10 Rounds with the R15 Driver

10 Rounds with the R15 Driver

By ED TRAVIS

TaylorMade Golf is the number one club company for a reason and though some “pundits” have almost made a cottage industry out of criticizing them the bottom line is they sell more clubs than anyone else. Just as with other market leaders (Microsoft and CoCa-Cola come to mind) a few people seem to have a psychological need to take out after the guy on top which probably says more about them than the leader being attacked.

But let’s be clear, TaylorMade sells more clubs for a good reason. Golfers believe they perform better and all the carping or back biting doesn’t change that fact one bit.

With that bit of philosophizing behind us and turning our attention to the newest lead dog from TMaG, I admit I was looking forward to the arrival of the R15. The comparison with last year’s SLDR model was going to be fun.

For 2015, the premier driver model’s name is a return to the old standby “R” designation first seen in 2002 but most significantly as the groundbreaking moveable-weight R7 Quad in 2004. Last year the TaylorMade SLDR model hit the top of the charts with a single sliding weight that could be adjusted either towards the toe or heel by moving it along channel in the sole to compensate for the user’s slice or hook.  And it worked allowing average golfers to adjust the club to, at least in part, fix swing faults.

The R15 also is a return the distinctive white clubhead (though a black version is available) and it has all the technology seen in the SLDR with two significant differences, the first being not readily apparent. The weight channel was moved closer to the face so it acts as a slot to give additional face flex at impact. This in combination with 40-grams of weight being moved 12mm closer to the clubface means the R15 produces quite a bit less side spin than the SLDR and by extension just about every other driver on the market.

The second and more obvious change is the addition of a second weight in the sliding sole channel. Now, not only can the user compensate for ball curvature but because the weights can be spread widely apart, the moment of inertia or resistance to twisting is really increased. As Tom Kroll, in charge of TMaG’s Global Product Creation told me, you can think of high MOI as protecting ball speed when the impact is anywhere but on the exact center of the clubface.

Taking the R15 to the course a couple of things were readily apparent. The feel at impact was a step up from the previous SLDR model and though the SLDR didn’t have a poor feel, the R15 felt and sounded like the closing of a door on a Rolls Royce.

Distance for drives hit at or very near the center of the face was excellent, maybe even a bit past the SLDR yardage under most conditions but where the R15 really showed off was on off center hits, especially the ones slightly towards the heel. Distance was still good and as a guess, the loss of distance was about 10-yards compared to center impact.

The test 10.5 degree R15 had the smaller 430cc clubhead with the stock 45.5 inch Fujikura Speeder 67 Evolution shaft and the already impressive forgiveness would presumably be even better using the 460cc model. Of course the 430cc head tends to produce even lower spin so there is a tradeoff.

Shortly after completing the 10 rounds with the R15 while staying at the Reynolds Plantation outside Atlanta I visited The Kingdom, TaylorMade’s world class fitting center located there. After an hour long session on the launch monitor under the guidance of The Kingdom’s Noel English testing the R15 with a variety of shafts to maximize launch conditions he recommended a Fujikura Pro 53 trimmed to 45 inches—1/2 inch less than the stock shaft. The results since have been impressive or put another way I’m over the moon.

On just a typical swing with average contact I’ve gained 15 yards.

The game’s a lot easier the farther you hit it.

Negatives. The price. At $430 the R15 is among the highest priced drivers but in my opinion the performance more than compensates.

Recommendation. The R15 has to be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a new driver.

The Latest Golf Movie--”The Squeeze”

The Latest Golf Movie--”The Squeeze”

As everyone from the movie’s publicists to bloggers reviewing this film for the first time have pointed out…”The Squeeze” is a golf movie with characters that really can play golf, meaning they don’t look like Dr. Molly Griswold in Tin Cup. Now it’s true the “Tin Cup” character played by Rene Russo wasn’t supposed to be a golfer but somehow her contraption contrived swing didn’t look that much worse than the passes Kevin Costner was making…even after coaching by the likes of Gary McCord.

The point is, it’s nice to have golfers playing golfers in a golf movie but absolutely irrelevant if they can’t act.

The story of “The Squeeze” is based on what actually happened in real life to a young man played by Jeremy Sumpter (“Peter Pan,” “Friday Night Lights”) when he gets taken under the wing of a big time gambler named Riverboat played by Chris McDonald (“Happy Gilmore,” “Thelma and Louise”). Sumpter playing Augie is a small town golfer that doesn’t know how good he is but recognized by Riverboat as having the skill to win high stakes matches.

They wind up in Las Vegas (where else?) for a million dollar match against the reigning U.S. Amateur champion played by Jason Dohring over the ultra-exclusive Wynn Las Vegas golf course. Dohring’s character’s sponsor is called Jimmy Diamonds and as played by Michael Nouri becomes easy to hate. He threatens to kill Augie if Augie wins the match and while Riverboat makes the same threat should Augie loose.

Hence the movie’s name, “The Squeeze”.

Obviously our hero Augie has to get out of this lose-lose situation and does with the help of his girlfriend Natalie (Jillian Murray) by double crossing Riverboat and Jimmy Diamonds on the 18^th hole. The movie’s climax takes place in the desert outside Las Vegas with Augie and Natalie holding the two gamblers at gunpoint before driving away leaving two briefcases. One filled with $2 million and the other a loaded automatic. As the happy couple drive away a single gunshot is heard, the outcome of which is left to the viewer’s imagination.

It’s an old saying that to make a good movie you need two things primary things namely a good story and good acting. This combination is found in “The Squeeze” and for golf fans there is much to recommend seeing it.

Written and directed by Terry Jastrow with co-producing by wife Anne Archer there was little doubt story and acting would not be first rate. Jastrow was ABC’s golf producer and produced dozens of other major sporting events as well as motion pictures, stage and television programs. Archer has a long list of superlative acting credits and drew a major amount of attention in “Fatal Attraction,” “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger.”

The story moves along with a minimum of distractions with the final match and Augie’s double cross being extremely well done leaving the outcome in doubt until the final few minutes of the film.

 ”The Squeeze” will be theaters as well as VOD and on iTunes on April 17, 2015. Even non-golfers will enjoy it.

TMaG Goes Retail

TaylorMade Golf, a division of Adidas (OTCMKTS:ADDYY), says they going into the brick and mortar side of the business with the opening of their first branded outlet store next month in Myrtle Beach with more stores to follow. The business plan is for the stores to be exclusively outlets, selling previous season merchandise from the company’s four brands TaylorMade, Adams Golf, adidas Golf and Ashworth. At present each of the brands offers current merchandise and clearance items for sale over the Internet.

“The outlets are designed to benefit our current retail partners and golfers alike. There has been an influx of product in the marketplace that has moved at a slower pace than expected,” states Ben Sharpe, CEO TaylorMade Golf Company.  “The outlets allow us to sell off-season product at a discounted price, while giving our retail partners the ability to set prices on in-season product at sustainable levels."

Parent company adidas will partner with TMaG to manage the stores. A second location in Livermore, Calif. will open soon after the Myrtle Beach outlet and additional locations are anticipated before the end of the year.

“The retail outlet model will enable our company to more effectively manage distribution of prior generation products while strengthening the position of our brands.” Says David Abeles, President of TaylorMade Golf Company.

Some observers see this move as a response to criticism from green grass and other retail outlets of TaylorMade’s multiple product launch marketing. It also is a way to get a jump on club competitors such as Callaway Golf (NYSE:ELY) for off price sales while at the same time giving TMaG a distribution channel to help traditional retailers inventory.

ED TRAVIS | Golf Opinion & Commentary

Golfing the Trick and Its Advantages

Golf is undeniably one of the most enjoyed sport in the world. undeniably the sport is also very well known and famous all throughout the world. The sport is usually played by the elites and the rich though the sport needs experience to be played decently, undeniably the sport is a wholesome game to play. Golfing in tristate area will give you the satisfaction and enjoyment that you need especially when getting the goals and winning the game. So how does a golfer do the trick?

One of the very important aspects in being a pro in this game is to achieve a good swing. Golf stretches should be performed especially by beginners. Your body should also be well conditioned for you to execute the golf swing impressively. The essentials of flexibility, balance, muscle strength and power should all be enhanced by doing some training and exercises. But do you know that golf itself is a good sport as well as an exercises? It has a lot of good stuff to give such as being inexpensive or affordable to play. Many golf ranges and golf courses are opening therefore making this sport very accessible. golf is also a great means for socializing, as we all know man is a social being and golfing is obviously a great and a healthy way to interact with people and have fun. This is also a common activity with business partners or people who are doing business with each others such as deals and negotiations since this sport is light and without the stress and pressure. It is on the other hand comfortable and relaxed thus allowing good business opportunities and deals. Another advantage of golf is that it is not that stressful nor too pressurizing. it is just plain as simple and the rules are what they are that you don't need lots of things to bear in mind to play. Anyone can play this game, there are no age limit nor any gender specifications to consider of.

Golfing is undeniably a relaxing sport to play especially since you’ll be playing outdoors in wide open spaces and inhaling fresh air along with great company. This itself is a great way to de-stress and be satisfied with the moments. One great place to suggest is golfing in tristate area, they have lots of good reviews about the fine service and great landscapes to offer.

Practice at the Best Golf Course Area

Are you looking for a quality golf course area? Well if golfing is your problem right now then the solution is easy, tristate golf course area is the place on where you can play and practice your golfing skills. Yes playing golf is not easy but with a quality golfing course area then you can practice your golf playing skills. In playing Golf there are skills that are needed to be practiced. One of the essential skills in playing golf is the balance, in swinging you have to maintain balance it is very important and it is the very basic of playing golf, balance is needed when swinging in order for you to hit the ball correctly and get the right results that you want.

In practicing your skill for balance the key is to repeat your swing all over again, it is a long process of trial and error. In order for you to perfect this skill you need to have commitment and patience. The next essential skill that is needed in playing golf is that you have to know your tempo, knowing your tempo requires a lot of practice and a good place to do it. Well tempo is not a skill that you can own or you can possess it is sort of like a skill that is borrowed and you can temporarily possess it. This is because tempo really depends on your body the Feel like feeling that you felt when playing golf. You will learn to control it and prolong its effectiveness through again practicing, practicing, practicing all over again.

Another skill that is very important in playing golf is the tension awareness. Yes in every sport there is tension. For example playing Basketball there are times that you have to take the game winning shot or kick in football even in chess tension rises every move that you do. This is also true to game called golf, tension is like the opposite of tempo when you feel the tension your balance and tempo crumbles, golf players says that the best thing to do when you feel the tension is to take deep breaths and let yourself calm down. Some players relax quite a little bit before the game. Relaxing and taking rest improves concentration and avoids you feeling the tension that can ruin your game. And in practicing your skills practice at the best tristate golf course area.

PGA Show Attendance Up, By ED TRAVIS

As it does each year the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show provided an opportunity to see lots of innovative, interesting and useful products…and as is often the case an overall feeling of optimism concerning the state of the golf business was not uncommon.

 

The Show, called "The Major of the Golf Business" open only to industry members, ended last Friday Jan. 23 with more than 1,000 companies having exhibits taking up 1 million square feet in Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.

 

"The PGA Merchandise Show creates an extensive array of opportunities for a growing number of PGA Professionals, golf buyers and industry leaders," said PGA of America President Derek Sprague. "The PGA Show's continued growth and support from all of the major brands, coupled with the energy and enthusiasm we saw throughout the week, is a terrific start to 2015."

 

Just over 200 exhibitors were new to the Show and comments from first timers were typically upbeat.

 

"This is the place to be, isn't it?" said Adam Heindorff, founder of Links & Kings, an accessories company specializing in high-end leather headcovers and bags. "I can see how being here is key for building relationships, finding new customers and establishing your branding. I can show people our entire collection in person, in a way you can't do over the Internet or out of your trunk."

 

New and improved products are the life blood of any industry but for golf a more significant sign was the healthy increase in attendance by the sometimes unsung people on the front line, PGA of America Professionals. According to Reed Expositions, the company that runs the Show, six percent more PGA Professionals made the trip to Orlando than last year while overall attendance was up one percent to over 41,000.

 

Those walking the ten miles of aisles and attending the educational seminars came from all 50 states and 79 countries with the top five (outside of U.S.) being Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Sweden. 

 

A concerted marketing campaign to grow the number of PGA Professionals and key buyers attending the PGA Show, created a more valuable business-to-business environment. Put simply, there were more qualified buyers on the floor to impact exhibitor business.

 

Also a positive sign was the nine percent increase, to over 7,000, attending the Outdoor Demo Day on Tuesday Jan. 20 restricted to invited golf retailers and media at Orange County National Golf Center in nearby Winter Garden, Fla.

 

No one believes everything is rosy for golf industry sales and profit prospects given the continued slide in golf participation but it is encouraging to see at least some positive signs as reflected in this year's Show attendance.

Fitness Exercises Before Golfing in Tristate Area

Exercising for golf brings a lot of benefits to golf players and enthusiasts. Aside from getting more stronger and flexible, many other benefits can be obtained. So while you are still an amateur golfer, it is better to start on the exercises as well as striving for improvements to be the best player for golfing in tristate area.

The golf swing is a vital aspect with golf. This is the most important thing that determines your points and success with the game of golf. This is defined as the athletic movement that will need the cooperation of the entire body literally from the fingertips to your toes to complete a successful swing. A golf swing isnt about the club but along with other important elements such as the grip and where your head is directed. This is an athletic movement that will need the entire body to move through sequence of movements along with correct timing. The movement is initiated at address and then moving on through actual phase follows and then completed with a follow through this movement should be within the physical parameters. The parameters include the physical categories that the body should achieve at a specific level. These parameters are actually platforms from which the body will be able to perform athletic movement of an efficient golf swing. Flexibility, endurance, strength, balance and power should be achieved by the body at certain levels. When anything of what is mentioned is lacking, poor golf swings often result thus poor mechanics, poor scores and bad shots.

Know the exercises good for for golf swings and those that are actually bad for golf swings. Let’s start with flexibility. Do proper flexibility exercises that work well with muscles utilized in golf swings. Another important exercise regime type you should have is exercise that improves balance. Since it is vital to remain balanced through the swing, you should then assess on how you balance. Balance is described as the ability to control your body with a movement pattern. That movement pattern should be the golf swing. Enhancing how you balance trains both your nervous system and muscular system to coordinate with each other efficiently.

Golfing in tristate area may make you nervous. But having yourself and your body prepared for golfing will give you confidence in your swings. Just practice since as you already know, practice does really make perfection.