Golf Hits

By Matt Rogers

Prices may vary. The following prices are from Golf Galaxy, early spring 2009.

Dont Fade Away

Think you can’t drive it straight? Think again. The new Callaway FT-iQ Tour Men’s Driver is the latest and greatest from Callaway, incorporating rear corner weight distribution to cut down on slices and fades. A hyperbolic face maximizes the sweet spot, turning near misses into good shots, and good shots into boomers. More advanced golfers should step up to the lower priced FT9 for creative shot shaping. FT-iQ: $499.99; FT9: $399.99.

To Forgive is Divine

If you’ve ever tried your friend’s new irons on the range and thought, “that feels nice,” now’s your chance to return the favor. The set of Titleist AP1 Irons has dual cavity weight distribution to maximize forgiveness and an elastomer cushion to absorb vibration, resulting in better feel and shot-making. More daring golfers can trade a little forgiveness for precision with the Titleist AP2 forged set. AP1: $699.99; AP2: $999.99

Drive for Show

The new Bridgestone Tour B330 Golf Ball combines distance off the tee and control around the greens for superb versatility. Don’t be surprised to see more Tour players switch to this upstart brand in ‘09 and beyond. Try the B330-S for more short iron spin and the B330-RX for more feel. 12-pack: $42.99 (all three versions)

18-Hole Stroll

The FootJoy Contour is available in new styles for 2009. Extremely light, with memory foam for maximum comfort, a TPU stability bridge—and a two-year waterproof warranty—the Contour is the best value you’ll find with any brand. Great for golfers who believe walking 6,000 yards warrants a proper set of spikes. $79.99–$99.99

Have Golf Clubs, Will Travel

They call it the “Last Bag” for a reason: it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The Club Glove Last Bag travel cover features a high impact wheel-base, foam padding protection, and double stitching and rivet construction. If you’re looking to protect the investment you’ve made in your clubs, or just don’t quite trust airline baggage handlers, this is your bag. Add the Club Glove Stiff Arm for even greater protection. Last Bag: $199.97; Stiff Arm: $24.99