2010 Father’s Day

In the Golf domain, Father’s Day is an opportunity to bring that golfing Dad a great golf item to elicit a huge smile and to show him how much he is loved and appreciated. The products below will do just that:

Laser Link Red Hot Range Finder

Laser Link Golf simply has the best product in the range finder domain for ease of use, accuracy and style. If your course has the Laser Link Reflector System, this latest unit will thrill you. If your course is still in the 18th century, demand that they get the FREE reflector system.

I personally like to play fast and dealing with a GPS unit or some iPhone or Blackberry App is not my preference. I want to know how far it is to the pin without having to get involved in calculations and pressing more than one button to get my information.

This 8 ounce unit with a laser link reflector will give you a distance of 5 – 800 yards (5 -731 meters), while a course without a reflector gives you a range of 5 – 400 yards (5 – 366 meters).

This is a Class One laser and requires a 9-volt alkaline battery, as opposed to charging a GPS. It has an accuracy factor of +/- 1%! – Very different from a GPS unit.

The unit‘s many other features include the ability to measure landmarks, such as trees and bunkers up to 400 yards away. It has both a vibrate mode for silent use and an easy-to-use mode button.

You will be thrilled with this unit – you focus on your game without being distracted.

MSRP: $389.00       www.laserlinkgolf.com

TaylorMade’s new Rossa Corza Ghost mallet putter has received a ringing endorsement from putting guru Dave Stockton, the man who helped Phil Mickelson find his stroke. Justin Rose won his first US Pro tournament with the Ghost.

Features a white mallet that makes it easier to see the leading edge, and three black top lines that make aligning your putts a breeze.

Available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch models both left handed and right handed.

$159.00          www.taylormadegolf.com

Club Glove Hot Stepper II Golf Bag
This lightweight stand bag is geared toward the player who loves to walk. Weighing only 3½ pounds, the second-generation bag is Club Glove’s lightest stand bag to date and offers total functionality while navigating a course on foot.

Incorporating traditional amenities into a streamlined, easy-to-carry shape, the HotStepper II features a collapsible leg stand, five pockets, a patented dual-shoulder strap that quickly converts to a single strap for caddies and a truly functional lumbar pad for maximum comfort. The bag also features two removable panels for easy personalization with a club or corporate logo with Club Glove’s custom embroidery.

The bag is crafted from extremely durable, UV-protected 210D nylon fabric to avoid tearing and its other distinguishing characteristics include a five-way top with full-length divider, three convenient tee holders, rain hood and water bottle holder.

According to Jeff Herold, the company’s enigmatic and driven owner, “The HotStepper II Bag features all of the top-of-the-line technological advantages that are standard on other Club Glove products, while the new design enables users to accommodate a lighter load when necessary.”

The HotStepper II is available in black, navy or royal blue.

MSRP:$129.00     www.clubglove.com

New from Tiger Shark is the Pressure Zone grip that is designed to automatically reduce pressure to your bottom hand during the golf swing, properly alleviating the tension that was associated with a standard-taper grip.

Half of the Pressure Zone grip has been designed to have a larger and parallel section on the bottom half of the grip, a technology SuperStroke calls Modified Taper Technology™.

The amazingly light 40-gram Pressure Zone grip utilizes SuperStroke LITE Technology that will help increase swing speed and head feel, helping to create additional distance without significantly affecting swing weight. The Pressure Zone is over 25 grams lighter (over 40%) than the next closest mid-sized or oversized wood and iron grip on the market.

They actually stop tapering midway through the grip, which both alleviates excessive tension in the upper hand and also provides added control for the lower hand.

Other cool features include SuperStroke LITE Tech (the grip only weighs 40 grams) and a SyntheTac material for exceptional gripping, water wicking and shock absorption.

$7.50 each.                          www.tigersharkgolf.com

Bettinardi has taken their exacting putter standards and craftsmanship to produce fashionable Bettinardi Buckles. The buckle begins as a solid block of high-grade, double-aged stainless steel and passes through a series of 12 processes.

CNC milling gradually cuts the metal, creating its form. It is then honed, engraved, buffed, polished and hand-painted with an enamel finish. Available in two sizes: standard (1-¼”) & large (1-½”), all buckles can be customized to taste and specifications and come with handmade leather belts that are dressed and finished with oils and tallow to make them strong, yet flexible.

MSRP: $175.00                         www.bettinardigolf.com

Clicgear Push Cart

The hottest pushcart in golf just got better for 2010!

The Model 3.0 includes improved open and close levers, an improved brake, a larger console, a storage net; all in the same sub-compact size.

Folds to 13″ x 15″ x 24″ for easy transportation and storage and is available in 7 colors.

$199.99.     www.clicgear.com

rulesixteen from rulegolf is the only divot repair tool and putting alignment ball marker designed to make both green repair and putting simpler. With an innovative, ergonomic design that sports a smooth slide-action ball marker, rulesixteen fits comfortably in your pocket and in your hand for quick and easy green repair. The unique rectangular line shape of rulesixteen’s ball marker visually extends your putting line — so you can relax your mind and focus on a smooth stroke. In form and function, rulesixteen brings simplicity and precision to the green.
Its one-of-a-kind ergonomic design and well-weighted, metal body sport a slide-action ball marker.

$15.00    www.ruletwntyone.com

Daphne’s Head Covers

This 27-year-old family business is doing a rip-roaring business in the custom head cover arena. These head covers are not only well designed, but also their quality and attention to detail is superb.

Each animal is fully lined and elasticized to ensure a secure fit on your club and is guaranteed for life. Inside the label you will find their factory phone number. Rest assured that if you have any problems with your head cover, the manufacturer will fix it pronto.

Amongst the latest models are the Toucan, Hawk, Tasmanian Devil, Basset Hound, Cougar, Daisy. The pink poodle, inspired by Jo Head on the LPGA Tour, has a rich pink coat that would be the envy of all the poodles on Rodeo Drive, and hybrid club fit which makes it the ideal companion for your favorite rescue club. The udderly perfect cow cover will securely protect your driver with the realistic portrayal of America’s favorite farm animal. I love Daphne’s head covers!

$25.99              www.daphnesheadcovers.com

Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his current book, “How to Build Business Relationships Through Golf” is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list.

He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net