Callaway Steelhead XR
The new Callaway Steelhead XR is an update of one of the most successful fairway woods in history and incorporates a lot of the visual cues of the original Steelhead designs, which sold 2.3 million units in the early 2000s. Most notable among those is the slightly taller face size (about 10 percent taller vs the XR fairway woods), and the uniquely contoured and cambered sole.
Here, the toe and heel areas are slightly relieved, a bit of a departure from Callaway’s and many other
current fairway woods’ more squared-off leading edge. Veteran observers will remember the scalloped sole sections designed to slide the bottom of the club more smoothly through a variety of lies from fairway, rough to even bunkers. The Steelhead XR features deeper curves and relief sections in the sole compared to the original Steelhead models, first introduced in 1998. (They were followed up by the Steelhead Plus in 1999 and Steelhead III in 2002.)
The crown is made of a lightweight J-36 carbon composite that saves weight (about 20 grams compared to an all-steel crown) and allows for a lower centre of gravity. The face design features the wraparound cup face that increases ball speed for both on-centre and off-centre hits.
Another key to the Steelhead XR’s utility will likely be its broad array of lofts. That involves seven models that range from 13.5 to 24 degrees and includes heavier standard shafts in the strong 3+ and 4+ woods, as well as a 9-wood and the 42.5-inch, 20.5 degree Heavenwood (in essence, a 7-wood loft on a 4-wood shaft). The Steelhead XR fairway woods will be in stores from July 14 in 13.5, 15, 16, 18, 20.5, 21 and 24-degree lofts ($349.99).
For further information about the complete Callaway product range, visit www.callawaygolf.com.au
Cobra King PŪR Wedges
Cobra’s new King PŪR wedges feature a new raw, un-plated stainless steel finish for maximum spin, improved feel, versatility and precision around the greens. The King PŪR wedges utilise Cobra’s patented Progressive Spin Technology in three specific sole grinds designed to cater to three very different types of wedge play and conditions.
Featuring wider grooves and closer gapping on higher lofted wedges, and traditional thinner, deeper grooves on lower lofted wedges, King PŪR wedges’ wider groove design allows higher lofted wedges (56-60 degree) to grab the ball to impart more spin, and make spin performance more consistent throughout the wedge set. The new grooves are combined with Variable Face Roughness (VFR), a face milling technology that maximises both RA (average roughness) and RY (max peak-to-peak depth) to the R&A and USGA limit, delivering more control and precision on greenside shots.
Like its predecessor, the King PŪR wedge is available in Cobra’s three sole grind configurations that feature the iconic Cobra notch, and provide golfers with the ability to choose the perfect wedge for their game and for any turf condition. King PŪR wedges, available in lofts ranging from 52-60 degrees (depending upon grind preference) hit retail on July 1 and come standard with True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 (stiff) shafts and Lamkin Crossline grips.
For more information on the entire King family of products, visit www.cobragolf.com.au
FootJoy ContourFIT
Recognised as the best selling shoe of all time, Contour from FootJoy was created with the singular focus on comfort, and that dedication continues with the latest innovation, ContourFIT.
Starting from the ground, the new DynaFlex outsole – engineered with TPU – has been designed to flex naturally with the foot. Next is the FTF 3.0 midsole – FootJoy’s softest and lightest midsole compound – for underfoot comfort and cushioning while still ensuring the golfer has appropriate lateral support and stability.
Cradling the foot is a newly designed FitBed that is thick, soft and breathable to ensure all day comfort.
The top of the shoe features a new U-throat design to give the player a more generous fit and a new integrated Achilles heel pad that delivers support and comfort while also working with the connected comfort tongue to lock the foot into the shoe for a precise fit.
Finally, the entire package is wrapped in a contemporary take on a ‘contourian’ upper design utilising soft, full grain waterproof leather in the vamp and performance synthetic material
in the saddle and quarter that FJ warrants will be 100 percent waterproof in normal use for two years.
As with all FJ shoes, the customer should expect out-of-the-box comfort with ContourFIT. When properly fit, FJ shoes should never require a “break-in” period and should be enjoyed from the first wear to the last ($239.95 with Boa, $209.95 with lace).
Learn more at footjoy.com.au
Peter Thomson Golf signature range
When John Harrington, managing director of Professional Golf Equipment, first asked five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson if his company could have the honour of attaching his name to a premium quality golf brand, he asked, “Why would you want to do that?”
“The truth is that we wanted golfers young and old to celebrate one of the greatest names in the history of golf, and for this legendary brand to continue through the generations,” Harrington says. “Most importantly, we wanted that quality to be available in a product that was affordable.”
Thomson agreed and has been consulted throughout the Thomson brand’s development process over the past 18 months. In May, Professional Golf Equipment proudly launched the first of the Peter Thomson Golf signature range of products, comprising two types of single forged S25C irons and two competition balls.
The irons are the TC-01, a cavity back, and the TB-01, a blade. Both clubs display the Peter Thomson shield and signature and are enhanced by the personalised signed Nippon shaft, from the NSPRO range and customised grips. The finished result is an elegant and timeless looking club that performs outstandingly.
To further enhance the range, the company has developed two premium, tour-quality, competition golf balls. The PT2 is a three-piece, 55 compression, surlyn covered ball. Suitable for slower swing speeds the ball is designed to achieve longer driving distance and a more controlled ‘bump and run’ style approach. The construction of this ball is based on the ball Thomson enjoyed playing with during his career, a low flyer.
The PT3 is a three-piece, 85 compression, PU-covered ball. Suitable for the harder-hitting, faster swing speed golfer, the ball is designed to achieve long driving distances. It has better ball flight control, with a soft feel, for more ‘drop and stop’ spin control. Later in the year and throughout 2018, the range will be expanded to include PT wedges, drivers, and fairway and hybrid clubs with personalised tour shafts. This will be followed by a putter and a range of signature carry and stand bags.
To learn more about Thomson’s golfing career achievements, you can read Tony Walker’s recently released book The Peter Thomson Five – A Golfing Legend’s Greatest Triumphs. And for more about the great Peter Thomson’s Golf signature range of products, visit www.peterthomsongolf.com
