CALLAWAY Rangefinder
One of the worst feelings in golf is the regret you experience immediately after mis-clubbing a
shot. Maybe you thought you needed a 7-iron into the green, when an 8-iron was the club. It
can cause a complete waste of strokes that kills a score and raises your index, which is why
using a distance-measuring device is more crucial than ever. While there are plenty on the
market, the newest model is Callaway’s very versatile 250 Laser handheld rangefinder ($230).
Its Pin Acquisition Technology can lock onto the flagstick from 300 yards away, and give you
yardage readings to objects all the way from 950 yards out. This model is pinpoint-accurate, to
help you find your way to the cup with the proper club selection. The unit, which comes with
a hard protective case, also includes a unique magnetic strap that mounts to any magnetic
surface—such as the frame of a golf cart. $230; cmp.callawaygolf.com
TITLEIST DT TruSoft balls
Any golfer on your gift list can always use a dozen new Titleists.
And you don’t need to pay a premium price, either, for the brand’s
latest model—the DT TruSoft. It’s billed as Titleist’s softest ball
that’s now even longer than its predecessor. This new version has
a larger, low compression core and proprietary soft cover. That
combination translates to soft-feeling, far-traveling shots from the
tee and fairway, with more backspin and stopping power into the
greens. Advanced aerodynamics are optimized, for a consistent,
piercing ball flight. “More golfers believe you have to sacrifice
distance, in order to play a softer-feeling ball,” says Michael
Mahoney, vice president of Titleist golf ball marketing. “That’s true
for many lower compression products in the market—but not DT
TruSoft. We launched (the original) two years ago. … our R-and-D
team since discovered how to provide even more distance without
impacting the soft feel.” $30/dozen; titleist.com
CLUB CHAMPION Clubfitting session
Perhaps the closest thing to getting actual clubs for a golfer
is buying him or her a clubfitting session. That will reveal the
exact specs needed for any clubs they happen to choose.
And one of the best places for a clubfitting experience
is Club Champion, a national, premium chain that offers
35,000 hittable head/shaft combinations from nearly every
manufacturer. For the holidays, Club Champion’s gift card
(various prices) includes a hefty discount: Golfers who use
the card to book and complete a fitting before Jan. 31,
2018 will receive half off of a full bag fitting or 33 percent
off any other custom fitting from a master fitter. Club
Champion—which has a D.C.-area location—will even
build clubs in-house to exact tolerances, if you want. The
company cites a recent study in which eight of nine of its
customers lowered their scores by up to six strokes per
round and added an average of 21 yards off the tee, after
getting fitted. clubchampiongolf.com
vsga.org
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