The one about the new Taylor Made XFT

Introducing the first Interchangeable Face Wedge, the XFT from Taylor Made (Exchangeable Face Technology) So far this confidential product has remained a secret, but images and spec sheets are leaking out.The intension of the club is to allow the wedge faces to be changed, as and when the grooves wear out, or the club starts loosing it’s spin. As they have correctly quoted in the marketing, “as the groove wears, performance suffers"

The faces will be held in place by Torque Pins, that will be tightened by a 40lb Torque Wrench, to ensure that the face fits securely, and will be supported at the back with a urethane layer, to promote soft feel.Taylor Made are suggesting that most golfers will only go through one face a year, top amateurs two and tour pro will go through four a year. However knowing the tour pro’s as we do, I would think the Taylor Made Tour Van will be a very popular place if this wedge is launched.

We will keep you updated ...

The one about Callaway's 2010 Product Launch

Derek and Dave headed off to Callaway’s 2010 product launch with the kind of eagerness that is usually reserved for kids on Christmas morning. Callaway Golf took over the practice range at The K Club presenting everything that will hit the shelves next year. It wont be long until these bright new Callaway clubs will be making an appearance as Christmas is only a few shopping weeks away. As ever the ForeGolf six degrees of separation was in effect and we met our friend DJ Carey who was there sneaking a peek at next years Callaway products. DJ is a great golfer and just as his hurley was handmade we’re delighted that he trusts us to build his golf clubs.

 

New for 2010, is the low spinning tour driver, the FT Tour which is due for launch in the New Year. This driver is a move back to a more traditional pear shaped design, with a smaller 430cc head size. The Diablo range of clubs also revamped with the introduction of the Diablo Edge range, including tour and standard drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons. Again, especially in the drivers the head shape has become more traditional. On the quirky size of things, the new FT-IZ Product range of woods forms the FT-IQ (square) driver’s replacement. Square is no more in the Callaway range, but with the 75% of the weight at each extremity, its tagline of high MOI basically encourages more stability. 

From what we saw on the day it looks like a good choice of club, in particular for the high handicapper. Also on show was a new putter from Odyssey with interchangeable weights which makes it feel easy to stroke and the ball seemed to roll much better with the heavier weights.

To combat the new groove ruling from the R&A for tour professionals, Callaway have gone after the Ball, in pursuit of re-gaining the lost spin. The new Tour i/z and Tour i/s premium balls, go a long way to regaining the spin lost, especially the Tour i/s ball for spin. Most spin balls aren’t great for distance, but this one certainly is. After testing we reckon they will prove themselves to be a great product for every level of player.

We will report back as soon as the 2010 product arrives and is available for testing on the ForeGolf Tour Truck

Tips from the Workshop - When to Grip ?

Why Re-Grip ?

Grips are made of materials that age and wear over time, you will find that dirt, heat and even oils from your hands play a part in their breakdown. A new grip lets you hold the club lightly without fear of letting go during the swing which helps increase proper swing mechanics and wrist release. Whilst a worn grip causes you to hold the club tighter, causing arm and wrist tension.

How Often ?

There is no set rule but generally you should re-grip once a year, regardless of whether you play golf every day or only twice a year as conditions are constantly breaking down the grip materials. We’ll let you into a trade secret - if your grips have become hard and shiny, then they definitely need changing. Don't forget if you look after your grips you get the most from them, you can read our article about caring for your grips here.

Which Grip ?

There are many grip choices available allowing for individual needs and preferences but there are a number of factors to consider.

• Conditions – Are the conditions you play in hot and dry, or wet and cold ?
• Feel – Do you need the grip to absorb energy – Soft grips will help with this ?
• Texture – So you need smooth tacky grips or firm corded grips for control ?
• How large should the grip be ?

Don’t lose touch with your clubs, afterall its easily fixed. Call by our workshop and we can help you decide what would be the best option.