whatever time of year you go, you’ll get the
weather, water unlike any you’ve ever seen,
and a golf course you’ll never forget. Oh, and
some swimming pigs, of course. What more
could you ask for?
DO IT YOURSELF
● The deal Seven nights at Sandals
Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort
costs from £2,049 per person. Price
includes luxury (all-inclusive)
accommodation, return economy
flights and resort transfers. Subject to
availability and valid for travel dates
August 26-October 13, 2016. For more
information call 0800 597 0002 or
www.sandals.co.uk
● Green fees All guests get two free
rounds as part of their stay. Beyond
that, green fees are £125 in peak time
and £90 for twilight. Guests in butler
service suites receive unlimited golf.
136 ISSUE 346 TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

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Course Guide
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140 TODAYS GOLFER Issue 346
www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

Golf CoaChinG
Holidays iN overseas
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CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING GOLF MAGAZINE
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www.todaysgolfer.co.uk Issue 346 TODAYS GOLFER 141

Holidays iN ENglaNd
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Kigbeare 15th
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142 TODAYS GOLFER Issue 346
www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING GOLF MAGAZINE
www.todaysgolfer.co.uk Issue 346 TODAYS GOLFER 143

ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING GOLF MAGAZINE CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
144 TODAYS GOLFER Issue 346
www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
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www.todaysgolfer.co.uk Issue 346 TODAYS GOLFER 145

Last
word
20 QUESTIONS
Hideki Matsuyama – Japan’s best player and dramatic winner of the
Phoenix Open – reveals his favourite things in and outside the game
1 How old were you when you broke par for
18 holes for the first time?
Not too sure but I was probably 15.
2 What’s been the highlight of your career
to date?
Winning The Memorial Tournament in 2014.
3 The best shot of your career?
My second shot at the 18th at The Memorial
on the last day.
4 We’re giving you one mulligan – where
would you take it?
The last putt on the last green at last year’s
Waste Management Phoenix Open.
5 Favourite course in the world?
I’ve a lot of favourites but would have to go
with Scotland’s Muirfield and then Muirfield
Village, the Ohio home of The Memorial.
6 Favourite course in the UK?
Muirfield – where I played my first Open
and played well there, having a good
finish (6th, in 2013).
7 Favourite hole in the world?
The 12th hole at Muirfield Village, a lovely
par 3 over water.
8 Favourite club in the bag?
All of them! I can’t single one out.
9 All-time favourite movie?
Fast & Furious 7, called ‘Wild Speed’ in
Japanese.
10 Favourite musician/band?
I don’t have one, I listen to most music.
11 Favourite sports team?
The Tokyo Giants baseball team.
12 Favourite male athlete?
Tiger Woods.
13 Favourite female athlete?
Lorena Ochoa.
14 Favourite view in golf?
Kapalua on Hawaii.
15 Favourite TV show?
I have too many, but I’m always watching
ESPN sports centre.
16 Favourite holiday destination?
Maui in Hawaii, great views and weather.
17 Dream fourball (non-Tour players)?
Michael Jordan, Roger Federer and US
baseball legend Barry Bonds.
18 Dream fourball (Tour players)?
Tiger, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
19 Best mate on Tour?
Webb Simpson: I played with him in the 3rd
round of my first US Open at Merion and he
was very kind to me. We’ve been good
friends ever since.
20 What would you like changed in golf?
I think the organisers should be more
specific regarding timing for slow play.
’My favourite
hole in golf?
The par-3 12th
at Muirfield
Village’

WHAT
GEAR
2016
DETAILS ON MORE
THAN 300 CLUBS ON
SALE THIS YEAR
PLUS EXPERT
BUYING TIPS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
GOING THAT EXTRA YARD!

What Gear BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
Gear up for 2016!
We started to compile this
year’s What Gear guide back in
October, when all the major
manufacturers started to invite
TG for an exclusive sneak
preview of their 2016 clubs.
We went to Arizona to test
Ping’s new G range; Dubai to hit
Callaway’s Boeing-inspired XR
16 woods; California to see TaylorMade’s M2 family;
Scotland to try Nike’s new Vapor line.
Details, videos and first hit impressions for all those
clubs quickly appeared first on our new-look website,
todaysgolfer.co.uk. But this is the first time we’ve
gathered everything in one place – over 300 clubs on
sale from golf’s biggest brands this year.
What Gear has existed for more than 15 years to
help you see what can assist your game, to compare
specs and prices and create a shortlist.
In every listing, you’ll find details of each club’s
technical make-up, along with loft and shaft options,
the manufacturer’s RRP and other important details.
Each section (right) also contains essential buying
advice, and of course you can find lots more info –
plus hundreds of videos – on our website.
TG prides itself on its equipment reviews, cutting
through the marketing hype to tell you whether a club
does what its makers claim. So next month, we’ll
bring you the biggest equipment test we’ve ever done.
We’ve hit all the clubs in this guide – and we’ll whittle
them down to the ones that perform best.
● Simon Daddow, Equipment Editor, Today’s Golfer
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080
148

Inside
4
Drivers
From £129 to £429, which one
could give you more yards in
2016?
12
Fairway woods
These mini drivers are
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AD
20 28
Hybrids
They come in a massive range
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Irons
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40
Wedges
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Putters
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Drivers
More choice, more technology and more distance than ever...
More choice, more technology and more distance than ever...
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
Blue
adamsgolf.eu
ADAMS
Its Easy Launch System sees three features
working together to give golfers more air:
Velocity Slot Technology for more flex and
speed, across a larger area of the face; a
low/back centre of gravity, for more spin;
and a slimtech shaft for more club speed.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5, 12 deg
LH 9.5, 10.5 deg
Stock shafts: 55g Aldila
SlimTech
45.5”
D3
No
£199
Available at
HTX Type R
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Benross’ most advanced driver ever uses the
innovative ‘Vacuum Casting’ process. ‘Thin
Crown Technology’ moves the CG low and
forward resulting in a low spin, penetrating
flight. The CT Response Channel maximises
ball speed. Excellence at an affordable price.
Lofts: RH - 10.5 deg
LH - n/a
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage
Silver TiNi
45”
D2
Yes
+/- 1.5 deg
£179.99
HTX
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
A low, rearward CG provides maximum MOI
and increased launch angle, helping to
increase carry distance while maintaining
control. Features the innovative CT Response
Channel and a Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage
Black shaft as standard. Unmatched value.
Lofts: RH - 10.5, 12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Black
45”
D2
No
£129.99
HTX Gold
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
A lighter headweight and softer Mitsubishi
Rayon Kuro Kage Black shaft make the HTX
Gold driver ideal for those with slower swing
speeds. The CT Response Channel provides
increased ball speed while the rearward CG
maximises MOI.
Lofts: RH - 12 deg
LH - n/a
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Black
45”
D1
No
£129.99
PEARL
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Specifically designed for the needs of female
golfers, the Pearl features a rearward CG to
provide maximum forgiveness while the CT
Response Channel helps boost ball speed.
With a standard Fubuki Z Series Ladies shaft
it offers exceptional but affordable quality.
Lofts: RH - 13.5 deg
LH - n/a
Stock shafts: Fubuki
Z Series Ladies
43.75”
C6
No
£129.99
GREAT BIG BERTHA
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Designed for more playability and control.
Has a 10g sliding weight, increasing stability
and forgiveness, while giving virtually
unlimited draw or fade bias. OptiFit Hosel
gives eight different configurations to further
tune loft, lie and face angle.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10.5, 13.5 deg
LH - 9, 10.5, 13.5 deg
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Bassara
E42, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black
TiNi 50, Fujikura Speeder Evolution
TS 665, Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70
45.5”
D3
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£369
Available at
BIG BERTHA ALPHA 816 DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Designed for better players looking for more
control and greater distance, it features a
faster, deeper, next generation R-MOTO Face
for the hottest ball speeds imaginable. Finetuning
is carried out via the OptiFit Hosel
and Dual Gravity Core Chambers.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10.5 deg
LH - 9, 10.5 deg
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Diamana
D+ 70, Aldila Rogue I/O 60
45.5”
D4
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£429
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
XR 16
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Developed with Boeing engineers to redefine
what’s possible with clubhead speed and
aerodynamics, this is Callaway’s fastest,
most forgiving head shape ever. Speed Step
Crown delivers faster head speed along with
the lightweight R-MOTO Face technology.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10.5, 13.5 deg
LH - 9, 10.5, 13.5 deg
Stock shafts: Fujikura Speeder
Evolution 565 Red
45.75”
D3
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£289
Available at
XR PRO 16
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Built in partnership with aerodynamics
experts from Boeing, it features a 450cc
head engineered for extreme speed without
compromising forgiveness. A lighter Speed
Step Crown and super-thin, R-MOTO Face
also increases ball speed with more MOI.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10.5 deg
LH - 9 deg
Stock shafts: Fujikura Speeder
Evolution II TS 665
45.5”
D3
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£329
Available at
KING LTD
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Represents Cobra’s finest technologies
without compromise. Created with the best
materials and technologies, it is the longest
and straightest driver Cobra has ever
created. The 8 position hosel sleeve allows 3
degrees of loft change and 3 draw settings.
Lofts: RH - 9-12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue
Black 60g
45”
D4
Yes
from 9-12
deg
£349
Available at
KING LTD PRO
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
King Ltd Pro offers the same breakthrough
technology as the King Ltd driver, with lower
loft and fade settings benefiting golfers with
higher swing speeds. The 8 position hosel
sleeve allows 3 degrees of loft change and
3 fade settings.
Lofts: RH - 7-10 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue
Black 60g
45”
D4
Yes
from 7-10
deg
£349
Available at
KING F6+ PRO
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Cobra’s longest, most adjustable driver
features front to back CG tuning to optimise
ball flight and maximise distance through
adjusting launch and spin. No other Cobra
adjustable CG driver delivers this mix of low
CG, distance, tuneability and forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 7-10 deg
LH - n/a
Stock shafts: Matrix
Black Tie 65M4
45”
D4
Yes
from 7-10
deg
£299
Available at
KING F6+
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Features front to back centre of gravity
tuning to optimise your ball flight and
maximise distance through adjusting launch
and spin. No other Cobra adjustable CG
driver delivers this mix of low CG, distance,
tuneability and forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 9-12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix
Black Tie 65M4
45”
D4
Yes
from
9-12 deg
£299
Available at
KING F6
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Features simple front or back centre of
gravity adjustability to maximise distance
through optimised launch and spin. No
other Cobra all-titanium adjustable CG
driver delivers this mix of distance with
forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 9-12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix
Red Tie 60Q4
45.5”
D4.5 -
D3.5
Yes
from
9-12 deg
£249
Available at
MAX
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Cobra’s longest, easiest-to-hit driver, with a
design that helps deliver a higher launch and
a straighter ball flight. A large, low-profile
460cc head with a thin face and slight offset
helps golfers with slower swing speeds play
much more consistent golf.
Lofts: RH - 9.5/10.5/11.5 deg
LH - 10.5 deg
Stock shafts: Matrix
White Tie 55x4
45.5”
DO - D3
No
£199
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016
5

Drivers
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
KING F6 WOMEN’S
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Cobra’s longest, most forgiving adjustable
driver featuring simple front or back CG
adjustability to maximise distance through
optimised launch and spin. No other Cobra
all-titanium adjustable CG driver delivers
this mix of distance with forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 10-13 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix Red Tie
50Q4
44.5”
C7
Yes 10-13
deg
£249
Available at
MAX WOMEN’S
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Cobra’s longest, easiest to hit driver with a
design that helps deliver easy high-launch
and easy straight ball flight. A large, lowprofile
460cc head with a thin face and
slight offset helps golfers with slower swing
speeds play much more consistent golf.
Lofts: RH - 15 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix White Tie
45x4
44.25”
C7
No
£199
Available at
XPT
dunlopsport.com/golf
DUNLOP
Premium materials maximise distance and
workability. Loft angles optimise trajectory
for low spin and added carry. A deep
recessed channel in the 460cc titanium head
generates extra ball speed for extra length
and forgiveness on off-centre shots.
Lofts: - 10.5 deg
Stock shafts: Graffaloy
45”
D3
No
£139
Beres S-05 460
honma.co.uk
HONMA
The longest carry distance and most stable
head/shaft combination in Honma history,
with the introduction of new ARMRQ Infinity
shaft. Suits elite golfers to beginners. This
forged titanium driver is all about high
trajectory with low spin. Hand-built to order.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Honma ARMRQ
Infinity (44g, 48g, 53g)
46.25”
D1 - D2
No
£910-
£5,600
BERES E-05 460
honma.co.uk
HONMA
Gives those with slower swing speeds
maximum carry and distance, with the
introduction of new ARMRQ Infinity shafts. A
very low CG gets the ball in the air and new
crown rib structure stabilises face at impact.
Hand-built to order. Two to five-star options.
Lofts: RH - 10.5, 11.5 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Honma ARMRQ
Infinity (44g)
45.75”
C8
No
£910-
£5,600
TOUR WORLD 727 TW460
honma.co.uk
HONMA
Maximum sized sweetspot and high flight.
W-Forged Titanium with low CG produces
powerful, soaring trajectory. Hand-built to
order by Japanese craftsmen. Two star to
five-star options.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Honma ARMRQ8
and Honma Vizard
45.50”
D1 - D3
No
£655 to
£5,600
TOUR WORLD 727 TW455S
honma.co.uk
HONMA
Shallow W-Forged titanium clubface reduces
side-spin for outstanding straight distance
hitting. Hand-built to order by Japanese
craftsmen. Two star to five-star options.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Honma ARMRQ8
and Honma Vizard
45.50”
D1 - D3
No
£655 to
£5,600
BOOM BOOM 3
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Constructed with a 460cc Bi-Titanium head
and Lynx’s Hot 1 Technology. The clubhead is
filled with a mix of pressurised gasses that
support a thinner face for more power.
Combined with Effective Energy Transfer (EET)
in the face, to make it long even on mishits.
Lofts: RH - 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila (BiMatrx
shafts also available)
45.5”
D1-3
No
£249
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

DETAILS
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
PARALLAX
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
An adjustable driver with lofts varying from
8.5°-12°. A four-piece forged Bi-Titanium
head with a stylish matt-grey finish on the
crown. It features EET Technology to make it
hot off the face and very forgiving. As used
by Nick Dougherty and Paul Eales on tour.
Lofts: RH - 8.5-12 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila (exotic shafts
available)
45.5”
D1-3
Yes
+/- 3.5
deg
£199
PREDATOR
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
A 460cc adjustable driver that can be set
between 9° - 12° loft with draw and fade bias
settings. The four-piece forged titanium head
is extremely powerful and large face aids offcentre
hits. Has sleek black crown finish with
a colour co-ordinated alignment aid.
Lofts: RH - 9-12 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
45.75”
D1-3
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£139
LADIES TIGRESS
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
With a forged titanium 460cc head, the
Tigress features an unbeatable combination
of high moment of inertia (MOI), lower
centre of gravity (CG) and high launching loft
that helps promote an optimal ball flight and
greater distance control.
Lofts: RH - 12, 14 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
44”
C9-D1
No
£179
LADIES CRYSTAL
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Crystal’s been designed specifically to offer
maximum performance on a budget. The
adjustable 460cc beta titanium driver offers
extreme playability and easy ball striking to
inspire confidence. The adjustable loft offers
high or low penetrating ball flights.
Lofts: RH - 9-12 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
44.5”
C9-D1
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£139
JPX EZ
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
A large foot print, high launching, low
spinning adjustable driver. Introduced on
Tour by Luke Donald at the BMW in May
2015. The JPX EZ changes everything with a
simple three-weight system and high levels
of forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 10.5 deg (12.5 ladies)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Fujikura Six &
Fujikura Orochi
45.5”
(43.5”
ladies)
D3
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£349
Available at
JPX 850
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Featuring Mizuno’s breakthrough Fast Track
technology, with 10 unique flight settings,
the JPX 850 will help all swing speeds
achieve maximum possible yardage by
customising launch conditions as well as
spin rate.
Lofts: RH - 9.5 deg (12.5 ladies)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: 2014 Fujikura
Orochi
45”
(44”
ladies)
D3
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£349
Available at
VAPOR FLEX 440
nike.com/golf
NIKE
New RZN body construction makes up over
60% of the driver to move its CG forward and
low. New hyperflight face allows extreme ball
speed across entire face while re-engineered
compression channel aids performance on
mishits. Covert cavity back lifts forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5,
12.5 deg
LH - No
Stock shafts: MRC diamana S+
Limited 60
45.5”
D4
Yes
+/- 4
deg
£379.99
Available at
VAPOR FLY PRO
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Crown weight is 30% lower v 2015 Vapor
Speed for lower CG and higher MOI. New
hyperflight face delivers extreme ball speed
across whole face and re-engineered
compression channel aids performance on
mishits. Tour-preferred, pear-shaped head.
Lofts: RH - 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5,
12.5 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: MRC Diamana S+
Blue Board 60, MRC Diamana D+
White Board 60
45.5”
D3-4
Yes
+/- 4
deg
£299.99
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 7

Drivers
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
VAPOR FLY
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Lower CG and MOI as per Vapor Fly Pro,
plus symmetrical c-shape head for more
stability. Covert cavity back spreads weight
to heel and toe for maximum forgiveness.
Flybeam structure stabilises body and
channels more energy into the face.
Lofts: RH - 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5,
12.5 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: MRC Tensei CK
Blue 50
44.5”-
45.5”
D2-C7
Yes
+/- 4
deg
£249.99
Available at
G
ping.com
PING
Features a redesigned crown which utilises
Dragonfly Technology to enable mass to be
redistributed low and back in the head for
optimal CG placement. Improved
turbulators, plus Vortec Technology to
minimise wake turbulence, reduces drag.
Lofts: RH - G: 9, 10.5;
G LS Tec 9, 10.5;
G SF Tec 10, 12
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Alta 55
45.75”
G - D3;
G LS Tec
- D4;
G SF Tec
- D1
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£349
RHAPSODY
ping.com
PING
Highly-forgiving 460cc head is part of a
lighter total system mass that maximises
speed and distance especially for ladies with
slower swing speeds. Crown turbulators on
the pearl-coloured head reduce aerodynamic
drag, leading to faster clubhead speed.
Lofts: RH - 12
LH - yes
Stock shafts: ULT 220D
45”
C7
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£289
Z545
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
Has a sleek, aggressive design for players
that demand maximum distance in a larger,
more forgiving shape. Cup-face construction
enlarges the sweetspot to maintain ball
speeds on off-centre hits. Hi-tech wall and
face thicknesses increase energy transfer.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: MRC Kuro Kage
Black HBP 60
45”
D5
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£325
Available at
Z355
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
All-new “Action Mass technology” is the key
behind the Z355. Consistency is increased
by concentrating more weight in the
clubhead and raising the balance point of
the shaft. The club is travelling quicker at
impact which helps golfers hit shots further.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5, 12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Miyazaki Jinsoku
45”
D7
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£279
Available at
M1 460
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
After two decades of R&D, the multi-material
combination of titanium and a seven-layer
carbon composite crown has produced TM’s
longest driver ever. The M1 range offers more
ball speed, forgiveness and distance;
TaylorMade’s first ever ‘unmetalwood’ family.
Lofts: RH - 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12
LH - 9.5, 10.5
Stock shafts: Fujikura Pro,
Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Tiny Silver,
Aldila Rogue Silver
45.5”
D4
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£429
Available at
M1 430
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
The 430 M1 driver packages all the
technology of the 460 product in a smaller
head, designed for the high spin golfer. The
driver maintains the M1’s unparalleled levels
of adjustability in its smaller head shape,
designed to suit the eye of the better player.
Lofts: RH - 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12
LH - no
Stock shafts: Fujikura Pro,
Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Tiny Silver,
Aldila Rogue Silver
45.5”
D4
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£429
Available at
M2
titleist.co.uk
TAYLORMADE
M2 is built with a multi-material construction
– the same as M1 – that features an ultralight,
ultra-thin and high-strength carbon
composite crown to unlock exceptional
distance and forgiveness for more golfers.
Lofts: RH - 9.5, 10.5, 12 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Fujikura Pro 60,
Fujikura Pro 50
45.75”
D3
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£379
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

DETAILS
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
915D2
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
A 460cc full pear-shaped driver that delivers
maximum distance and forgiveness with
higher launch and more dynamic face
closure. Titleist’s SureFit Tour technology
provides independent loft and lie adjustment
for preferred ball flight.
Lofts: RH - 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5,
12 deg. LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Black
70 & Rogue Silver 60, Mitsubishi
Diamana D+ White 70 & S+ Blue
60 & M+ Red 50 & M+ Red 40
45”
D2
Yes
+1.5/
-0.75 deg
£379
Available at
915D3
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
The Titleist 915D3 is a workable and
forgiving 440cc head, offering distance with
trajectory control through a lower flight and
less spin versus the D2. Titleist’s SureFit
Tour technology provides independent loft
and lie adjustment for preferred ball flight.
Lofts: RH - 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Black
70 & Silver 60, Mitsubishi
Diamana D+ White 70 &
S+ Blue 60
45”
D2
Yes
+1.5/
-0.75 deg
£379
Available at
EXOTICS EX9
www.touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
An adjustable driver refined to deliver
explosive distance and exceptional control.
Offers the perfect amount of adjustability,
with eight different settings. Adjustability
options include loft, lie angle, and an
interchangeable sole weight.
Lofts: RH - 10, 12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix Exotics Red/
White/Black Tie, Fujikura PRO/
PRO Tour, Bassara E-Series
45”
Variable
with
shaft
options
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£250
EX9 TOUR
www.touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Pear-shaped 430cc head with a deeper face
to deliver Exotics’ legendary low-spin power
and faster ball speeds. The adjustable Tour
head has an interchangeable, rear centre sole
weight for higher MOI/lower spin. Hexagonal
variable face thickness delivers more power.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue,
Mitsubishi Diamana M+, S+, D+
45”
Variable
with
shaft
options
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£314.99
D200
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
A SuperLight driver weighing just 268 grams
that enables golfers to effortlessly generate
extra clubhead speed for greater distance
off the tee. One of the lightest and fastest
adjustable drivers on the market.
Lofts: RH - 9.0, 10.5, 13 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: UST Elements
Chrome
46”
D2
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£199
Available at
FG TOUR F5
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Played by Advisory Staff members Kevin
Streelman and Brendan Steele. Six-way
adjustable hosel and three adjustable sole
weights to get the ideal launch angle, ball
speed and spin rate. Green Means GO Fast
Fit technology for super-quick changes.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10.5 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Rayon
Fubuki Z 50
45”
D3
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£279
Available at
D200 WOMEN’S
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Designed for the female player needing
power, accuracy and a confidence-inspiring
look at address. One of the lightest and
fastest women’s adjustable drivers available.
Reactive Face Technology increases face size
for more forgiveness on off-centre hits.
Lofts: RH - HL
LH - no
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya SL 45
44.5”
C2
Yes
+/-2 deg
£199
Available at
9 xxiostore.co.uk
XXIO
The heavier head not only increases ball
speed, but also enhances COR performance
in a toe-to-heel direction across the face.
This, combined with a deeper and lower
centre of gravity, produces a XXIO driver
with more forgiveness than ever.
Lofts: RH - 10.5, 11.5 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: XXIO
MP900graphite
45.5”
D4 (stiff)
D3 (reg)
No
£499
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 9

Drivers
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS CLUB SWING ADJUSTABLE
LENGTH WEIGHT HOSEL? RRP
9 (ladies) xxiostore.co.uk
XXIO
The heavier head not only increases ball
speed, but also enhances COR performance
in a toe-to-heel direction across the face.
This, combined with more loft, and a deeper
and lower centre of gravity, produces a XXIO
driver with more forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 12.5 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: XXIO MP800L
Carbon graphite
44.5”
C1
No
£499
Available at
EZONE Tri-G 460 yonex.co.uk
YONEX
The ground-breaking Concentric Weight
System (CWS) allows all levels of golfer to
personalise their spin and optimise their
launch for maximum distance. The flexible
Carbon Composite Crown also increases ball
speeds. Has a Quick Adjust System for lofts.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10, 13 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Yonex NST310
45.5”
D2.5-3
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£399
Available at
EZONE Tri-G 445 yonex.co.uk
YONEX
Ground-breaking Concentric Weight System
allows all levels of golfer to personalise their
spin and optimise their launch for maximum
distance. Flexible Carbon Composite Crown
also increases ball speeds while the Quick
Adjust System alters loft by +/- 1.5˚.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Yonex NST310
45.5”
D2.5-3
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£399
Available at
EZONE XPG yonex.co.uk
YONEX
Dual Tungsten Power System, featuring the
revolutionary Tungsten Grip and removable
Tungsten screw, is counterbalanced by the
lightweight shaft for maximum power while
an enlarged Carbon Composite Crown gives
optimum CG. Has Quick Adjust System too.
Lofts: RH - 9, 10.5, 12 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Yonex EX310
45.25”
D0-1
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£249
Available at
Z-FORCE yonex.co.uk
YONEX
Octaforce technology in the crown reduces
weight allowing it to be repositioned lower
and deeper for optimum distance and
maximum forgiveness. The Quick Adjust
System alters loft by +/- 1.5˚.
Lofts: RH - 10, 12 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Yonex M60
45.5”
D5
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£179
Available at
DRIVERS BUYING ADVICE
Technology has taken a leap
forward in the drivers launched
this year. Space ports, carbon
weight tracks, carbon crowns
and adjustable centre of
gravity weighting weren’t
topics of conversation a few
years ago, but they’re all in use
now. So before you splash out
on a new model,
we want to
ensure you
know your
MOI from
your CG,
your launch
adjustability from
your face angle
adjustability.
Shot bias adjustability
Sliding or interchangeable
weights allow you to create a
draw, neutral or fade bias,
which tailors the driver to your
swing. A draw bias could help
counteract a natural slice and
mean you hit more fairways.
Shot influence ranges from 12
to over 25.
Centre of gravity
adjustability
Each manufacturer
has its own idea of
where the centre of
gravity should be to
help you hit it further.
Whether it’s high, low,
close to the face or towards
the back of the head, we can
all gain ball speed and yards
by tailoring the centre of
gravity position to our game,
because it helps optimise spin
and launch.
Get fitted!
Today’s drivers have so much
adjustability you’re missing a
trick if you don’t get fitted – no
matter how good you are.
Looking at your numbers on a
launch monitor lets you see
which head and shaft settings/
combo are best for launch,
forgiveness and distance. You’ll
also see how much effect shot
bias weighting, CG weights
and the adjustable hosel have
on your flight.
Speed
tricks
Aerodynamics
plays a huge part in modern
driver construction. Hosel fins,
turbulators, speed crowns and
sub-40g shafts mean some
ranges are designed specifically
to wring out every last drop of
juice from your swing speed. If
speed is an area you struggle
with, consider looking at
lightweight ranges as their tech
has the potential to add yards.
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

The balance of
tra
ower
The new EZONE XPG driver with its Carbon Composite
Crown and Dual Tungsten Power technology delivers
maximum distance with reduced spin.
The enlarged Carbon Graphite Crown and revolutionary
counterbalance club design creates a lower and deeper
centre of gravity with distance enhancing power.
EZONE XPG clubs – harness the balance of extra power.
Ultra-light Carbon Composite
Crown structure

BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
Fairways
From tee or grass, modern woods are packed with tech and power
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
BLUE
adamsgolf.eu
ADAMS
Features the Easy Launch System that consists of three
features that work together to give golfers more air. Velocity
Slot Technology gives golfers more flex and more speed,
across a larger area of the face. A low/back centre of gravity,
promotes more spin and more speed. Finally, a slimtech
shaft is designed to allow for more kick and easy launch.
Lofts: RH - 13.5, 15, 18 deg
LH - 15, 18 deg
Stock shafts: Slimtech by Aldila
Graphite
No
£149
Available at
HTX
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
The incorporation of a Heat Treated Face and innovative CT
Response Channel makes the HTX fairway the longest
Benross have ever produced. The two-piece Crown Weld
construction results in consistent performance across the
entire face, with off-centre strikes resulting in minimal loss
of ball speed.
Lofts: RH - 15.5, 19 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Black
No
£89.99
HTX GOLD
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
The HTX Gold fairway features a lighter headweight and
softer flex Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Black shaft to
help boost the clubhead speed of those with slower
swing speeds. The CT Response Channel and Heat
Treated Face result in increased ball speeds and
carry distance.
Lofts: RH - 15.5, 19 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Black
No
£89.99
PEARL
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Specifically designed for the needs of female golfers,
the Pearl fairway features the innovative CT Response
Channel that helps boost ball speed and carry distance.
Fitted with a Fubuki Z Series Ladies shaft as standard,
the Pearl fairway offers exceptional quality at an
affordable price.
Lofts: RH - 18, 21 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Fubuki Z Series
Ladies
No
£89.99
GREAT BIG BERTHA
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Constructed with a Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup which is
ultra-forgiving and delivers extreme ball speeds across the
face. High MOI and the legendary Warbird soleplate add
control from every lie. Callaway’s special Heavenwood (20.5°
loft, 43in shaft) and Divine Nine (24°, 42in shaft) provide the
perfect gapping for players looking to replace long irons.
Lofts: RH - 15, 18, 20, 21, 24 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Bassara
E 42, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black
TiNi 50
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£229
Available at
BIG BERTHA ALPHA 816
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Features Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup technology,
synonymous with high ball speed and extreme distance.
They are precision-engineered with tour-preferred CG
positions to optimise distance and shot-shaping control. Two
adjustable weights (3g and 30g) and the OptiFit hosel give
the chance to make fine adjustments for individual needs.
Lofts: RH - 14, 16, 18 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue I/O 70
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£249
Available at
BIG BERTHA MINI
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
A new type of weapon for players looking for the length of a
driver, but the accuracy and playability of a fairway wood.
With more MOI and a larger clubhead than most 3-woods, it
provides forgiveness and inspires confidence but with a shaft
2in shorter than a typical driver, plus a cambered Warbird
Sole, it is also easy to hit; perfect for tee shots on tight holes.
Lofts: RH - 12, 24 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Kuro
Kage Silver TiNi
Yes
+2/-1
deg
£249
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
XR 16
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Featuring a larger, more aerodynamic head shape to inspire
confidence without hindering speed. Constructed with the
company’s lightest crown and hottest ever Face Cup
technology for even more ball speed. Sole shape is designed
to optimise turf interaction, while a low CG and the highest
MOI and COR in the category makes the XR 16 versatile.
Lofts: RH - 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23,
25 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Fujikura Speeder
Evolution 565 Red
No
£189
Available at
XR PRO 16
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Featuring a compact, aerodynamic head to appeal to better
players, the XR retains familiar family features to be: ‘fast
and forgiving’. Built with high MOI to offer forgiveness and a
confidence-inspiring shape. Face Cup technology is hotter
and more forgiving than ever before. An ultra-lightweight
crown delivers ultra-high ball speeds.
Lofts: RH - 14, 16, 18 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Fujikura Speeder
Evolution II TS 765
No
£199
Available at
KING LTD cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
The King Ltd Fairway offers a compact head shape with
Zero CG making this fairway both very long and very
forgiving. Become the King of the fairway. The eightposition
hosel sleeve allows for three degrees of loft
change and three draw settings.
Lofts: RH - 3-4 (13-16)
4-5 (16-19) deg
LH - 13-16 deg
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue
Black 70g
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£229
Available at
KING F6 cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Everything you asked for in a driver is now available in
a fairway. Adjustable centre of gravity settings dial in
distance and ball flight control, all with incredible
forgiveness either from the tee or the fairway. The eightposition
hosel sleeve allows three degrees of loft change
and three draw settings.
Lofts: RH - 3-4 W (13-16 deg),
5-6W (17-20 deg), 7-8 (21-24 deg)
LH - 3-4W (13-16 deg)
Stock shafts: Matrix Red Tie
65Q4
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£179
Available at
MAX cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
The Max fairway is Cobra’s longest, easiest to hit fairway
featuring a design that helps deliver an easy, high launch
and a straighter ball flight. A large, low profile offset head
with a thin face helps golfers with slower swing speeds play
much more consistently.
Lofts: RH - 3W (16 deg), 5W
(19 deg), 7W (22 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix White Tie
60x4
No
£149
Available at
WOMEN’S KING F6 cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Adjustable centre of gravity settings dial in distance and
ball flight control, all with incredible forgiveness either
from the tee or the fairway. The eight-position hosel
sleeve allows three degrees of loft change and three
draw settings.
Lofts: RH - 3-4 W (17-20 deg),
5-6 W (21-24 deg), 7-9 W
(24 -27deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix Red Tie
55Q4
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£179
Available at
WOMEN’S MAX cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
The Max fairway is Cobra’s longest, easiest-to-hit fairway
featuring designs that help to deliver a higher launch and a
straighter ball flight. A large, low profile offset head with a
thin face helps lady golfers with slower swing speeds play
much more consistently.
Lofts: RH - 3W (19 deg), 5W
(23 deg), 7W (27 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Matrix White Tie
50x4
No
£149
Available at
BERES S-05
honma.co.uk
HONMA
The longest carry distance and most stable head/shaft
combination in Honma history, with the introduction of the
new ARMRQ Infinity shafts. Suits elite golfers to beginners
alike. Has a lowered toe which in turn lowers the CG to get
the ball in the air from all lies. Hand-built to order by
Japanese craftsmen. Two-star to five-star options.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18), 7W
(21)
LH - no
Stock shafts: ARMRQ Infinity
44g, 48g, 53g
No
From
£520 to
£5,600
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 13

Fairways BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
BOOM BOOM 3
lynxgolf.co.uk
Hot1 Technology features in the Boom Boom 3 fairway
woods and hybrids just as it does in the driver. The matt
black finish is stylish and visually easy to hit, with silver
inlays on the sole for greater optical definition.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (19)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila NV RIP’D
No
£199
LYNX
LYNX
PARALLAX
lynxgolf.co.uk
The Parallax fairway woods are similarly styled to the driver
in a matt-grey finish. The 17/4 stainless steel heads also
utilise Effective Energy Transfer (EET) technology in their
sleek head design.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (19)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila NV RIP’D
No
£109
PREDATOR
lynxgolf.co.uk
An extremely versatile stainless steel fairway wood in four
colour choices. Their low-profile clubhead makes them easy
to hit from tight lies and provides a high, controlled launch
ideal for those long approach shots.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (19)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
No
£69
LYNX
LADIES TIGRESS
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Made from 17/4 stainless steel the Tigress head features
Progressive Face Thickness technology to aid forgiveness on
those tight fairway lies. Like the driver, the fairway woods
feature a beautiful rose gold ladies flex shaft and easy-grip
PU grip in blackberry and white.
Lofts: RH - 3W (19), 5W (22),
7W (25)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
No
£99
LADIES CRYSTAL
lynxgolf.co.uk
The Crystal fairway woods are constructed from top-quality
stainless steel and include a small channel behind the face
to offer more forgiveness on off-centre hits.
Lofts: RH - 3W (17), 5W (22),
7W (27)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
No
£69
LYNX
JPX EZ
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
With a larger, confidence inspiring footprint the JPX EZ
woods produce a high, softer landing flight – optimising
carry distance for all but the most powerful ball strikers.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18),
7W (21)
LH - 3W, 5W
Stock shafts: Fujikura Six,
Fujikura Orochi
No
£179
Available at
JPX EZ (ADJUSTABLE)
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
The JPX EZ fairways are effortlessly easy to use, thanks to a
Flex Crown design. Extending the Shockwave sole around
the clubhead adds weight to the heel and toe for greater
forgiveness and a lower CG promotes a nice easy launch.
Available with four degrees of adjustability.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18),
7W (21)
LH - 3W & 5W
Stock shafts: Fujikura Six,
Fujikura Orochi
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£219
Available at
JPX 850
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Maintains a generous, hittable size with low penetrating spin
rates and high workability. Featuring a Shock Wave sole,
allowing the entire clubhead to contract and expand on
impact, delivering an additional energy source to the
clubface.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18),
7W (21)
LH - 3W & 5W
Stock shafts: Fujikura Orochi
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£219
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
VAPOR FLY
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Flexloft fairway offers the unique ability to adjust loft and lie
angle independently offering six individual settings. The new
hyperflight face offers extreme ball speed across the entire
face, while the re-engineered compression channel amplifies
performance on mishits. Authentic Tour shape offers
workability. Covert cavity back design boosts forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 3W+ (12, 13, 14), 3W
(14, 15, 16), 3HL (16, 17, 18), 5W
(18, 19, 20)
LH - 3W (14, 15, 16), 5W (18, 19, 20)
Stock shafts: Tensei CK Blue 65F,
MRC Diamana S+ Blue Board 70
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£199.99
Diamana
£179.99
Tensei
Available at
G
ping.com
PING
The new G fairway woods utilise a lower leading edge that
sits closer to the ground, making it easier to get the ball
airborne. High ball speeds are achieved through a thinner,
Carpenter 455 steel face which facilitates more flexing at
impact, as well as a cascading sole design which produces
more face bending for a large, springing effect.
Lofts: RH - 3W (14.5), 5W (17.5)
and 7W (20.5)
G SF Tec 3W (16) & 5W (19)
G Stretch 3 (13)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Alta 65
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£220
RHAPSODY
ping.com
PING
The highly forgiving Rhapsody fairway woods (3, 5, 7) launch
the ball easily from the tee or the turf with greater distance,
accuracy and consistency. Lighter overall mass at the same
swingweight helps maximise velocity and distance,
especially for women with slower swing speeds.
Lofts: RH - 3W (18), 5W (22),
7W (26)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: ULT 220F
No
£165
F45
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
An explosive and versatile fairway that has a mid-size head
which is optimised to launch shots from all types of lies. A
super lightweight 450 stainless steel body combines with a
HT1770 Maraging steel face to deliver maximum ball speeds.
Variable face thickness and thinner heel and toe portions
help create a larger sweetspot.
Lofts: RH - 3+ (13), 3W (15),
4W (17)
LH - no
Stock shafts: MRC Kuro Kage
Black HBP 60
Yes
£229
Available at
Z355
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
Designed to combine ultimate distance with forgiveness yet
still offer great feel and versatility. Action Mass Technology
helps increase club speed at impact by using a heavier head
and higher balance point shaft. Expect high MOI thanks to
a low and deep CG. A high strength HT1770 steel face
increases face flexibility for maximum ball speed.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (19),
7W (22)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Miyazaki Jinsoku
No
£179
Available at
M1
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
TaylorMade’s first multi-material designed fairway, and their
most adjustable fairway. Featuring the same Front Track
system as the M1 driver, it utilises two 15g tungsten weights
that can slide easily to aid a draw/fade using the TaylorMade
torque wrench. The carbon composite crown allowed for 30g
of total movable weight, 5g more than the R15 fairway.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 3HL (17),
5W (19)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Fujikura Pro
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£249
Available at
M2
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
Many golfers see their current fairway as their most trusted
club in the bag. With the multi-material construction of the
M2 and the addition of a new speed pocket we have created
our hottest trajectory ever in this category. Players seeking
exceptional distance and playability from their fairway wood
will find the M2 goes farther and straighter.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 3HL (16.5),
5W (18), 5HL (21), 7HL (24)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Fujikura Pro
No
£199
Available at
915F
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
The Titleist 915F fairway has a larger profile providing
confidence with a slightly higher flight compared to the 915
Fd. Long and forgiving, the 915F provides great overall
performance from the tee and turf. Titleist’s SureFit Tour
technology provides independent loft and lie adjustment for
preferred ball flight.
Lofts: RH - 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 21
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Black
80 & Silver 70, Mitsubishi
Diamana D+ White 80, S+ Blue
70, M+ Red 60 & M+ Red 50
Yes
+1.5
/-0.75
deg
£220
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 15

Fairways BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
915Fd
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Workable and forgiving by allowing for versatility and shot
control from the tee and turf. The compact profile delivers
lower launch and less spin versus the 915F. Titleist’s SureFit
Tour technology provides independent loft and lie
adjustment for preferred ball flight.
Lofts: RH - 13.5, 15 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Silver
70, Mitsubishi Diamana D+ White
80 & S+ Blue 70
Yes
+1.5/-
0.75 deg
£220
Available at
EXOTICS EX9
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Incredibly easy to hit, featuring the SlipStream sole with
shorter ‘wave’ from front to back for a full-speed explosive
impact. A heel sole weight offers added draw enhancement.
The Carpenter 475 cup face is robotic laser beam bonded
to the hyper-steel body, providing flawless seams for the
tightest tolerances. Aerodynamic crown reduces drag.
Lofts: RH - 3W (13), 3W (15), 4W
(16.5), 5W (18), 7W (21) LH - no
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Bassara
E-Series, Fujikura Exotics Pro
Series, Pro Tour, Matrix Exotics
White/Red/Black Tie
No
£200
EXOTICS EX9 TOUR
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Features a Tour-inspired smaller, 150cc head with adjustable
hosel for the player who wants precise control. The 15-3-3-3
beta titanium cup face is combo-brazed to the hyper-steel
body for maximum distance. ‘Sound Ribs’ within the head
create superior sound at impact. A central changeable
weight insert produces a powerful, penetrating ball flight.
Lofts: RH - 13, 16, 17 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue,
Mitsubishi Diamana S+, M+, D+
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£249.99
EXOTICS EX9 LONG 3
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Features a 15-3-3-3 beta titanium cup face which is deeper
for even greater spring-like effect. A 185cc head is paired
with a 43.5 inch shaft, it delivers driver-like distance. The
slipstream sole, has redesigned shorter ‘waves’ from front
to back to dramatically reduce turf interaction. A centre
changeable weight insert gives a powerful flight.
Lofts: RH - 3W (13), 3W (15)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Silver/
Black, Mitsubishi Diamana S+,
M+, D+
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£249.99
D200
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
A distinctive rounded sole design offers versatility in all
playing conditions. SuperLight Technology incorporates a
49g UST Elements Chrome Shaft and a 25g Golf Pride Tour
grip for faster ball speeds.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18),
7W (21)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya
Elements Chrome
No
£129
Available at
FG TOUR F5
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
A six-way adjustable hosel delivers precise ball trajectory,
plus an interchangable weight placed low and close to the
face decreases spin to maintain an optimal launch for
maximum distance. Incorporates Green Means GO! Fast Fit
technology and a Carpenter Custom 455 maraging stainless
steel face insert influenced by Tour players.
Lofts: RH - 13.5, 15, 17 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: MRC Fubuki Z
Series 65
Yes
+/- 2
deg
£199
Available at
WOMEN’S D200
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
The D200 features a premium Carpenter Custom 455
maraging steel face insert that maximises distance from the
tee, fairway or rough. A larger face provides forgiveness on
off-centre hits and Rightlight Technology allows players to
swing faster with the same effort, delivering more distance.
Lofts: RH - 16, 19, 22 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya SL 45
No
£129
Available at
9 xxiouk.com
XXIO
A new heavier head design increases ball speed and
enhances the COR performance of the lower part of the face.
The deeper and lower centre of gravity allows for greater
distance with more forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - Men’s: 3W (15), 5W
(18), 7W (20).
LH - yes
Stock shafts: XXIO MP800
(men’s)
No
£339
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
9 WOMEN’S xxiouk.com
A new, heavier head design increases ball speed and
enhances the COR performance of the lower part of the face.
The deeper and lower centre of gravity allows for greater
distance with more forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - Ladies: 3W (15), 5W
(18), 7W (23) 9W (26)
LH - no
Stock shafts: XXIO MP800L
No
£339
XXIO
Available at
EZONE TRI-G TI
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
The ground-breaking Concentric Weight System (CWS)
allows all levels of golfer to personalise spin and optimise
their launch for maximum distance. The flexible Carbon
Composite Crown and Titanium face also produce explosive
ball speeds.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18),
7W (21)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Yonex NST310
No
£249
Available at
EZONE TRI-G ST
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
The ground-breaking Concentric Weight System (CWS)
allows all levels of golfer to personalise spin and optimise
their launch for maximum distance. The flexible Carbon
Composite Crown also produces explosive ball speeds from
the tee or fairway.
Lofts: RH - 3W (14), 5W (18)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Yonex NST310
No
£199
Available at
EZONE XPG
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
A Dual Tungsten Power (DTP) System, features a
revolutionary Tungsten Grip and removable Tungsten screw,
which are counterbalanced by a lightweight shaft to produce
maximum power. A lightweight Carbon Composite Crown
ensures the optimum CG. The Quick Adjust System alters
loft by +/- 1.5 degrees.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18),
7W (21)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Yonex EX310
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£189
Available at
Z-FORCE
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
Octaforce technology in the crown reduces weight allowing it
to be repositioned lower and deeper for optimum distance
and maximum forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 3W (15), 5W (18), 7W
(21)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Yonex M60
No
£129
Available at
FAIRWAY WOODS BUYING ADVICE
Today’s fairway woods are just
like tiny drivers, with tons of
adjustability, super-hot faces,
sliding weights and areo tech.
Their shorter shafts and higher
lofts make them easier to
control than the big dog, but
all this technology means they
can go almost as far. But
if you always need
a wood to get to
a green in two,
switch tees...
Nail your
gapping
There’s no point having a
fairway wood that only goes
as far as your hybrid. The
latter will be easier to control
thanks to its shorter shaft, but
a fitting will tell you which lofts
you need to gap the top end of
your bag correctly.
Tee or fairway?
Hitting shots off the fairway
with a wood requires the
ability to launch the
ball. That requires
sufficient speed and
sufficient loft. If you
are lacking in club
speed, the easiest solution
is to choose more loft.
Therefore, a wood with 20
degrees of loft may be more
beneficial to your game
than one of 18 degrees.
Adjustable hosels
Adjustable hosels go unnoticed
nowadays as there’s so much
technology elsewhere in the
head. But they still bring a lot
to the table when it comes to
tuning the driver to your game.
From altering loft by a degree
or two to opening or closing a
face angle, adjustable hosels
make it a reality.
Get the right loft
We salute the benefits of the
adjustable hosel, but it’s still
the best idea to buy the right
loft of wood you’re fitted for.
The hosel can adjust the head
to your desired loft, but many
people don’t realise that doing
this affects the face angle –
less loft opens the face, more
loft closes it.
Get the right shaft
One shaft doesn’t suit all. By
giving you options ranging from
lighter to heavier (sub 40g to
over 70g) and from lower to
higher launching, you get a setup
to max your game.
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Hybrids
The modern phenomenon making the game easier for everyone
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
RED
adamsgolf.eu
ADAMS
Adams’ benchmark product. Delivers appealing, confidenceinspiring
shape with proven performance. Velocity Slot
Technology and Ghost Slot Technology (on crown) maximise
ball speeds, even on off-centre hits and combined with an
upside-down head design promotes an easier launch.
Compact head design (95cc) has three transferable weights.
Lofts: RH - 16, 18, 20, 23 deg
LH - 18, 20, 23 deg
Stock shafts: Matrix Altus Tour
No
£169
Available at
BLUE
adamsgolf.eu
ADAMS
Easy Launch System sees three features working together to
give golfers more air. Velocity Slot Technology gives more
flex and speed, across a larger area of the face. A low-back
centre of gravity, promotes more spin and more speed on
more shots. Finally, a slimtech shaft is designed to give
golfers more kick and an easy launch.
Lofts: RH - 16, 18, 20, 23 deg
LH - 18, 20 deg
Stock shafts: Slimtech by Aldila
Graphite
No
£129
Available at
HTX
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Featuring the innovative CT Reponse Channel, the HTX
hybrid from Benross brings driver-like CT performance to
hybrids for the first time. The consistency in ball speed
across the entire face means the HTX hybrid offers
exceptional performance, even from the worst lies.
Lofts: RH - 20, 23, 27 deg
LH - 23, 27 deg
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Black
No
£79.99
HTX GOLD
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
The HTX Gold hybrid features a lighter headweight and
softer flex Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Black shaft to help
boost the clubhead speed of those with slower swing
speeds. The CT Response Channel provides consistent
ball speeds across the entire face, resulting in increased
carry distance.
Lofts: RH - 24, 28, 32 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Black
No
£79.99
PEARL
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
The Pearl hybrid from Benross features the innovative CT
Response Channel that helps to boost ball speed and carry
distance. Fitted with a Fubuki Z Series Ladies shaft as
standard, the Pearl hybrid offers exceptional quality at an
affordable price.
Lofts: RH - 24, 28, 32 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: Fubuki Z Series
Ladies
No
£79.99
APEX
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Constructed to complement Callaway’s Apex and Apex Pro
Iron. The Apex Hybrid features a distinctive, tour-inspired
head shape and Callaway’s Forged Cup Face technology to
deliver forgiveness and ultra hot ball speed. The CG is low
to increase spin and promote a more iron-like flight with a
higher apex than traditional hybrids, for ‘stopping’ power.
Lofts: RH - 18, 20, 23, 26 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Kuro
Kage Black Hybrid
No
£189
Available at
XR OS
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Callaway’s R&D team has developed the XR OS Hybrid, with
super-forgiving, high launching qualities aimed at game
improvers. With higher lofts, more offset and a super-deep
CG, compared with the standard model, the XR OS Hybrids
are even more forgiving, making it supremely easy for midhigh
handicap golfers to launch the ball from all conditions.
Lofts: RH - 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Fubuki
AT
No
£169
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
XR
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Offers wide appeal by being easier to hit and longer from
everywhere. Forged Hyper Speed Face delivers hot ball
speeds from across a forgiving clubface, enhanced by an
Internal Standing Wave, which gives the Face Cup freedom
to flex, ensuring optimum distance. Precision shaping offers
control and playability for shot making.
Lofts: RH - 19, 22, 25, 28
LH - yes
Stock shafts: True Temper
Project X SD
No
£169
Available at
XR PRO
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Compact head shape will appeal to better players. A new
generation of Callaway’s Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup
provides supreme ball speed across the face, for forgiveness
and distance even from off-centre strikes. A re-engineered
Internal Standing Wave has enabled the MOI to rise and give
the Face Cup freedom to flex for even greater ball speed.
Lofts: RH - 16, 18, 20, 23 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: True Temper
Project X LZ Pro
No
£189
Available at
BIG BERTHA
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
The BB’s combine the length, synonymous with the Bertha
name, with extreme forgiveness and adjustability. The ultra
thin, lightweight and robust Speed Frame Face delivers
incredible ball speed, even from off-centre strikes. Additional
ball speed and forgiveness is achieved with Callaway’s Internal
Standing Wave. Has the OptiFit 8-way adjustable hosel.
Lofts: RH - 19, 22, 25, 28, 32 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: UST Recoil 460
Yes
£199
Available at
KING F6
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
A sole weight is located to increase MOI and forgiveness.
The head is cast from 17-4 stainless steel and features
a springy carpenter steel face to maximise ball speeds.
There’s a speed channel around the clubface and an
adjustable hosel means you can tailor lofts, lies and shot
bias to your own game.
Lofts: RH - 2-3 (16-19 deg), 3-4
(19-22 deg), 4-5 (22-25 deg)
LH - yes, custom fit only
Stock shafts: Matrix Red Tie HQ4
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£149
Available at
MAX
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
To achieve maximum launch, forgiveness and a draw, the
Max hybrid is engineered with a shallow face, offset
hosel design and draw bias clubhead weighting. It also
features a Speed Channel around the perimeter of the
face to minimise its thickness and increase ball speeds
across the face.
Lofts: RH - 3h (19), 4h (22), 5h
(25), 6h (28), 7h (31 deg)
LH - yes, custom fit only
Stock shafts: Matrix White Tie
60x4
No
£129
Available at
WOMEN’S KING F6
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
A sole weight is located to increase MOI and forgiveness.
The head is cast from 17-4 stainless steel and features
a springy carpenter steel face to maximise ball speeds.
There’s a speed channel around the clubface and an
adjustable hosel means you can tailor lofts, lies and shot
bias to your own game.
Lofts: RH - 3-4 (19-22 deg), 4-5
(22-25 deg), 5-6 (25-28 deg)
LH - yes, custom fit only
Stock shafts: Matrix Red Tie
55Q4
Yes
+/- 3
deg
£149
Available at
WOMEN’S MAX
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
To achieve maximum launch, forgiveness and a draw, the
Max hybrid is engineered with a shallow face, offset hosel
design and draw bias clubhead weighting. It also features
a Speed Channel around the perimeter of the face to
minimise its thickness and increase ball speeds across the
face. Comes in higher lofts for slower swing speeds.
Lofts: RH - 3h (23.5), 4h (26.5),
5h (29.5), 7h (32.5)
LH - yes, custom fit only
Stock shafts: Matrix Red Tie
55Q4
No
£129
Available at
BERES U-05
honma.co.uk
HONMA
The longest carry distance and most stable head/shaft
combination in Honma history, with the introduction of the
new ARMRQ Infinity shafts. Suits elite golfers to beginners
alike. More accurate and hits the ball higher than ever
before. Rounded heel ensures minimal snagging, and
tungsten weights are precisely placed to optimise CG.
Lofts: RH - 19, 22, 25, 28 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: ARMRQ Infinity
44g, 48g, 53g
No
£520-
£5,600
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 21

Hybrids BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
BOOM BOOM 3
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Bi-titanium construction with the latest version of Lynx’s Hot
1 Technology which incorporates a rare mixture of gases
inside the clubhead. Includes Effective Energy Transfer
technology on the clubface. The club comes in a cool, matt
black PVD finish with silver inlays and Aldila shaft.
Lofts: RH - 3h (20), 4 (23)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila NV RIP’D
No
£185
PARALLAX
lynxgolf.co.uk
Stylish and sleek, the great looking Parallax hybrid Is
extremely versatile and particularly good from tight lies.
With its 17/4 stainless steel clubhead that features EET
technology, even mishits fly great.
Lofts: RH - 3h (20), 4h (23)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Aldila NV RIP’D
No
£109
LYNX
PREDATOR
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
The Predator hybrids are available in four different colour
options. They give great performance at an unbeatable price.
They feature a low-profile head with colour co-ordinated
alignment design that aids aiming. Ideal for any approach
shot.
Lofts: RH - 3h (19), 4h (22)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
No
£69
LADIES TIGRESS
lynxgolf.co.uk
A rose-gold finished hybrid with very forgiving playability.
Very easy to hit from the fairway, they feature Progressive
Face Thickness Technology and a great looking design, ideal
for all lady golfers.
Lofts: RH - 4h (23)
LH -no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
No
£99
LYNX
LYNX
LADIES CRYSTAL
lynxgolf.co.uk
The Crystal features a small channel behind the clubface to
give extra distance and forgiveness on off-centre hits. A pink
themed design, and all-round great hybrid for a competitive
price.
Lofts: RH - 4h (23), 5h (27)
LH - no
Stock shafts: Lynx graphite
No
£69
JPX EZ golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
The JPX EZ hybrids are recognisable by their larger,
confidence-inspiring footprint and ability to produce high,
softer landing flight-optimising carry distance for all but the
most powerful ball strikers.
Lofts: RH - 16, 19, 22, 25 deg
LH - 19 and 22 deg
Stock shafts: Fujikura Six,
Fujikura Orochi
No
£179
Available at
JPX 850 golf.mizunoeurope.com
Mizuno says the JPX 850 marks a new generation of
distance generating hybrids. Featuring Shock Wave Sole
Technology for excellent distance across the face.
Lofts: RH - 16, 19, 22, 25 deg
LH - 19 and 22 deg
Stock shafts: Fujikura Orochi
No
£179
MIZUNO
Available at
JPX Fli-Hi golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Direct long iron replacements, with a wood-like hybrid
profile. The JPX Fli-Hi is designed to create an effortless
launch and steep landing angles on long approaches and
demanding tee shots
Lofts: RH - 3i (19 deg), 4i (22
deg), 5i (25 deg), 6i (28 deg),
7i (32 deg)
LH - yes (steel only)
Stock shafts: XP105, R300, S300
in steel, Fujikura Orochi in graphite
No
£85
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
VAPOR FLY
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Authentic tour shape for forgiveness and workability makes
the Fly a true iron replacement. New Hyperflight face for
extreme ball speed across the face and a re-engineered
compression channel amplifies performance on mishits.
Covert cavity back spreads weight to heel and toe for extra
forgiveness. Flybeam structure stabilises body.
Lofts: RH - 2h (18 deg), 3h (20
deg), 4h (23 deg), 5h (26 deg)
LH - 3h (20 deg), 4h (23 deg)
Stock shafts: MRC Tensei CK
Blue 80H, MRC Diamana S+ Blue
Board 80H
No
£169.99
Diamana
£149.99
Tensei
Available at
G
ping.com
PING
The G series hybrids now incorporate Turbulator Technology
to maximise club speed and improve cosmetics and
inspiration at address. Additional improvements include the
use of Carpenter 455 steel in order to save weight in the face
and crown, as well as a rougher face for higher friction and
reduced spin.
Lofts: RH - 2 (17 deg), 3 (19 deg),
4 (22 deg), 5 (26 deg), 6 (30
deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Alta 70
No
£180
G CROSSOVER
ping.com
PING
A new category of club designed to provide the
distance of a hybrid with the control and accuracy of
an iron. G Crossover utilises extreme toe weighting
to provide hybrid-like forgiveness, while a tiered
internal sole structure maximises face bending for
faster ball speeds.
Lofts: RH - 3 (18 deg), 4 (21 deg)
5 (24 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Alta 70
No
£180
RHAPSODY
ping.com
PING
Aimed at the lady golfer as part of an iron-hybrid blended
set. The easy-to-hit Rhapsody hybrids utilise lightweight
components to lower the overall system mass, making it
easier to generate clubhead speed, ball velocity and
distance, especially from slower swing speeds.
Lofts: RH - 4 (22 deg), 5h (26
deg) 6h (30 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: ULT 220H
No
£139
H 45
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
The H 45 has a redesigned head shape to improve turf
interaction and give a clean confident look at address. An
ultra hot HT1770 maraging steel face raises the COR by 13
points to maximise ball speed. A low centre of gravity
promotes a higher but penetrating ball flight.
Lofts: RH - 2h (16 deg), 3h (19
deg), 4h (22 deg)
LH - no
Stock shafts: MRC Kuro
KageBlack HBP 60
No
£190
Available at
Z 355
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
The Z 355 combines more distance, maximum forgiveness
and great feel in a new shape designed for improved turf
interaction. The high MOI design increases forgiveness and
offers a stable flight. A high-strength HT1770 steel face
increases face flexibility which delivers higher ball speeds
whilst Action Mass Technology generates effortless power.
Lofts: RH - 3h (19 deg), 4h
(23 deg), 5h (26 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Miyazaki Jinsoku
HB
No
£190
Available at
M1
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
The M1 Rescue features a Tour-inspired shape that enables
better playability from more lies. The M1 also offers shot
shape personalisation with the use of two movable weights
(1-3g & 1-25g) for neutral or fade bias to dial in trajectory for
distance and consistency.
Lofts: RH - 2h (17 deg), 3h
(19 deg), 4h (21 deg), 5h (24 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Fujikura Pro
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£199
Available at
M2
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
The M2 Rescue has been optimised to deliver maximum
distance and forgiveness. A confidence-inspiring shape and
technologies to promote speed distance and forgiveness; the
M2 Rescue gives golfers longer and more consistent shots
from anywhere on the golf course.
Lofts: RH - 3h (19 deg), 4h
(22 deg), 5h (25 deg), 6h
(28 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: TM REAX 75, 65, 55
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£159
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 23

Hybrids BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
816H1
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
The Titleist 816H1 models are high-launching hybrids that
fly further and land softly. 816H1 has a larger profile that
provides confidence, with slightly increased face progression
that performs well from the rough.
Lofts: RH - 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Black
85HY & Silver 85HY, Mitsubishi
Diamana S+ Blue 70 HY, M+ Red
60 HY & M+ Red 50 HY
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£205
Available at
816H2
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
The Titleist 816H2 hybrids have a more compact shape with
a slight offset for iron-like shot control for players who
engage the turf more aggressively.
Lofts: RH - 19, 21, 23, 25 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Black
85HY & Silver 85HY, Mitsubishi
Diamana S+ Blue 70 HY
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£205
Available at
EXOTICS EX9
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
The most versatile Exotics hybrid ever developed. The EX9
hybrid features incredible forgiveness combined with
superior distance technology in a classic, easy-to-hit design.
The maraging steel cup face is combo-brazed to the hypersteel
body. A SlipStream sole minimises turf drag for
maximum clubhead speed.
Lofts: RH - 17, 19, 22, 25, 28 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya Recoil
450/460/470/680
No
£125
EXOTICS EX9 TOUR
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
The EX9 Tour hybrid design favours workability, trajectory,
and distance control. Engineers compacted the head and
reduced face progression to provide players with advanced
shot-shaping control. A new titanium face plate, with variable
face thickness, is combo-brazed to a hyper-steel body.
Lofts: RH - 16, 18, 20 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya Recoil
780
No
£170
EXOTICS CB PRO U
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Designed for speed and performance. A new patented Slip
Stream sole produces faster speeds by minimising turf
contact regardless of the attack angle and position of the
head at impact. New heel and toe cutouts promote less turf
interaction from all conditions. The forged cup face is combo
brazed to a hyper-steel body for unprecedented power.
Lofts: RH - 17, 19, 21 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Kuro Kage Silver
80/90
No
£215
EXOTICS CB PRO TUNGSTEN
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
The CB PRO Tungsten long irons are also available
individually; designed for players wanting easy to hit, long
distance irons. The hollow design necessitates a solid
tungsten sole for optimal weighting and to support the super
thin variable face thickness.
Lofts: RH - 17, 19 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: KBS Tour 90
(steel), UST Mamiya Recoil
Series (graphite)
No
£99.99
(s)
£114
(g)
D200
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
The larger volume on stronger-lofted heads provides
forgiveness on longer shots, while more face curvature
translates to flatter faces on the weaker-lofted heads for
optimal gear effect and accuracy.
Lofts: RH - 3W (19 deg), 4W
(22 deg), 5W (25 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya
Elements Chrome
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£119
Available at
FG TOUR F5
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
An improved head design and Carpenter Custom 455
maraging stainless steel face insert, create a thin, flexible
and responsive CT (Characteristic Time) face for increased
ball speeds and longer distances. Each loft has three upright
lie settings, along with Green Means GO! Fast Fit technology
for optimal launch and spin.
Lofts: RH - 17, 20, 23 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: MRC Fubuki Z80
Yes
+/- 1 deg
£179
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ADJUSTABLE
HOSEL? RRP
D200 WOMEN’S
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
A Carpenter Custom 455 maraging steel face insert
maximises distance from all areas of the golf course. Expect
forgiveness on off-centre hits thanks to the increased face
area from heel to toe. Designed for the distance player
needing power, accuracy and a confidence-inspiring look
at address.
Lofts: RH - 23, 26, 29 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya SL 50
No
£119
Available at
9 HYBRID xxiouk.com
XXIO
The heavier head increases initial ball speed and
works with the newly developed cup face to enhance
COR performance. A deeper and lower centre of
gravity allows for greater distance with more
forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 3h (19), 4h (21),
5h (23 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: MP800 Carbon
(men’s)
No
£229
Available at
9 HYBRID WOMEN’S xxiouk.com
XXIO
The heavier head increases initial ball speed and
works with the newly developed cup face to enhance
COR performance. A deeper and lower centre of
gravity allows for greater distance with more
forgiveness.
Lofts: RH - 4h (22), 5h (25),
6h (26 deg)
LH - no
Stock shafts: MP800L (ladies)
No
£229
Available at
EZONE XPG
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
The Dual Tungsten Power (DTP) System features a
revolutionary Tungsten Grip and removable Tungsten screw,
which is counterbalanced by a lightweight shaft to produce
maximum power. A Carbon Composite Crown ensures
optimum CG location no matter what the lie. The Quick
Adjust System alters loft by +/- 1.5 degrees.
Lofts: RH - 3h (19 deg),
4h (22), 5h (25 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Yonex EX310
Yes
+/- 1.5
deg
£159
Available at
Z-FORCE
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
Octaforce technology in the crown reduces weight allowing it
to be repositioned lower and deeper for optimum distance
and maximum forgiveness from all lies. Weaker lofts produce
a combo set with the matching Z-Force irons.
Lofts: RH - 3h (20 deg),
4h (23), 5h (26 deg)
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Yonex M60
No
£99
Available at
HYBRIDS BUYING ADVICE
Hybrids have come a long
way since TaylorMade first
introduced its Rescue way
back in the noughties. With so
many different shapes, lofts
and technologies to choose
from how do you decide
which suits you? We’re here
to help.
Lofts/gapping
Picking the lofts of your
hybrids is really important as
it avoids having a couple of
clubs that go almost exactly
the same distance. Start by
finding out the loft of the
longest iron you’re confident
hitting. It doesn’t matter if this
is a 4, 5 or 6-iron, just make
sure you don’t harbour any
fear when you pull this club
from the bag. Then note the
loft of your highestlofted
wood and try
to fill the gaps
between with
equally spaced
hybrids.
Wide body?
Hybrids have come so
far there’s now three
distinct body designs to
choose from. The wider
body typically suits those
who sweep shots off the
fairway. Because the body
is wider, the CG is deeper, so
shots tend to go a bit higher.
Narrow body?
Narrow-bodied hybrids are
designed for those with an
aggressive motion into
the ball, so the turf
interaction at impact is
like hitting an iron. It
looks a bit more like an
iron, too, and because
the centre of gravity is
closer to the face it flies
a little lower.
Driving iron?
Driving irons tend to
perform best in the hands of
an experienced player who
has a decent clubhead
speed to launch shots
off the fairway
with such a
low-lofted
iron shape.
Adjustable or glued?
Yes, an adjustable hosel only
lets you switch lofts by a
degree or two, but it’s really
useful if the hybrid you want
is not available in the exact
loft you need. Simply tune
the loft by using the hosel
adjustment to ensure you
don’t have a couple of clubs
that go similar distances.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 25

THE NEW
REIGN OF
POWER
#CobraKING

Discover the optimum distance for your swing
with dialled in adjustable sole weighting. Low and
penetrating ball flight with the weight in the front,
or high and towering with the weight in the back.
More spin control. More speed. More precision.
Extreme Distance under your control.
cobragolf.co.uk/king
Official Equipment Partner of
the PGA EuroPro Tour

BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
Irons
From the forgiving to the workable and the super-soft
From the forgiving to the workable and the super-soft
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
BLUE COMBO SET
adamsgolf.eu
ADAMS
Featuring Adams’ Easy Launch System –
three key performance technologies Velocity
Slots, a low/back CG and Slimtech Shaft
Technology. Helps get the ball in the air and
keep it there for longer. Features two hybrids
and cavity back irons from 5-PW.
Availability: 3-4 Hybrid, 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: Dynalite 85
Slimtech steel
Stock graphite shaft: Slimtech by
Aldila graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£599 (s)
£699 (g)
Available at
BLUE
adamsgolf.eu
ADAMS
They feature Adams’ Easy Launch System –
three key performance technologies, Velocity
Slots, a low/back CG and Slimtech Shaft
Technology. Helps get the ball in the air and
keep it there for longer.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: Dynalite 85
Slimtech steel
Stock graphite shaft: Slimtech by
Aldila graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£399 (s)
£499 (g)
Available at
HTX TYPE R
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Features a Heat Treated Cup Face for the
best CT performance of any Benross iron.
Gives increased ball speed and carry
distance, whilst the progressive top line
thickness through the set ensures
confidence when stood over every shot.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour 90
Stock graphite shaft: Kuro Kage
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£379.99
(s)
£429.99
(g)
HTX
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Features a Heat Treated Face for increased
ball speeds across the face. Torsion Control
Bar maximises MOI and stability of the
clubhead through impact, making the HTX
the most forgiving iron Benross have
produced. HTX provides unmatched value.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour 90
Stock graphite shaft: Kuro Kage
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£299.99
(s)
£349.99
(g)
HTX GOLD
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Featuring the same innovative technologies
as the HTX iron, the HTX Gold iron has a
reduced headweight and softer flex
Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage graphite shaft
that helps increase clubhead speed.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: n/a
Stock graphite shaft: Kuro Kage
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£349.99
PEARL
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
Featuring the same innovative technologies
as the HTX iron, the Pearl iron has a reduced
headweight and a Fubuki Z Series Ladies
graphite shaft that help to increase clubhead
speed.
Availability: 6-SW
Stock steel shaft: n/a
Stock graphite shaft: Kuro Kage
Ladies iron
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£299.99
APEX PRO 16
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
A multi-material design optimises the CG for
each club, with longer irons (3-5) having
more offset and a tungsten insert to lower
CG for higher launch, while the shorter irons
(6-A) have a progressively higher CG for a
controlled, penetrating trajectory.
Availability: 3-AW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Project X Steel
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£849
(s)
£1,099
(g)
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
APEX CF 16
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Progressive offset, sole widths, CG height
and notch weighting provide a balance of
ball flight, playability, forgiveness and
control. Longer irons (3-7) increase ball
speeds and forgiveness, while shorter irons
have a unique face plate for enhanced feel.
Availability: 3-SW
Stock steel shaft:
True Temper XP95
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil
Type of iron? Game improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£849
(s)
£1,099
(g)
Available at
APEX MB
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Classic muscleback shape and style. High
performance wide spaced grooves give more
control and consistent spin. Callaway’s most
premium forging, made from 1020 Carbon
steel for the softest feel, with camber on the
sole to optimise turf interaction.
Availability: 2-PW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour V
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£849 (s)
Available at
APEX UT
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Traditional long iron shape incorporates a
Carpenter 455 Forged Face Cup, for higher
ball speeds across the face. Sole weighting
lowers the CG, to make them easier to hit,
while the hollow body construction is
designed to increase forgiveness.
Availability: 2 (18 deg),
3 (21 deg), 4 (24 deg)
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour V
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£169 (s)
£199 (g)
Available at
XR OS
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Oversized design and progressive lengths
and lofts help with longer distance. A 28%
wider sole, compared to the standard XR
model, provides enhanced turf-interaction,
while a lower CG makes the irons easier to
launch and more forgiving.
Availability: 4-SW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Speed Step 80
Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi
Fubuki AT
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£599 (s)
£749 (g)
Available at
XR PRO
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
The Cup 360 technology that redefined ball
speed in fairway woods is used in XR Pro.
Has an Internal Standing Wave while CG has
been lowered and MOI increased. Improved
Face Cup technology works like a spring on
shots even hit low on the face.
Availability: 3-AW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour V90
Type of iron? Better player /
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£629 (s)
Available at
XR
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Two-piece construction includes a dual heat
treatment, and high-speed, cavity-back and
Cup 360 technology. Internal Standing Wave
improves playability through the precise
positioning of the CG. Face design helps
increase forgiveness and ball speeds.
Availability: 3-LW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Speed Step 80
Stock graphite shaft: True
Temper Project X SD
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£599 (s)
£749 (g)
Available at
BIG BERTHA
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
An all-new cast, hollow-bodied head design
with wrap-around 360 Face Cup technology
helps generate ball speed across the face
through Variable Face Thickness technology
and a maximum CT (spring-like effect at
impact). Boasts an Internal Standing Wave.
Availability: 4-SW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Speed Step 80
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil 460
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£699 (s)
£899 (g)
Available at
KING MB/CB cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
The softest feeling, most precise irons as
demanded by the best golfers. Cobra says
they are the ultimate scoring machines
which incorporate five-step forged
technology, tungsten toe weights and
CNC-milled face and grooves.
Availability: 4-PW: 4-6 (CB)
7-PW (MB)
Stock shaft: KBS C-Taper
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
(custom order only)
£749
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 29

Irons
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
KING TEC cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
The feel and precision of a tour iron and the
forgiveness and distance desired by all. Fivestep
Forged Technology, J15 Face Insert
Material, CNC-milled face and grooves,
vibration management system and tungsten
heel-toe weighted.
Availability: 4-PW/5-PW
Stock shaft: KBS Tour
C-Taper Lite
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£699
(4-PW)
£599
(5-PW)
Available at
KING F6 cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
A progressive design sees the long irons
(3-5) feature a full hollow cavity for distance
and forgiveness; mid irons (6-7) feature a
half hollow construction for distance and
control; short irons (8-PW) are built with
a cavity-back design for spin and control.
Availability: 4-PW/5-SW/5-PW
Stock steel shaft:
FST Steel Flighted
Stock graphite shaft:
Matrix Red Tie 65q4
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? yes
£429-
£499 (s)
£519-
£599 (g)
Available at
MAX cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
The 4-8 irons feature a half hollow design for
maximum launch and distance while the
short irons (9-PW) feature a cavity-back
design for a combination of forgiveness and
control. The gap wedge features a wide sole
design for optimum performance from sand.
Availability: 5-PW/5-SW/6-SW
Stock steel shaft: FST Steel
Stock graphite shaft:
Matrix White Tie X4
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? yes (custom
order only)
£349-
£399 (s)
£409-
£479 (g)
Available at
MAX COMBO cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Multiple construction technologies combine
to create the ultimate progressive combo
set. Each club is optimised for performance
to help the golfer hit more greens and hit it
closer to the pin.
Availability: 4h, 5h, 6-SW
Stock steel shaft: FST
Stock graphite shaft:
Matrix White Tie X4
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes (custom
order only)
£549 (s)
£599 (g)
Available at
KING F6 WOMEN’S cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Optimum performance in each iron is
achieved through the creation of the ultimate
progressive set. Multiple advanced
construction techniques are incorporated
throughout the set to create more feel,
distance, control and forgiveness.
Availability: 5-SW/6-SW
Stock shaft: Matrix Red Tie X4
women’s
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes (custom
order only)
£599
(5-SW)
£519
(6-SW)
Available at
MAX WOMEN’S cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Multiple construction technologies combine
to create the ultimate progressive set. Each
club is optimised for performance to help
the golfer hit more greens and hit it closer
to the pin.
Availability: 5-SW/6-SW
Stock shaft: Matrix White Tie X4
women’s
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes (custom
order only)
£479
(5-SW)
£409
(6-SW)
Available at
MAX COMBO WOMEN’S cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Multiple construction technologies combine
to create the ultimate progressive combo
set. Each club is optimised for performance
to help the golfer hit more greens and hit it
closer to the pin.
Availability: 4h, 5h, 6-SW
Stock steel shaft: Matrix White
tie X4 women’s
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes (custom
order only)
£599
Available at
XPT store.dunlopsport.com/golf
DUNLOP
Soft 8620 stainless steel contruction and a
polymer badge insert deliver distance and
feel. Undercut cavity places weight low down
to give a low centre of gravity and help get
the ball airborne. One of the top shaft names
in the industry, aids stability and speed.
Availability: 5-PW
Stock graphite shaft: Grafaloy
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£49.99
per club
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
XPT DRIVING IRON
store.dunlopsport.com/golf
DUNLOP
Optimum sole geometry aids ball striking
from poor lies and is more forgiving when
looking for extra yardage. Ultra low CG via
internal weighting engineered specifically
to promote higher launch and distance.
Workable head allows more control.
Availability: 3 (19), 4 (22 deg)
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£59.99
BERES IS-05
honma.co.uk
HONMA
The longest carry distance, the easiest to hit,
and the most confidence-inspiring at
address irons in Honma history, with the
introduction of the incredibly stable new
ARMRQ Infinity shafts. IS-05 suits elite
golfers to beginners alike. Handmade.
Availability: 4-11, AW, SW
Stock shaft: Honma ARMRQ
Infinity 44g, 48g, 53g
Type of iron? Super game
improvement / game
improvement
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£2,200
to
£28,800
BERES IE-05
honma.co.uk
HONMA
Ultimate Honma power and forgiveness for
left-handed golfers. Large Maraging Steel
power face. High MOI, low CG, stablepenetrating
trajectory. Hand-built to order by
Japanese craftsmen. Two-star to five-star
option.
Availability: 5-11, SW
Stock shaft: Honma new for 2016
ARMRQ Infinity 44g
Type of iron? Super game
improvement / game
improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£2,200
to
£28,800
TOUR WORLD 727 M
honma.co.uk
HONMA
The ultimate forged muscleback blade.
Classic looks, uninterrupted mirror-finish
lines. Unbeatable spin control. Honma’s iron
for the true connoisseur. Hand-built to order
by Japanese craftsmen. Two to five-star
option.
Availability: 3-10
Stock steel shaft: DG S200
factory-fitted
Stock graphite shaft: Honma
ARMRQ8 & Honma Vizard IB105
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£1,130 to
£28,800
TOUR WORLD 727 VN
honma.co.uk
HONMA
Half-cavity with a muscleback feel. W-forged
clubface. For serious golfers seeking
playability in a small cavity back. Minimal
head design. Hand-built to order by
Japanese craftsmen. Two to five-star option.
Availability: 3-10
Stock steel shaft:
DG S200 factory-fitted
Stock graphite shaft: Honma
ARMRQ8 & Honma Vizard IB105
Type of iron? Game improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£1,130 to
£28,800
TOUR WORLD 727 P
honma.co.uk
HONMA
High-performance Maraging Steel clubface.
The most forgiving Tour World iron. Twopiece
structure. High-trajectory distance
irons. Hand-built to order by Japanese
craftsmen. Two-star to five-star option.
Availability: 3-11, SW
Stock steel shaft: NSPRO 950GH
Stock graphite shaft: Honma
ARMRQ8 & Vizard IB85 or I55
Type of iron? Game improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£1,130
to
£28,800
TOUR BLADES
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
With a forged muscle-back design, classic
shape and high polish finish. The Tour is
built for ultimate performance of the highest
standard. Its forged face gives maximum feel
and slim sole suits the more advanced golfer
seeking performance and style to match.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£399
BLACK CAT
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Merges several revolutionary technologies at
an incredibly affordable price. A two-piece
cast head with Maraging steel face gives
greater rebound for extremely quick ball
speeds. Twin Slot Technology and Effective
Energy Transfer make them hot off the face.
Availability: 5-SW (4i available)
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£389 (s)
£429 (g)
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 31

Irons
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
BOOM BOOM
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
In six different options, the key feature is the
Twin Slot Technology. The first slot behind
the face, along with Variable Face Thickness
technology, distributes weight evenly. The
second slot propels the ball off the face
hotter than any other. Long and forgiving.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£499 (s)
£549 (g)
BOOM BOOM MARAGING
lynxgolf.co.uk
All the key features of the Boom Boom irons,
with Maraging steel face for quicker ball
speeds and maximum distance.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£649 (s)
£699 (g)
LYNX
LYNX
BOOM BOOM TOUR
lynxgolf.co.uk
All the Boom Boom features, with thinner
top edge and less offset and yet still
extremely long. Ideal for better players.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£629
ROSE GOLD
lynxgolf.co.uk
Boom Boom technology in a limited edition
rose gold finish.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£549 (s)
£599 (g)
LYNX
LYNX
BOOM BOOM OFFSET
lynxgolf.co.uk
Features a thicker top line and offset
throughout the set to aid clubhead release.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£499 (s)
£549 (g)
PARALLAX
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
The forged Parallax irons are soft and
forgiving and have a high centre of gravity
for higher penetrating flights which aid
approach shots. The cavity backs make
them easy to hit and they are extremely
versatile, a great all-round set.
Availability: 4-PW (3i available)
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£395 (s)
£458 (g)
PREDATOR
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
A stainless steel cavity-back iron which is
long and forgiving and features a low CG and
high MOI to aid ball flight. Easy to hit with
progressive offset through the set to help
clubhead release and keep lofts higher.
Chrome finish with colour-matched inserts.
Availability: 5-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£199 (s)
£279 (g)
LADIES TIGRESS
lynxgolf.co.uk
These beautiful looking rose gold irons
feature a wide sole and deep-undercut cavity
to lower the centre of gravity (CG) which
gives great distance and control.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£449
LYNX
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
LADIES CRYSTAL
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Wide-soled irons provide a smooth transition
from the hybrids. The deep-cavity mid-irons
promote consistency and give a penetrating
ball flight. The Crystal family comes with an
ultra-lightweight graphite shaft and coordinating
bold pink and white grip.
Availability: 6-LW
Stock graphite shaft: Lynx
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£279
MP-25
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Tour-inspired design with an injection of
Boron for added ball speed and distance.
The MP-25 is the first true high ball-speed
iron, Grain Flow Forged for the feel and
touch indispensable on tour. For tour players
to low/mid handicaps.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock shafts: Dynamic Golf
and Project X
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£115 per
iron (s)
Available at
MP-5
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Sits neatly between Mizuno’s classic blades
and smaller players’ cavities. The Channel
Back concept was refined through a
harmonisation of CAD design and Japanese
craftsmanship. Pro to low single figures
suited to these Grain Flow Forged irons.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: Dynamic Golf
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£115
(s or g)
Available at
JPX EZ FORGED
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Injected with Boron, the JPX EZ takes
Mizuno Grain Flow Forged irons a leap
forward in distance and forgiveness.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shafts: Dynamic
Gold, XP95
Stock graphite shafts: Orochi
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£100
(s or g)
Available at
JPX EZ
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
The JPX EZ is a ‘point and shoot’ iron
with launch monitor-busting ball speeds
– it’s also engineered to be the best
feeling and most balanced iron within
its class.
Availability: 4-SW
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold,
XP95
Stock graphite shafts: Orochi
Type of iron? Super
game-improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Steel only
£85
Available at
IRONS BUYING ADVICE
Forged, cast, shafts, gapping,
hollow bodies, wide soles...
choosing an iron is not without
decisions. But digest the
information in this guide and
you’ll be well-equipped to
make an astute choice...
Blades, cavities or super
game improvement?
Blades are aimed at the best
ball strikers, and offer little to
no forgiveness when you don’t
hit the centre. Cavity backs are
aimed at those wanting a good
degree of playability, so offcentre
hits are less harshly
punished. And super game
improvement models tend to
have wider soles, more offset
and possibly hollow bodies to
offer ultimate forgiveness and
help launch shots into the air.
Forged or cast?
At some point
both were
molten metal.
Forged irons
come from
billets of steel
stamped under massive
force into a clubhead shape.
This stamping is said
to align the structure more
closely for, it’s claimed, better
feel. Cast heads are created
by pouring molten steel into
moulds. Casting technology
has moved on massively and
it’s said heat treatment after
casting combined with today’s
type of steel means cast heads
can feel very much like forged.
Should I worry about
steel type?
Thinking changes
about which is the
best. Always try
irons to see how
they feel for you.
Should I consider
the sole?
Yes. Wider means more
weight lower down,
which helps get shots airborne.
It also won’t dig as much.
Wider soles equal game
improvement. Narrower soles
tend to be found on better
player irons. Some irons now
have bevelled soles to allow
the club to better interact with
the turf and lose less energy.
What does offset do?
It sets the face behind the
hosel, giving a little more time
to square the face at impact
and is usually found in game
improver clubs. Better player
irons generally have less offset.
This makes the club a little
easier to ‘shape’.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 33

Irons
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
MP-4
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Grain Flow Forged from a single 1025E
Pure Select mild carbon steel billet for
enhanced feel. Mizuno says the MP-4 is
the purest of forged muscle backs for
shot-makers seeking the ultimate control
over their ball flight.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: Dynamic Gold
R300, S300
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£115 (s)
per club
Available at
MP-H5
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
A new type of players iron. The ‘hollow flow’
concept helps on longer approaches to tight
pin positions on firm greens. Better players
will appreciate the classic looks of the Grain
Flow Forged irons as well as the added
forgiveness, distance and stopping power.
Availability: 1-PW
Stock steel shaft: KBS C-Taper
Lite
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£115 (s)
Available at
MP-15
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
Offering forgiveness without sacrifice – the
MP-15 embodies a balance of tradition and
technology for the stronger ball striker.
Featuring Ti Muscle Innovation in a tour
proven Grain Flow Forged head.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: Dynamic Gold
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£115 (s)
Available at
JPX 850 FORGED
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
First Mizuno irons to add Boron to the Grain
Flow Forging process and enable the JPX
850 to overcome traditional distance
limitations of forged irons. They are 30%
stronger than traditional 1025E steel billets
for a thinner face and extreme speeds.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: XP115
Stock graphite shaft: Orochi
Type of iron? Game improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£100
Available at
JPX 850
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
The JPX 850 breaks all the normal rules of
golf equipment – with a face that flexes past
the competition limits placed by the USGA
and R&A on drivers.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: XP105
Stock graphite shaft: Orochi
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast & forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£85
Available at
VAPOR FLY
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Modern muscle balances CG in the centre
of face for highest stability and pure feel.
Hollow cavity long and mid irons (4, 5, 6, 7)
for superior forgiveness. RZN pocket short
irons (8, 9, PW) combine stability with
refined feel. RZN cavity wedges for creativity.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
ZT85
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil 460
Type of iron? Super gameimprovement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£499.99
(s)
£599.99
(g)
Available at
VAPOR FLY PRO
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Modern muscle balances CG in the centre
of face for highest stability and purest feel.
Hollow cavity long irons (2, 3, 4, 5) for
superior forgiveness. RZN pocket mid irons
(6, 7, 8) combine stability with refined feel
and RZN cavity short irons offer creativity.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
XP95
Type of iron? Game improvement
and better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£599.99
Available at
VAPOR PRO COMBO
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Modern Muscle design balances CG in the
centre of the face for maximum ball speed,
the highest stability and the purest feel. RZN
cavity long irons (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and muscle
cavity short irons (8, 9, P) for the superior
combination of stability and shot-shaping.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: Dynamic
Gold Pro
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£699.99
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
VAPOR PRO
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Modern Muscle design balances CG in the
centre of the face for maximum ball speed,
the highest stability and the purest feel.
Straight leading edges, thin toplines and
minimal offset offer the ultimate in
alignment and shot-shaping workability.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: Dynamic Gold
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£699.99
Available at
G
ping.com
PING
Upgraded aesthetics, using the same COR-
Eye technology in the GMax, with a deep CG
providing more dynamic loft and a strategic
approach to the distribution of weight in the
heel, toe and hosel locations to provide
unmatched forgiveness.
Availability: 4-LW
Stock steel shaft: AWT 2.0
Stock graphite shaft: CFS
graphite
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£92 (s)
£104 (g)
per club
GMAX
ping.com
PING
Ping’s longest, straightest model ever, uses
COR-Eye Technology, which increases face
flexing for faster ball speeds across the face
for extra yards. A wide sole design positions
the CG low/back to maximise forgiveness.
Progressive lengths/lofts optimise ‘gapping’.
Availability: 4-SW
Stock steel shaft: CFS distance
Stock graphite shaft: CFS
graphite
Type of iron? Super game
improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£92 (s)
£104 (g)
i
ping.com
PING
Uses 431 stainless steel for the first time in
a Ping iron. Its high strength-to-weight ratio
and softer feel creates a head design offering
workability and trajectory control with lots of
forgiveness. Lengths/lofts are optimised to
increase distance. A clean, players-style iron.
Availability: 3-UW
Stock steel shaft: CFS distance
Stock graphite shaft: CFS
graphite
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£112 (s)
£124 (g)
S55
ping.com
PING
A compact, multi-material players’ iron that
offers more control yet also with more
forgiveness. The 17-4 stainless steel heads
offer confidence-inspiring geometry and a
clean cavity design. A tungsten toe weight
increases MOI for improved accuracy.
Availability: 3-SW
Stock steel shaft: CFS & Z-Z65
Stock graphite shaft: TFC189I
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£112 (s)
£132 (g)
RHAPSODY
ping.com
PING
As part of a ladies iron-hybrid blended set,
these high-launching, highly forgiving
perimeter-weighted irons use lightweight
components to lower the overall system
mass, making it easier to create clubhead
speed, ball velocity and distance.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock graphite shaft: ULT 220I
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£95
Z 945
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
A muscle back featuring a slimmer topline
and more compact shape for a pleasing
traditional look that encourages workability.
Each head is forged from high quality soft
1020 carbon steel, with a lower carbon
content for super responsiveness/feedback.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
Stock graphite shaft: Custom
order only
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£690
Available at
Z 745
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
A muscle cavity increases playability but
maintains a thinner topline and more
compact shape for a sleek look. Each head
is forged from high-quality soft 1020 carbon
steel, with a lower carbon content for super
responsiveness and feedback at impact.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft:
True Temper Dynamic Gold
Stock graphite shaft:
Custom order only
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£690
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 35

Irons
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
Z 545
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
Distance-oriented for discerning players. The
545s combine a hot flight with incredible
feel and a slightly larger, forgiving cavityback
profile. Strategically-positioned tungsten
weights in the 3-6 irons tune sweetspot
positioning for more difficult to hit irons.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock shaft: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
(graphite custom order only)
Type of iron? Game improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£690
Available at
Z 355
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
Combine more distance, forgiveness and feel
into a mid-high launching cavity-back profile.
High strength HT 1770 faces increase face
flex while 431 stainless steel bodies deliver
great feel. High MOI head aids forgiveness,
a Tour VT sole improves turf interaction.
Availability: 4-SW incl AW
Stock steel shaft:
Nippon N.S Pro 950 GH DST
Stock graphite shaft:
Miyazaki Jinsoku
Type of iron? Super game
improvement / game
improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£499 (s)
£549 (g)
Available at
Z 155
srixon.co.uk
SRIXON
Combine more distance, forgiveness and feel
in a high launching cavity-back profile with a
confidence-inspiring head shape/size. Plus:
high strength HT 1770 face, 431 stainless
steel body, high MOI head, Tour VT sole and
power-packed Action Mass Technology.
Availability: 4-SW incl AW
Stock steel shaft:
Nippon N.S Pro 950 GH DST
Stock graphite shaft: Miyazaki
Jinsoku
Type of iron? Super game
improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£499 (s)
£549 (g)
Available at
PSi TOUR
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
Featuring forged 1025 carbon steel and
precision-milled face slots and Speed
Pocket. Has a more compact head size and
Tour-inspired shaping and workability for the
best ball strikers. Thinner topline, less offset
and narrower sole than the PSi.
Availability: 2-PW
Stock steel shaft:
KBS C-Taper Lite
Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi
Rayon Kuro Kage
Type of iron? Game improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£899 (s)
Available at
PSi
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
Perfect mix of form and function; elegant
design and superior feel with increased ball
speed and distance. Dynamic Feel System
works to reduce vibration across the face
without sacrificing ball speed. Face Slots
ensure consistently strong ball speeds.
Availability: 3-PW, AW, SW
Stock steel shaft:
KBS C-Taper Lite
Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi
Rayon Kuro Kage
Type of iron? Game-improvement
/ better player
Cast or forged? Cast and Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£799 (s)
£899 (g)
Available at
M2
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
TaylorMade’s M2 irons are engineered to fly
further and higher. TaylorMade’s focus was
to achieve maximum distance without
sacrificing peak trajectory. Advanced
materials in the M2’s enable shots to not
only go far, but high as well.
Availability: 4-PW, AW, SW, LW
Stock steel shaft:
FST REAX 88HL
Stock graphite shaft:
REAX 75, 65, 55, 45
Type of iron? Game-improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£599 (s)
£699 (g)
Available at
M2 TOUR
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
M2 Tour irons fit the mould of a distance
iron but in a more compact and refined
package. Features many of the distance
technologies from the M2 irons, but with
reduced offset, thinner toplines and a new
sole design for improved turf interaction.
Availability: 3-PW, AW, SW
Stock steel shaft:
True Temper XP95
Stock graphite shaft:
Custom only
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£699 (s)
Available at
KALEA
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
Uses features relevant and beneficial to
many female players – including beautiful
aesthetics. Optimised lofts, low/back CG
locations, sole slot technology and Kalea
SlimTech shafts with smaller tip diameters
help increase launch angle.
Availability: 6-SW
Stock graphite shaft:
Kalea standard
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£549 (g)
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
716 AP1 titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
The longest, most forgiving Titleist iron ever.
Extreme 360º undercut cavity design with a
large, thin, unsupported face delivers speed
and launch for more distance. Industryleading
use of high-density tungsten
weighting aids forgiveness.
Availability: 3-GW
Stock steel shaft: XP90
Stock graphite shaft: Kuro Kage
TiNi 65 Kuro Kage TiNi 50
Type of iron? Super gameimprovement
/ game
improvement / better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£93 (s)
£107 (g)
Available at
716 AP2 titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Titleist’s most advanced players’ iron, made
even better, delivering Tour-proven distance
with forgiveness and solid forged feel. Uses
extreme high density tungsten weighting to
position the CG low and perfectly aligned at
impact for more speed.
Availability: 3-GW
Stock steel shaft:
Dynamic Gold AMT
Stock graphite shaft: Custom
order only
Type of iron? Game
improvement / better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
(custom order)
£117 (s)
£133 (g)
Available at
716 CB titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Extreme high density tungsten weighting to
position the CG low and perfectly aligned at
impact for more speed with Tour-proven
trajectory/control. Co-forged construction
places high density tungsten low and on the
perimeter for forgiveness in a ‘Tour’ profile.
Availability: 2-PW
Stock steel shaft:
Dynamic Gold AMT
Stock graphite shaft: Custom
order only
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
(custom order)
£117 (s)
£133 (g)
Available at
716 MB titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
A precise, high muscle back design with
a squarer toe, thin topline and pre-worn
leading edge that delivers maximum shot
control with pure, forged muscle back feel.
Availability: 2-PW
Stock steel shaft:
Dynamic Gold AMT
Stock graphite shaft:
Custom order only
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
(custom order)
£117 (s)
£133 (g)
Available at
716 T-MB titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Precisely engineered using an extreme
amount of high density tungsten to deliver
an unprecedented combination of high
launch, long carry distance and forgiveness
in a sleek, muscle back frame. Available as
#2, #3, #4 and #5 iron replacements.
Availability: 2 (17), 3 (20), 4 (23),
5 (26 deg)
Stock steel shaft:
Dynamic Gold AMT
Stock graphite shaft: Custom
order only
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
(custom order only)
£169 (s)
£189 (g)
Available at
EXOTICS CB PRO TUNGSTEN
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Each iron is hollow from the top line all the
way to the sole for a more active face. A solid,
heavy tungsten weight in the sole is heavier
in the short irons and lighter in the long
irons – giving a lower CG in the ideal
position in each iron.
Availability: 3-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Dyna-Lite 105
Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi
Fubuki Z 70
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£599.99
(s)
£649.99
(g)
EXOTICS EXI
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
A more traditional shape with less offset,
and a dual undercut cavity for a deeper CG
and maximum distance control. A new, soft
TPE encased insert in the cavity provides a
softer feel at impact. A 431 soft stainless
steel & one-piece casting process.
Availability: 4-AW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour steel
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil series
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£474.99
(s)
£599.99
(g)
EXOTICS EXD
touredge.com
TOUR EDGE
Extremely easy to hit, with Exotics’ largest
free-standing face with the deepest undercut
cavity. Variable Face Thickness gives greater
spring effect, two high-density tungsten
weights in the heel and a generous offset
offer forgiveness on mishits.
Availability: 4-AW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour steel
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Recoil series
Type of iron? Super game
improvement / better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£474.99
(s)
£599.99
(g)
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 37

Irons
BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
D200
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Featuring an exclusive Speed Sole
Technology innovation, a thin face-to-sole
transition on the new D200 irons creates a
driver-like 234 CT and an average speed
increase of more than 2mph.
Availability: 5-PW
Stock steel shaft:
True Temper SL 85
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya Chrome Elements
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£349 (s)
£429 (g)
Available at
C200
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
True innovation in irons that look and play
unlike any other set. FLX Face has propelled
distance technology to another level using
Power Holes wrapped entirely round the face
to increase the amount of time the ball
gathers energy before being launched.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: KBS Tour 90
Stock graphite shaft: Aldila
Rogue Pro
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£499 (s)
£599 (g)
Available at
FG TOUR V4
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Played by elite players like Padraig
Harrington and Kevin Streelman, these
Tour-proven irons incorporate an 18-gram
tungsten sole weight from 3-iron to 7-iron
to provide more height when attacking
tight pins.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: True Temper
Dynamic Gold DG Pro
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£549
Available at
FG TOUR F5
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Premium irons designed for the crossover
player seeking forged feel and pure distance.
Speed Sole technology creates a thin faceto-sole
transition that expands the sweetspot
lower in the face for faster ball speeds and
distance in the long and mid-irons.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft:
Dynamic Gold XP
Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi
Rayon Kuro Kage LBP 85
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? Yes
£599 (s)
£699 (g)
Available at
V4 UTILITY
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Designed for the ‘feel’ player seeking a
versatile alternative to hybrids and long
irons. They feature a thin Carpenter Custom
455 maraging stainless steel face as well as
sole and toe weighting for improved ball
speeds and an optimised centre of gravity.
Availability: 2 (18), 3 (21),
4 (24 deg)
Stock graphite shaft: MRC Kuro
Kage Black 90
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£119
Available at
D200 WOMEN’S
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Speed Sole Technology allows for a thinner
face-to-sole transition resulting in faster ball
speeds and longer distance. Designed for
the distance player needing power, accuracy
and a confidence-inspiring look at address.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock graphite shaft: UST
Mamiya SL 50
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£429
Available at
C200 WOMEN’S
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
FLX Face Technology and Urethane Power
Holes has driven innovation to new heights.
Minimal contact points between the thin face
and clubhead allows the face to flex more at
impact for extreme distance.
Availability: 6-SW
Stock shaft: UST Mamiya SL50
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£525
Available at
9 xxio.co.uk
XXIO
High launch angle and low spin. A composite
construction sees a tungsten-nickel sole
weight blended with a low-density titanium
clubface for a high launch angle and low spin
for more distance. An expanded sweetspot
increases COR for improved distance.
Availability: 5-PW
Stock steel shaft:
Nippon N.S Pro 900GH
Stock graphite shaft:
MP900 Carbon
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast and forged
Left-hand option? Men’s reg only
£996 (g)
£870 (s)
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS TYPE OF IRON RRP
9 WOMEN’S xxio.co.uk
XXIO
High launch angle and low spin – Composite
construction sees a tungsten-nickel sole
weight blended with a low density titanium
clubface for a high launch angle and low spin
for more distance. An expanded sweetspot
increases COR for improved distance.
Availability: 6-PW
Stock graphite shaft:
MP900L Carbon
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast and forged
Left-hand option? No
£830
Available at
EZONE TRI-G COMPOSITE
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
A five-piece head construction for maximum
distance and forgiveness. Ultra thin face
provides maximum power across the surface
while the graphite insert helps reduce
unwanted vibrations. The 3D sole design
reduces ground resistance.
Availability: 5-SW + AW
Stock steel shaft: Nippon 950
Stock graphite shaft:
Yonex NST310
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? No
£1,099
(s)
£1,199
(g)
Available at
N1-CB FORGED
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
Hand-crafted in Japan the N1-CB irons
feature a graphite hybrid insert that ensures
the irons have the feel of a Muscle Back but
the forgiveness of a Pocket Back. The 3D
sole design also helps to improve ball
strike potential.
Availability: 4-PW
Stock steel shaft: Nippon 950
Stock graphite shaft: Yonex
NST310
Type of iron? Better player
Cast or forged? Forged
Left-hand option? No
£1199 (s)
£1249
(g)
Available at
EZONE XPG
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
A double undercut cavity behind the ultrathin
Chromoly Steel clubface works in
conjunction with the Dual Tungsten Power
(DTP) System and 4g heavier head to create
a larger sweetspot and explosive power
and distance.
Availability: 5-PW
Stock steel shaft:
KBS C-Taper 90+
Stock graphite shaft:
Yonex EX310
Type of iron? Super
game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£699 (s)
£799 (g)
Available at
Z-FORCE
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
A double undercut cavity construction
increases the sweetspot for maximum power
and forgiveness to give you the distance,
control and launch angle you demand from
your irons.
Availability: 5-SW
Stock steel shaft: FST 115
Stock graphite shaft: Yonex M60
Type of iron? Game improvement
Cast or forged? Cast
Left-hand option? Yes
£349 (s)
£499 (g)
Available at
IRONS BUYING ADVICE
Is gapping important?
Yes. While manufacturers
ensure you have accurate gaps
between each iron, you need to
look at the gap between the
longest iron you’re comfortable
hitting and your next club,
whether it be a fairway or
hybrid. Don’t have two clubs
that go the same distance.
Do hollow body irons work?
They are growing in popularity,
as they deliver the same sort
of playability benefits as
woods/hybrids. Typically the
heads are made in a couple of
pieces with the springy steel
faces welded on. If you find
hybrids easy to hit and want
lots of playability and distance
in one, a hollow body Callaway
Big Bertha or Nike Vapor Fly
might be a decent option.
Why are shafts now
lightweight?
Steel iron shafts have got
lighter. It wasn’t long ago
Dynamic Gold shafts were the
norm and they weigh over
120g. Standard stock steel
shafts are now 80g-90g. Why?
Manufacturers say if a shaft is
lighter and you swing at the
same speed the club is going
to travel faster, increasing
distance.
Custom-fit or off the shelf?
Custom-fit. You wouldn’t buy
shoes without getting the
correct size, so why buy a set
of clubs without being fitted?
Are multi-material heads
the saviour?
Manufacturers employ fancy
metallurgy and materials
science to come up with new
ways of improving
forgiveness.
Whether it’s light
metals, alloys or
Nike’s RZN material,
all move mass away
from the club’s
ineffective areas.
Light or heavy for power?
The new kinetic energy theory
is all about swinging at the Available at
same speed, but
getting the head
travelling quicker at
impact. The thinking
reduces shaft weight
(or plays with its
profile so weight is
nearer the head) and
increases head
weight to allow
golfers to gain extra
clubhead speed even
though they swing
at the same pace.
We’ve tested a few
and they’re effective.
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 39

BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
Wedges
The best pitching options for spin, feel and distance control
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS RRP
ZIP IT
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
The ZIP IT Laser Milled wedge features Maximum Capacity Grooves that
provide increased friction at impact, resulting in greater backspin. The
C-Grind Sole removes material from the heel and toe, providing
maximum playability from all lies, whilst the Oxide Blast cobalt finish
reduces glare at address.
Lofts: RH - 48, 52, 56, 58, 60 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: True Temper
Dynamic Lite 85
Finish options: Cobalt
£59.99
H2 FORGED
bettinardi.co.uk
BETTINARDI
Features milled grooves that impart exceptional spin, while still retaining
a pure feeling at impact. The Satin Nickel finish gives a classic
appearance while the Cashmere Bronze offers an elegant and confidence
inspiring look at address. The C-Grind allows the leading edge to rest on
the ground longer, which creates maximum performance on open-faced
wedge shots.
Lofts: RH - 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: KBS Hi Rev (STD); True
Temper DG Spinner; DGS200
Finish options: Cashmere Bronze, Satin
Chrome
£140
MACK DADDY 3
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Created by master wedge designer, Roger Cleveland, the MD3 Milled
wedges allow you to match wedge grinds and spin performance to swing
style and playing conditions for the first time. They have three unique
grinds, S-Grind (all-purpose grind), C-Grind (for firmer conditions) and
W-Grind (softer conditions), plus a Progressive Groove Optimisation
system with three different groove patterns to increase spin as loft rises.
Lofts: RH - 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58,
60 deg
LH - 48, 52, 56, 58, 60 deg
Stock shafts: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
Finish options: Matt Black, Chrome
£109
Available at
MACK DADDY PM GRIND
callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Mack Daddy PM Grind Wedges have been designed, in collaboration with
five-time Major winner and Callaway staff professional, Phil Mickelson.
The distinctive design feature of the wedges is the high toe, which moves
the weight higher in the club, making delicate shots from greenside
rough easier, while the increased surface area helps inspire confidence to
accelerate through the ball and be more aggressive with approach shots.
Lofts: RH - 56, 58, 60, 64 deg
LH - 56, 60, 64 deg
Stock shafts: KBS Tour V Wedge
Finish options: Matt Black, Chrome
£109
Available at
588 RTX 2.0 clevelandgolf.com
CLEVELAND
The legendary performance of 588 with Cleveland’s most advanced spin
technology for more control. For those seeking a Tour-proven design. The
Rotex 2.0 face is CNC milled and the grooves are 15% sharper, while new
micro-grooves add friction between ball and club to maximise spin. A
progressive sole design makes each loft more versatile than ever. Low,
medium and high bounce options.
Lofts: RH - 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58,
60, 64 deg
LH - yes in all lofts
Stock shafts: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
Finish options: Black Satin, Tour Satin
£109.99
Available at
588 RTX 2.0 CB clevelandgolf.com
CLEVELAND
A cavity-back design with a slightly larger profile that adds confidence
and forgiveness on full, chip and pitch shots. The subtle cavity promotes
perimeter weighting for more forgiveness on off-centre hits. A full sole
grind provides slightly higher effective bounce, allowing players to
smoothly glide through any surface.
Lofts: RH - 48, 50, 52, 54, 56,
58, 60 deg
LH - yes all lofts
Stock shafts: True Temper
Dynamic Gold
Finish options: Black Satin, Tour Satin
£109.99
Available at
KING
cobragolf.co.uk
COBRA
Three different sole grinds allow golfers to choose the perfect wedge
confirmation to match their game. The “Versatile” grind design features
toe, heel and trailing edge relief. The “Classic” grind features a
progressive width from heel to toe, and the “WideLow” grind features a
wide sole with reduced bounce.
Lofts: RH Versatile - 50, 52, 54, 56, 58,
60 deg; Classic - 52, 56, 60 deg; Wide
Low - 56, 58, 60 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold S200
Finish options: Satin
£89
Available at
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

DETAILS
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS RRP
XPT
store.dunlopsport.com/golf
DUNLOP
The XPTs have three key characteristics: The variable bounce allows for
different shot types and improves turf interaction from poor lies; The
milled face adds grip between the club and ball to generate higher spin
for softer landings; The workable head shape allows more shot control
around the green.
Lofts: - 52, 56, 60 deg
LH - No
Stock shafts: True Temper
Finish options: Polished
£49.99
TOUR
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Complements the Lynx Tour Blades with a choice of Retro Fossil or
Chrome finish. The classic teardrop design looks great to the discerning
eye and is complemented by the milled face that has an exceptionally
soft feel. Its simple look with great performance cannot be beaten around
the greens.
Lofts: RH - 48, 50, 52, 54, 56,
58, 60 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: True Temper
Finish options: Fossil or Chrome
£65
PREDATOR
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Lynx sought to create a great looking wedge at an affordable price
and that’s exactly what we did with the Predator wedge. Based on
a ‘tour’ shape design, the Predator wedge looks fantastic and feels
great. They feature an optimal bounce set up to make any shot
possible.
Lofts: RH - 52, 56, 60, 64 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: True Temper
Finish options: Black, yellow, green or
orange inlay
£40
S5
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
A midsize profile, with sharply visible sole grinds for imagination
and creativity around the green. First in play with short-game
supremo Luke Donald at the BMW Championships at Wentworth
2015. Suits players from pro to mid handicap.
Lofts: RH - 25 loft/bounce options
from 49 - 62 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold (Wedge
Flex), XP115 (Wedge Flex)
Finish options: Blue IP, White Satin
£110
Available at
MP-T5
golf.mizunoeurope.com
MIZUNO
The MP-T5 wedge delivers the touch and precision of Mizuno’s renowned
Grain Flow Forging construction where it benefits most – around the
greens. A refined teardrop profile allows mastery of the ball from a
variety of set ups and positions. There are now 25 combinations of loft
and bounce – with two sole types to suit varying techniques and turf
conditions.
Lofts: RH - 25 loft/bounce options
from 49-62 deg
LH - white satin only
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold
(Wedge Flex)
Finish options: Blue IP, White Satin
£110
Available at
ENGAGE
nike.com/golf
NIKE
The Modern Muscle design centralises the CG location to promote
consistent turf interaction in all conditions, while a new Tour Garnet Blast
face is rougher, enabling more spin on less than full shots. Second
generation Toe Sweep grind maintains its superior performance from
sand and rough while improving versatility on tight lies.
Lofts: RH - Square: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60;
Toe Sweep 54, 56, 58, 60; Dual Sole 58, 60
LH - 52 square, 56 square, 60 dual sole
Stock shafts: True Temper Dynamic
Gold Finish options: Tour satin, Tour
authentic, un-chromed raw finish
£99.99
Available at
GLIDE
ping.com
PING
Glide wedges are engineered to ensure short-game performance and
trajectory control on shots of every length. The Dyla-wedge grip (longer
for gripping down for more trajectory control), CFS Wedge shaft (weight,
flex and balance optimised) and head design (chrome-plated 431
stainless steel, three sole options, added bounce and loft-optimised
Gorge grooves) combine to deliver Ping’s most versatile wedge line ever.
Lofts: RH - Standard 47, 50, 52, 54, 56,
58, 60; Thin 58, 60; Wide 54, 56, 58,
60; Eye 56, 58, 60 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: CFS Wedge (steel), TFC
419I (graphite) Finish options: Chrome
£100
steel
£125
graphite
EYE2 GORGE
ping.com
PING
Gorge grooves give the timeless Eye2 sand and lob wedges exceptional
spin and stopping power. The grooves’ width, spacing, radius and wall
angles are precision milled at Ping. For approaches or deep-bunker
escapes, the perimeter weighting and sole contours optimise forgiveness
and control.
Lofts: RH - 56, 60 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: DG Spinner (steel),
TFC 419I (graphite)
£124
steel and
graphite
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHATGEAR 2016 41

Wedges BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS RRP
TOUR PREFERRED EF
www.taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
A extremely thin, proprietary electroformed (EF) nickel cobalt face, which
is 50% harder than typical carbon steel, is combined with a carbon steel
clubhead to provide the typically soft feel. According to TaylorMade, the
super-durable clubface is about as thin as a credit card and allows for
grooves with tolerances that are unprecedented in regard to consistency
and accuracy.
Lofts: RH - 47, 50, 52, 54, 56,
58, 60 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: KBS Tour wedge flex
Finish options: Smoked PVD
£119
Available at
VOKEY SM6
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Vokey Design Spin Milled 6 wedges offer better performance across the
keys of wedge play: distance gapping; shot versatility; spin. Progressive
Centre of Gravity design produces proper distance gaps for each loft with
exceptional feel. Bob Vokey’s Tour-developed sole grinds give all golfers
shot versatility for their swing type and course conditions. 100%
inspected TX4 grooves and face texture deliver more spin and control.
Lofts: RH - 46, 48, 50, 52, 54,
56, 58, 60, 62 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold S200
Finish options: Tour Chrome, Steel
Grey, Jet Black (Raw)
£117
steel
£133
graphite
Available at
FG TOUR TC
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Traction Control technology applied to this classic wedge involves a
laser-etched face pattern within the individual scorelines to help generate
extra spin on approach shots into the green.
Lofts: RH - 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold
Finish options: Gunmetal Blue, Black
£79
Available at
FG TOUR PMP
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
The Tour PMP features Precision Milled Performance
technology. With milled HM grooves and 11 laser-etched Micro
Spin lines between each groove, the PMP wedge creates
maximum spin on full and partial shots.
Lofts: RH - 52, 56, 60 deg
LH - yes
Stock shafts: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 Shafts
Finish options: Tour Frosted/Gun Blue
£79/89
Available at
WS-2
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
With more Milled Cut Grooves the WS2 creates higher levels of spin
performance. This, combined with the thicker top blade and higher
centre of gravity, creates more control and spin for distance control
around the green.
Lofts: RH - 52, 56, 60 deg
LH - no
Stock shafts: True Temper Dynamic
Gold, Yonex Original Wedge Shaft
Finish options: Satin
£69 (s)
£79 (g)
Available at
WEDGES BUYING ADVICE
Wedge technology is moving
quickly, and there’s much more
to think about when deciding
which should be in your bag.
To help you take the guesswork
out of choosing, here’s our tips.
Shafts
We talk about shafts a lot when
you get fitted for a new driver.
Now they’re coming under the
same sort of scrutiny in
wedges, because they really
can help
add spin to
short
shots.
We’ve seen
increases in spin by
up to 600rpm, which is useful
when the pressure is on to get a
shot to sit down quickly on a
hard green.
Lofts
Gone are the days
when wedge lofts
were simply a choice
of gap, sand and lob
wedge. Modern iron
lofts are getting
stronger, so often
there’s a big gap in
lofts between your
PW and SW. Wedge
manufacturers are
aware of this, so they
make a huge variety
of lofts to ensure you have
perfect gaps between each
wedge in your set. Some say
four degrees between your
wedges is ideal, but pretty
much every expert you speak
to has their own ideas. If you
want to keep things simple we
like a 52° and 58° combination,
where the 58 is your sand and
lob wedge and the 52 is for
chipping and pitching.
Bounce
You can guarantee a choice of
low, mid and high bounce in
any loft of wedge from the top
manufacturers. Typically more
bounce helps you stop digging
into the turf or sand and means
the leading edge looks further
from the ground at address.
Sole grinds
As more bespoke wedge
companies have emerged so
too have all manner of sole
grinds, designed for specific
conditions or swing types.
Generally the best wedge
producers will offer at least a
few wedge grinds. They are
designed to help with turf
interaction from different
playing situations, to reduce
the effects of a steep or
shallow attack or to increase
versatility.
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
Putters
From standard blades to counterbalanced mallets
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE RRP
BB SERIES
bettinardi.co.uk
BETTINARDI
BB series is at the core of Bettinardi. Each
putter has a proprietary Midnight Black
treatment and a Hyper Honeycomb milled
face pattern. Paint accents are silver and
lime. All have stepless brushed nickel shafts
for enhanced feel and reduced glare.
Heads available: 4
Grips: Lamkin Deep Etch; Lamkin
Deep Etch Jumbo
3 blade models
1 mallet model
£249
STUDIO SERIES
bettinardi.co.uk
BETTINARDI
A direct evolution of classic designs, with
enhanced characteristics combined with
modern manufacturing. The Olympic Bronze
finish sits effortlessly with familiar aesthetics
of the Super-Fly face milling, complemented
by simple Legend Blue/white paint accents.
Heads available: 3
Grips: Lamkin Deep Etch; Lamkin
Deep Etch Jumbo
2 blade models
1 mallet model
£299
QUEEN B
www.bettinardi.co.uk
BETTINARDI
A PGA Tour winner in 2015, the Queen B
series fuses perfomance with sophistication.
In two contemparary designs – one with a
square look, the other more rounded – both
feature a compelling Savanagh Blue finish.
Micro-honeycomb face enhances feel.
Heads available: 2
Grips: Lamkin Deep Etch; Lamkin
Deep Etch Jumbo
1 blade model
1 mallet model
£279
KUCHAR STANDARD/ARMLOCK
bettinardi.co.uk
BETTINARDI
A collaboration between Matt Kuchar and
Bob Bettinardi. The standard length putters
feature a Meridian Blue PVD finish and F.I.T
face technology, which removes 55% of the
face material for a soft feel at impact. Each
model is engraved with Kuchar’s signature.
Heads available: 2
Grips: Lamkin Deep Etch; Lamkin
Deep Etch Jumbo, Winn Armlock
1 blade model
1 mallet model
£279
INNOVAI 3
bettinardi.co.uk
BETTINARDI
Fuses motion science with detailed
craftsmanship at the pinnacle of putter
engineering. Featuring F.I.T technology in
a black finish and a hand-polished 303
stainless steel weight bolted to the body in
a precise position to maximise MOI.
Heads available: 4
Grips: Lamkin Deep Etch; Lamkin
Deep Etch Jumbo;
Counterbalance
2 mallet models
1 counter-balanced model
£249
CASINO SHUFFLE
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
The dual-coloured Nano Blast finish of
the Casino Shuffle range ensure correct
alignment for both short and long putts.
The precision-milled Maximum Capacity
Face Grooves reduce skid and promote a
true role.
Heads available: 2
Grip: Reverse Taper White
1 blade model
1 mallet model
£59.99
CASINO CNC MILLED
benrossgolf.com
BENROSS
With a precision CNC-milled body and a
stunning black PVD finish, the Casino CNC
Milled range of putters from Benross exude
quality at an affordable price. Classic head
shapes and the unique Reverse Taper grip
boost confidence over every putt.
Heads available: 3
Grip: Reverse Taper Black
1 blade model
1 mallet model
1 MOI mallet model
£89.99
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHAT GEAR 2016 43

Available at
Putters BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE RRP
SMART SQUARE
clevelandgolf.com
CLEVELAND
Two squares are better than two circles when
it comes to aiming correctly. The Smart
Square helps players of all abilities discover
easier, more consistent alignment, inspiring
confidence on the green.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Winn
1 MOI mallet, with heel shaft &
centre shaft plus a
counterbalanced model
£120
Available at
TFI 2135
clevelandgolf.com
CLEVELAND
Available in three tour-inspired designs, the
2135 features a milled, copper-infused face
cap over a copolymer insert for ultimate feel.
This unique mix of materials allows for
immediate feedback, from sound and feel.
The copolymer insert also creates soft feel.
Heads available: 3
Grips: Winn
2 blade models
1 mallet model
£99
Available at
XPT 81
store.dunlopsport.com/golf
DUNLOP
Engineered from stainless steel, the XPT
features a milled face pattern to improve roll.
There are three classic shapes and all come
with oversized, soft feel grips. They are
finished in an anti-glare finish which gives
them a premium, performance look and feel.
Heads available: 3
Grip: Oversized
1 blade model
1 mallet model
1 MOI mallet model
£49.99
BOOM BOOM ALP
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
A traditional blade-style putter with a fully
adjustable hosel. By aligning the guides on
the hosel and putter head the lie angle can
be adjusted from 68º-76º, making the putter
sit flatter or more upright to suit your
preferred stroke style.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Lynx
1 blade model
£119
BOOM BOOM COG
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
A modern mallet-style putter with a
removable/reversible weight block. This
allows you to fine tune the centre of gravity
of the putter. Raise or lower it to suit your
own stroke and help reduce skidding at
impact.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Lynx
1 mallet model
£119
PREDATOR P01, P02, P03, P04
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
To fully customise your bag, the Predator
range features four different style putters in
four colour options. There is one blade and
three different mallet styles, that feature
various hosels and colour ways.
Heads available: 4
Grip: Lynx
1 blade model
3 mallet models
£40
LADIES CRYSTAL
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
A blade-style putter that follows the Crystal
colour theme and features a hot pink face,
back graphic and top-line alignment. It’s the
perfect putter to complement the rest of the
range and will add sparkle to your game.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Lynx
1 blade model
£40
SWASH DESIGN
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
Designed by the putting guru Harold Swash,
the Swash by Lynx putter range is where
heritage meets innovation. A bespoke
aluminium face insert gives an exceptionally
soft feel and its unique Pyramid Groove
Design greatly reduces ‘gear’ effect.
Heads available: 4
Grips: Lynx
2 blade models
1 mallet model
1 MOI mallet model
£99
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE RRP
METHOD MATTER
nike.com/golf
NIKE
Tour-proven RZN groove inserts soften feel
and deliver faster forward roll. Classic
shapes designed with Tour input. 304
stainless steel further softens feel and allows
extra adjustability. RTS system and lengthspecific
head weights customise it to you.
Heads available: 4
Grip: Method Matter midsize
Two blade models
Two mallet models
£99.99
Available at
METHOD CONVERGE
nike.com/golf
NIKE
RZN layer between 304 stainless steel
actively manages forgiveness resulting in
10% tighter dispersion. Tour-proven RZN
groove insert softens feel and delivers faster
forward roll. T-shaped alignment aid assists
in proper address position.
Heads available: 4
Grip: Method Converge midsize
One blade models
One mid-mallet
Two mallet models
£129.99
Available at
METHOD CONVERGE
nike.com/golf
NIKE
CounterFlex technology allows manipulation
of added weight in the grip-end of the putter
to ensure anchor-like stability, adjustable to
your stroke. Unique RZN construction
between Stainless steel actively manages
forgiveness resulting in tighter dispersion.
Heads available: 2
Grip: Method Counterflex
One blade model
One mallet model
£169.99
Available at
WORKS FUSION RX
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
The legendary White Hot insert is combined
with an ultra-thin stainless steel mesh,
featuring a patented Metal-X roll pattern, to
create the Fusion RX Insert. This is used in
seven of Odyssey’s greatest heads - #1, #1
Wide, #7, #7H, #9, V-Line and Sabertooth.
Heads available: 7
Grips: Standard and SuperStroke
3.0
2 blade models
2 mallet models
3 MOI mallet models
£149
standard
£169
Su’Stroke
Available at
WORKS 2-BALL
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
Featuring a Fusion RX insert, these putters
bring together the 2-Ball Fang chassis, and
add major-winning Hi-Def linear alignment
from Odyssey’s proven Marxman technology.
The 2-Ball Fang, 2-Ball Fang Lined and
Marxman Fang also boast a Fusion RX insert.
Heads available: 3
Grips: Standard and (for 2-Ball
Fang and Marxman Fang)
SuperStroke 3.0
3 MOI mallet models
£169
standard
£189
Su’Stroke
Available at
WORKS TANK & ARM LOCK
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
Non-traditional methods give golfers the
confidence to roll in more putts. Arm Lock,
using the design as an extension of the arm,
is the alternative to anchoring and Tank
counterbalancing increases weight (above
the hands) to help create stability.
Heads available: 7
Grips: SuperStroke
2 blade models
5 MOI mallet models
£169
Available at
WORKS TANK 2-BALL
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
The ultimate in stability and forgiveness with
added Tank counterbalancing, positioning
more weight above the hands to raise MOI
(resistance to twisting) through impact.
Promoting a fluid pendulum stroke and
helping stop the wrists from breaking down.
Heads available: 1
Grip: SuperStroke
1 MOI mallet model
£189
Available at
WORKS TANK CRUISER
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
Brings together revolutionary silver/black
Versa alignment, adjustable
counterbalancing and a Fusion RX insert in
four (#1, #7, 2-Ball Fang, V-Line) Tour proven
head shape models. Head weight and grip
weight adjust via 5g, 15g and 30g weights.
Heads available: 4
Grip: SuperStroke
1 blade model
1 mallet model
2 MOI mallet models
£219
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHAT GEAR 2016 45

Putters BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE RRP
WHITE HOT RX
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
The next evolution in White Hot feel
combined with better roll. The new insert
mimics the feel of the legendary White Hot
insert, with patented Metal-X oval technology
on the face taking it to the next level. Each
layer of urethane gives incredible roll/feel.
Heads available: 7
Grips: Golf Pride Pistol and
SuperStroke
2 blade models
2 mallet models
3 MOI mallet models
£129 -
£169
Available at
WHITE HOT PRO 2.0
callawaygolf.com
ODYSSEY
Featuring major-winning Tour proven head
shapes, the White Hot Pro 2.0 line, with an
improved version of the #1 insert on Tour,
offers more consistent sound, feel and
performance. Simple EyeFit fitting system
lets you pick the head shape for your set-up.
Heads available: 6
Grips: Standard
1 blade model
3 mallet models
2 MOI mallet models
£99
(2-Ball
Pro is
£119)
Available at
CADENCE TR
ping.com
PING
Engineered to fit a golfer’s stroke tempo and
feel preference, Cadence TR models advance
putter fitting by using different-weight face
inserts. Inserts feature the next generation of
True Roll (TR) Technology grooves that vary
to improve ball-speed consistency.
Heads available: Anser 2, Anser
W, B65, Craz-E-R, Ketsch, Ketsch
Mid, Rustler, Shea H & Tomcat C
Grips: PP58 Midsize & PP65
Two blade models
Three mallet models
Four mid-mallet models
All can be counterbalanced
From
£149
- £199
(+£25
for c/
balance)
KARSTEN TR
ping.com
PING
Five of Ping’s most popular and tour-proven
head designs appear in the TR (True Roll)
range. Variable-depth grooves aid ball-speed
consistency for unmatched distance control
and more putts made. A back-cavity insert
improves feel and sound.
Heads available: Anser 2, Anser
5, B60, Pal & Zing
Grip: PP58 Midsize
Four blade models
One mid-mallet model
£129
RHAPSODY
ping.com
PING
Highly forgiving and accurate, three of Ping’s
most successful models will give women
confidence and consistency. High-MOI nextgeneration
True-Roll Technology grooves
vary in depth and width to aid ball speed
consistency across the face.
Heads available: Anser 2, B60 &
Craz-E
Grip: Rhapsody
1 blade model
1 mallet model
1 mid-mallet model
£130,
£149
for
Craz-E
ARUBA
golftech.eu
One of Rife’s classic blade designs that has
seen great success on Tour. Perimeter
weighting and strong alignment lines make it
a dream to use.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Rife standard
1 blade model
£99.99
RIFE
Available at
BARBADOS
golftech.eu
RIFE
An oversized mallet putter, it has a pleasing
shape wrapped around a three-line centre
cavity section creating a strong alignment
aid. The mass of the putter is focused
around the outer edges of the putter making
the Barbados extremely stable.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Rife standard
1 mallet model
£99.99
ICONIC FOUR
golftech.eu
RIFE
This classic blade features strong perimeter
weighting for a steady stroke and a timeless
look. Available with Plumbers or goose neck
and centre shafted in Black and Sterling
Silver finish.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Rife standard
1 blade model
£99.99
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE RRP
BARBADOS 2.0
golftech.eu
RIFE
With performance that lives up to the name
of the original Barbados, the 2.0 offers a
more streamlined look and feel while
retaining the same balance and stability as
its predecessor.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Rife standard
1 mallet model
£124.99
SWITCHBACK
golftech.eu
RIFE
Interchangeable heel and toe weights allow
four different configurations. Rife’s Lie-Aline
adjustable lie angle system adds further
custom fit. RollGroove face technology offers
a quick, true forward roll that aids distance
control and accuracy.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Rife standard
1 blade model
£149.99
OS & OS CB
taylormadegolf.com
TAYLORMADE
Oversized heads increase stability at impact,
keeping you more on line and into the hole
more often. A vertical, deep-milled insert
allows for better ball gripping for improved
roll, sound and feel.
Heads available: 3 – Daytona,
Monte Carlo, Spider
Grip: SuperStroke
1 blade model
1 mallet model
1 MOI mallet model
(all three available as
counterbalanced models)
£179.99-
£199
Available at
SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Sleek, performance-oriented models with
new technology, shapes and configurations.
The new Select line blends precision milled
Scotty Cameron craftsmanship with multimaterial
technology proven at the highest
levels of competition.
Heads available: 7
Grip: Matador Red Midsize
3 Blade models (Newport,
Newport 2, Newport 2.5).
3 Mallet models (Newport M1 and
M2; Newport Notchback – also
available as Dual Balance)
£270
(£320
Dual
Balance)
Available at
SCOTTY CAMERON GOLO
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
Innovative multi-material designs featuring
a lightweight aluminium face-sole core
surrounded by a stainless steel frame that
delivers improved MOI for stability and
forgiveness. Melds Scotty’s affinity for highperformance
putters with classic design.
Heads available: 5
Grip: Matador Red Midsize
5 mallet models (GoLo 5 is
available counterbalanced)
£320
Available at
SCOTTY CAMERON FUTURA X
titleist.co.uk
TITLEIST
The X5 & X7 mallets’ advanced perimeter
weighting and deep CG enhances stability.
Perimeter weighting provides forgiveness
and solid feel. Soft, lightweight aluminium
blends with heavier stainless steel to
maximise feel and raise MOI.
Heads available: 6
Grip: Matador Red Midsize
MOI Mallet (X5 and X7 are
counterbalanced)
£320
Available at
8802 wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
The 8802 continues the heritage of the
original Wilson Staff milled putter that won
multiple Major championships. The latest
model is milled from 304 stainless steel for
the ultimate precision and feel.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Lamkin 3Gen Pistol
1 blade model
£129
Available at
INFINITE
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Each putter in the range is named after a
local landmark in the company’s home city
of Chicago. Six classic head shapes, each
featuring counterbalanced technology for a
more controlled putting stroke.
Heads available: 6 (Grant
Park, Lake Shore, Michigan
Avenue, North Side, South Side
and Windy City)
Grip: Wilson Staff Infinite Grip
3 blade models
3 mallet models
£79
Available at
TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK WHAT GEAR 2016 47

Putters BUY AT WWW.GOLFONLINE.CO.UK
MODEL DESCRIPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE RRP
VIZOR LEVEL 2
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
I-Lock Technology improves alignment by
ensuring the golfer’s eyes are positioned
directly over the line of the putt, producing
a more consistent putting stroke.
Heads available: 4
Grip: Wilson Staff Putter Grip
1 blade model
2 mallet models
1 MOI mallet model
£79
Available at
INFINITE WINDY CITY WOMEN’S
wilson.com
WILSON STAFF
Classic blade-style clubhead with the hosel
attached closer to the heel. Inspired by the
company’s home base in Chicago, this putter
features the city’s famous nickname. Lighter
and shorter in length than its male
counterpart to fit female specifications.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Wilson Staff Putter Grip
1 blade model
£79
Available at
EZONE XPG
yonex.co.uk
YONEX
The futuristic-looking XPG putter with its
off-set head design and prominent
alignment aid together with soft feel face
insert for pin-point accuracy and distance
control.
Heads available: 1
Grip: Yonex SuperStroke
1 MOI mallet
£119
Available at
ZO-T
zenoracle.com
ZEN ORACLE
Zen Oracle is the only putter with a built-in
“FlowMotion” training system guaranteed to
improve your stroke. 2016 model features
Roll Wave technology for improved roll and
distance control.
Heads available: 2
Grips: Zen Oracle standard
1 mallet model
1 mid-mallet model
Counterbalanced model (available
to custom order)
£197-
£247
PUTTING MECHANICS EDITION
zenoracle.com
ZEN ORACLE
Zen Custom Fit Collection. Made in Sheffield
100% milled from aerospace Stainless Steel.
“Roll Wave” face profile for unsurpassed
accuracy. Satin & Diamond Black finish.
Interchangeable components for unlimited
customisation and ultimate performance.
Heads available: 4
Grip: Options available
4 blade models (with unlimited
customisation options)
From
£347
PUTTER BUYING ADVICE
A modern putter is packed
with tech to promote roll,
alignment, balance and feel.
But will it actually help you
hole putts? Our guide will help
you make your best choice.
Insert or not?
It’s down to
personal preference
on sound and feel.
Inserts can be made out of
a variety of materials to
give putters a different
impact. Thermo-plastic
and resin inserts give a
softer feel at impact where
metal inserts are firmer
and more responsive.
Some inserts also weighted
to give the putter a certain
balance, so try before you buy.
Counterbalanced?
We love the idea of
counterbalancing a
standard length
(35”) putter. It
improves the MOI,
meaning increased
stability which should
translate to more holed
putts and better distance
control from long range.
What style of putter?
Straight-back-and-through
strokes are typically more
suited to mallet, high-MOI and
centre-shafted models. Those
with arcing strokes tend to use
blade putters more effectively.
Having said this, it’s important
to like the look of your putter,
and that can overrule the style.
How important is MOI ?
High-MOI wide heads resist
twisting when hit off-centre
better than blade heads – and
when a face 1º open or closed
will see you miss an eight-foot
putt, it can be crucial. This
doesn’t however stop many of
us falling for a particular blade
putter even if it might not be
the best for our game!
Alignment options
You only have to look at the
success of putters like
Odyssey’s 2Ball to realise how
effective an alignment aid can
be. It’s not only effective at
address either, the best
alignment aids show the
correct path to swing the
putter on, too.
* SALES@GOLFONLINE.CO.UK (0208 951 6080

INNOVATION
TO THE CORE
INTELLIGENT FEATURES AT EVERY TURN
Following an extensive upgrade, the new S3 PRO offers a streamlined battery tray,
soft-touch handle and hi-res colour screen. Other stand-out features include
Adjustable Distance Control, USB charging port, CartLock pin code, distance
measurement and the super-fast QUIKFOLD mechanism.
motocaddy.com
BUILT TO ENHANCE

EXCELLENCE ENGINEERED
LOW FORWARD CG
Produces low spin, penetrating flight
ADJUSTABLE LOFT/FACE ANGLE
For your optimal fit
CT RESPONSE CHANNEL
Boosts ball speed across the entire face
LOW-FORWARD PORT
Shifts CoG low and forward
www.benrossgolf.com