Stories written by John Steinbreder
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA l Bill Clinton came to Colombia to play golf this past week, in the pro-am for the Nationwide Tour’s season opening event, and the mere presence of the former U.S. president in this South American land of 45 million people says a lot about the state of affairs here.
If Clinton is indeed the Comeback Kid, an appellation hung on him years ago by pundits awed by his ability to snatch political victories from seemingly certain defeats, then Colombia is the Comeback Country, much safer and stronger than it has been in decades.
Clinton well remembers how bad things were in this South American land, recalling in a talk at a pre-tournament reception how narco-traffickers once controlled 35 percent of the country. Left unmentioned but completely understood by those in the audience who lived through those terrible times were the ways in which a left-wing guerilla group known by acronym FARC also threatened Colombia’s legitimacy through rampant killings and kidnappings, and how those two elements nearly destroyed what Clinton described as America’s “best ally in South America and the oldest democracy” on that continent.
There is no way an American president, sitting or retired, would have even considered traveling to this sprawling, traffic-choked metropolis some 8,300 feet above sea level a decade ago, for it was rightfully regarded then as one of the most dangerous places on earth. And the PGA Tour would have been labeled loco for even thinking of staging one of its events in this capital city.
But here they all were last week, in a resource-rich nation where the annual economic growth rate is approaching an impressive six percent and an enthusiasm for the future has replaced the abject anxiety of the past: Clinton playing golf with Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos and Nationwide Tour pro D.J. Brigman, and promoting the work of the Clinton Foundation through the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI), while a formidable field of Nationwide Tour players competed for the Pacific Rubiales Colombia Championship.
Don’t tell any of them that Colombia isn’t coming back.
Clinton arrived in Bogota early Tuesday morning of tournament week, direct from Lagos, Nigeria, where he had spoken at a Clinton Foundation event the night before. He professed to be tired after such a long, overnight haul as he walked unescorted into the hotel by the club where the tournament was being played. But he later spoke about being energized by returning to a country he first got to know as president in 1998, and which he tried to help through a U.S. Government initiative called Plan Colombia.
Now, Clinton’s assistance for a place he has visited several times centers on CGSGI, which he and philanthropist Frank Giustra have used to launch projects to develop sustainable, market-driven businesses and improve health care in Bogota and other areas in Colombia – and which is the selected charity for this week’s Nationwide Tour event.
Clinton came to the pro-am reception on Tuesday night and had his picture taken with each team. After making formal remarks to the group, in which he declared, to applause, “the country belongs to the people of Colombia again,” and added, “I love working here,” he retired for the night, reappearing the next day for his game. Dressed in white shirt and slacks and wearing a blue embroidered belt with American flags, he hit balls on the range of the Bogota Country Club, muttering to himself about posture and position and the ways in which he could improve each shot.
He pulled clubs out of a tour-size TaylorMade bag and chuckled about how he needed to thin out his stash of sticks before starting play, as he clearly had more than the legal limit of 14. The former president shook hands with well-wishers between swings and posed for the occasional photograph. Then, he strode to the first tee, where a gallery several deep had gathered all around. It was that way wherever Clinton went in Bogota, as locals returned his passion for Colombia with their enthusiasm for his presence and his support.
In spite of his hard work on the range, Clinton had trouble with his first drive, duck-hooking it into the trees on the left. But he took advantage of golf’s version of a presidential pardon – a mulligan – when it was offered. Then, he was off.
As was the case with many of the groups in the pro-am, the one that included a former U.S. president did not get in a full 18 holes, as play was halted after five hours – and players brought in. (Note to PGA Tour: perhaps this is one way to deal with your slow play issues; five hours, and you are done.) Clinton was only able to finish 16 holes, and shortly thereafter was headed home. But he didn’t go straight to New York, as he and his colleagues stopped in Cartagena to refuel first, and to have dinner at a favorite Clinton eatery there.
More evidence that Colombia is coming back. And you can be sure Bill Clinton will be coming back, too.
The big news behind this month’s introduction of Callaway Golf’s RAZR Fit driver is that it marks the first time the equipment maker has offered one with movable weights and an adjustable hosel.
Let’s begin with the OptiFit adjustability system employed in the hosel, so golfers can set their face angles at address three ways: open, square and closed. Then, there are the two movable weights in the clubhead, one weighing 12 grams and the other two, that can be used to manipulate Center of Gravity and help promote either a neutral or draw ball flight.
In addition, the RAZR Fit driver incorporates what company engineers describe as “an aerodynamic shaping innovation” called Streamlined Surface Technology that is designed to improve air flow and reduce the energy loss during a swing due to drag. Which helps to increase that all-important, distance-enhancing swing speed at impact. At the same time, Callaway combines hyperbolic shaping of the clubface with precision thickness control to create a larger sweet spot.
Not everything is new with the RAZR Fit, however, and Callaway has also employed some tried and true technologies in this driver, which has already found its way into the bags of touring pros such as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Alvaro Quiros. Such as the forged composite material it uses in the RAZR Fit crown, to optimize Center of Gravity and improve MOI (for Moment of Inertia) for better forgiveness.
“Callaway is not just entering the adjustability race with the introduction of RAZR fit,” says Dr. Alan Hocknell, senior vice president of Research and Development at the California clubmaker. “We are taking the pole position, and the adjustable features combined with our proprietary technologies allow golfers to play a more meaningful role than ever before in their journey to optimized performance.”
The RAZR Fit driver comes standard with a 45.5-inch Aldila RIP’d NV shaft and a Golf Pride New Decade Multi-Compound grip.
Performance validation is key when it comes to creating new Titleist golf ball models, or tweaking ones already in existence. Which is why the ball maker enlisted thousands of Team Titleist members to help develop the latest additions to its line – NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity and DT SoLo.
Titleist began the process by asking team members what they liked most about models already in existence – and what they might do to improve them as well as fill potential gaps in the line. According to Matt Hogge, director of product implementation of golf balls, those who had been playing the three-piece NXT Tour, which is geared toward aspirational golfers, said they wanted longer distance without giving up anything around the green. So, Titleist engineered a new version with a higher energy outer core and a soft Fusablend cover boasting improved aerodynamics.
Research also revealed that some NXT Tour users wanted a softer version of that popular ball. Enter NXT Tour S, a two-piece product targeted to the same aspirational player and featuring the same cover formulation and aerodynamics as the new NXT Tour. But this offering came with a low compression/highly resilient core, and also in two colors – high optic yellow and white.
Next up was the all-new Velocity, another two-piecer that sells for slightly less than the NXTs. Its main attribute is distance, and its name comes from the distance-producing speed its LSX core technology is designed to generate as well as the NAZ2 cover formulation. But it is also geared to deliver “playable feel” in the short game. Another twist was its availability in orange play numbers, in the traditional 1-4, and also double digits, 00, 11, 22 and 33.
As for the venerable DT SoLo, which was priced lower than Velocity, this iteration is the softest yet, employing a large, soft core and an aerodynamically improved cover made of two soft Surlyn ionomers. It, too, comes in optic yellow and white.
According to Austie Rollinson, principle designer for Odyssey putters, the inspiration for the company’s new ProType Tour Series line came from Callaway Golf’s touring professionals.
“We decided on six head shapes that our Tour pros have not only used in competition but also won with them,” he says. “Four of the models are traditional blades, and two are mallets, including a ProType version of the 2-ball. Ernie Els has the No. 2 in his bag, for example, while K.J. Choi and Steve Stricker use the No. 6 and Phil Mickelson the No. 9. We also took a great deal of their feedback as far as design was concerned, so we could make modifications to existing products and come up with these offerings.”
Each ProType Tour Series model is made of 1025 carbon steel, which is intended to produce similar performance characteristics to stainless steel but with a softer feel. The faces of these flat sticks boast a deeper, sharper milling pattern designed to launch the ball a bit lower and promote topspin, so putts roll more consistently.
In addition, the ProType models feature thinner top lines, thicker faces, a high polish steel finish and what Rollinson describes as “Tour-tuned weight ports” in the sole. Then, there is the Lamkin 3GEN Pistol Grip that comes stock and is made of a soft, synthetic rubber compound intended to reduce vibration without dulling feel.
Available in mid-February, the ProType 2-ball model comes in 350 or 360 grams and is the only one of the lot that features a two-piece design, with the soleplate screwed to the top of the club. All other entries in the ProType Tour Series line – Nos. 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9 – are of one-piece construction and offered in two weights, 340 or 350 grams.
Comfort is key when it comes to performance golf footwear design, but so is stability. And FootJoy technicians say that was a primary consideration in the two-year development of their new XPS-1 shoe.
Start with the so-called “lateral sole outriggers,” which are extensions of the outsole so golfers have a wider platform from which they can base their swings. The feature is designed to promote stability as it also prevents slipping and any excess rollover.
In addition, the XPS-1, which stands for “Extreme Platform Stability,” boasts a lightweight fiberglass support structure that provides a medial and lateral wrap for mid-foot support and a 3D Viscoelastic GelCollar for custom fit around the collar. A LaserPlus last is contoured to match the shape of the golfer’s foot, while a multi-density Fit-Bed with EVA support and HeelLoc technology are included to enhance stability as they also promote cushioning and shock absorption.
Padraig Harrington has been wearing XPS-1s in competition since last spring and says it is the best shoe he has ever worn. Fellow touring professional Gary Woodland is a fan as well, calling XPS-1 “the most stable golf shoe” he has ever donned. He added, “Having proper footwork is critical to the game, and for me, balance is everything. With XPS-1, I can get explosive and fire off my right side.”
Company officials describe the XPS-1 as the most technical shoe FootJoy has ever made, and also one of the most comfortable, with uppers made of full-grain leather. The product comes with a two-year waterproof guarantee and is available in five color ways and style options, including one featuring the BOA closure system.
In revamping its B330 family of golf balls, Bridgestone is looking to reach a broader range of golfers as it also seeks to enhance performance and playability.
Start with the four-piece Tour B330 and Tour B330-S models, which are geared toward players with swing speeds greater than 105 mph and will be available at retail in March. Both feature the company’s proprietary Dual Dimple Technology, which is designed to optimize aerodynamic performance, with the cover’s smaller inner dimples increasing thrust power at launch for greater distance while the larger outer dimples promote a shallow angle of descent for increased roll out on landing. In addition, these versions of the B330 come with larger cores, for increased ball velocity, and softer urethane covers, for better spin performance, than previous iterations.
“I’ve always thought Bridgestone golf balls were hands-down the most consistent balls in the wind, but the new Dual Dimple pattern flies even better,” said PGA Tour professional Matt Kuchar, who endorses Bridgestone products. “How Bridgestone is able to make a golf ball go farther, and at the same time spin more around the green, just boggles my mind.”
Bridgestone engineers say they were not only thinking about guys like Kuchar when they set about upgrading the B330, as evidenced by the introduction of the Tour B330-RX and Tour B330-RXS ball models. Also out in March, these three-piecers are designed specifically for amateur swing speeds less than 105 mph and feature a newly patented mantle layer and as well as the Dual Dimple Technology.
The concept for these was born from information gathered through Bridgestone’s ball-fitting service showing that nearly 75 percent of golfers have swing speeds that prevent them from properly compressing the traditionally firmer Tour ball cores. So, Bridgestone created a softer core Urethane cover for these balls in an attempt to make it easier for moderate swing speed players to do that. In addition, a newly formulated mantle layer is designed to further reduce sidespin and backspin on longer golf shots for better accuracy and distance.
The “S” in the new Nike Golf VR_S line introduced at last week’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando stands for “Speed” and, according to company director of product creation Tom Stites, the 460cc driver in that extension of Nike’s VRS family is its fastest ever.
“The average ball speed coming off these clubs is faster, not only on those shots hit on the center of the face but also up to a full half-inch to three-quarters of an inch off of that,” he says. “And that added speed means added distance.”
Stites says that speed comes in part from a more aerodynamic sole and club perimeter, as well employment of a lightweight, 50-gram Fubuki shaft. Another factor is the utilization of Nike’s NexCOR technology and its multi-face thickness design in the rounded clubhead so that it “flexes” around the crown as well as the heel and toe and allows the ball, in Stites’ words, to literally “fly” off a face that he says is as forgiving as it is hot.
In addition, the VR_S driver, which is available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 and 13 (or HL) degrees, features Nike’s STR8-FIT adjustable head system, which has eight face-angle settings across a 4-degree range to ensure that the club can be made to fit the broadest possible range of players.
“We did an extraordinary amount of research in developing this VR_S driver, modifying several hundred different designs before producing 11 prototypes, which we eventually refined to one model,” says Stites.
One model, he is quick to add, that is built for speed.
Scotty Cameron is a tinkerer at heart, and he is always looking for ways to improve the look and performance of his putters. Which is why he recently revamped the popular California series he introduced more than two years ago.
The current California line features five models – Monterey, Monterey 1.5, Sonoma, Del Mar and Fastback – and Cameron says he has made more than 30 “shape and blend improvements” to them. The heads are still composed of precision-milled 303 stainless steel, and they continue to utilize interchangeable sole weights so that players may better match head weights to their preferred lengths. But the newer versions boast a silvery, “sea mist” finish as opposed to the gold, honey-dipped hue Cameron had given the original Californias.
And these new flat sticks feature deeper milling in the face for a softer sound at impact and an overall better feel. In addition, Cameron has tarted up the recessed red dots in the putter back, so they are more visible, calling to mind, in his words, “the tail lights of vintage American automobiles.” Finally, he employed a stepless shaft for a cleaner appearance and added a Pistolero grip for improved grip and feel.
“My main objective with the new California designs was to take the visual flow to a new level,” Cameron says. “When you look down at a great putter, it is easy to imagine the head flowing naturally right into the ground. The refinements we made to these meet and exceed that ideal. You get the sense that water won’t splash off them. It looks like water will just roll off the contours and shed gently off the edges.”
All five models in the new California line are available in right-handed versions and lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches, while lefties must choose between Del Mar and Monterey.
The first thing players notice about the new Ci11 irons from Wilson Golf is the black PVD finish on the clubhead. It gives the latest generation of the equipment maker’s Control line a striking look as it also ensures that the game improvement iron appears smaller at address.
And a thin top line on the 431 stainless steel clubhead only enhances the visual picture. But company engineers say the real allure of the Ci11, which is designed for the aspirational golfer looking to lower his handicap, is performance.
“We’ve re-engineered the exoskeleton weighting system so we can provide even more optimal MOI (Moment of Inertia) and even greater forgiveness by pulling weight away from the clubface and toward the heel and toe,” says Michael Vrska, global director of golf Research and Development for Wilson. “That makes the Ci11 that much more forgiving, and at the same time we have given it a thinner, harder face for stronger ball flight and distance.”
According to Vrska, the clubmaker has also installed a one-piece, soft-response insert to dampen vibration on mis-hits. And Wilson has made the irons available with a trio of stock shafts: True Temper TX Flighted steel, Aldila VS Proto II graphite and its own, patent-pending Half & Half, which employs a technology using both graphite and steel that was applied with great success in baseball bats and is now used throughout the Wilson club line.
“What’s great about these irons, which have a standard set make-up of 4 to PW, is the way they combine looks and performance,” says Vrska. “And they give players in that handicap range of, say, eight to 18 two very good reasons to upgrade.”
As Gary Sheppard, the CEO of HIRZL North America, sees it, golf gloves are much more than player accessories.
“In reality, they are important pieces of equipment,” he says, adding that his company, which specializes in high- performance gloves for sports like cycling and horseback riding, boasts three lines for golfers.
One is known as TRUST Control, which is designed for medium- to high-handicappers and features a palm made of kangaroo leather. Sheppard claims that material is not only soft and durable but also provides three times more grip in dry weather conditions over leading golf glove brands and five times more when things are wet, thanks to a special tanning process.
The backhand of this product is made of a combination of Cabretta leather and Airtech mesh, and the glove can be hand washed. “It will never dry up or crack,” he adds. “You can wear it 50 times and never lose your grip.”
Headquartered in Switzerland with North American operations based in Granbury, Tex., HIRZL also has the TRUST Feel, with a thinner kangaroo leather palm designed to appeal to better players looking for optimum feel. Sheppard says this offering has two times more grip in dry weather conditions and four times more in wet weather.
It, too, has a backhand made of Cabretta leather and Airtech mesh, and can be washed in cold water as well. Sheppard also points out that the TRUST Control and TRUST Feel gloves were used by more than 80 percent of the field at last fall’s RE/MAX World long Drive Championship, and claimed victories in five of the seven divisions there.
Then, there is the SOFFFT Flex, made mostly of Cabretta leather that goes through 72 separate manufacturing steps in an attempt to create superior fit and feel. Sheppard describes this as the ultimate tour player performance glove, and adds that LPGA major winner Anna Nordqvist wears one in competition. This product is machine washable, he says, and designed to be as long lasting as the HIRZL models made of kangaroo.
