Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2015 - 11

(ask the expert
)
Gearing Up
Adjustable drivers
and Ryder Cup
merchandise are the
hot items at pro shops
this spring.
By Joseph Oberle
A
s we look ahead to each spring, we anticipate that fi rst
round of golf like kids awaiting their birthdays-and
presents. We envision how we hope the round will
go after all our offseason practice. But nothing heightens our
expectations more than playing that fi rst round with a new piece
of golf equipment in our hands.
Every year, the golf industry fl oods the market with the
latest products to enhance your experience and potentially improve
your game. The " improved technology " brings a promise
of additional yardage-and for some that is true, but certainly
not for all. Still, we visit the Golf Show, swing some new clubs
and head to the pro shop to buy a better game. So we asked a few
local pros what the golfi ng public is buying.
Craig Waryan, PGA master professional from Edinburgh USA,
says it's TaylorMade's new Slider Driver and Adams Equipment
hybrids. TaylorMade's new technology includes sliding weights
that are easy to adjust, and Waryan says the company has a track
record of success with top players.
" Golfer Don Berry, the best player in the state for years, plays
[these clubs] and believes in the quality and design of the product, "
he says. " Golfers can see the success of their fellow players
with properly fi t, new equipment. They do not necessarily need
to just believe the ads in the media. "
Berry, head golf professional at Edinburgh USA, and 2014 winner
of the Minnesota State Senior Open and the Minnesota PGA
Senior Championship, agrees with his colleague Waryan, saying
the TaylorMade drivers are hot because " golfers are always trying
to get the latest toy and the most technology they can fi nd. "
He suggests combining those new club purchases with a
demo-day fi tting because the clubs have so many adjustments.
" The technology really does make a difference, so that little fi netuning
can really make a difference in the playing characteristics
of these new products. "
For Kellie Hoiness, the head golf professional at The Minikahda
Club and a Class A member of the PGA of America, the bestselling
clubs at her golf shop are the drivers, with Ping, Titleist,
Callaway and TaylorMade being the most popular.
While drivers have changed over the years, with all of the constantly
upgraded adjustable technology, Hoiness says golfers really
haven't. They still seem to be looking for the same quality to
www.mngolf.org
Nothing heightens expectations
like playing that fi rst round with
a new piece of golf equipment.
elevate their game.
" The drivers these days have so much adjustability, whether
it be adjusting the loft, lie angle or movable heel-to-toe weight, "
Hoiness reports. " That says golfers are always looking for the latest
and greatest technology that will give them an extra 15 to 20
yards off the tee. "
Drivers aside, this coming season presents a unique golf purchase
opportunity that can only be made at Hazeltine National
Golf Club, where Mike Barge is director of instruction and a
Class A member of the PGA of America. Hazeltine is host to the
2016 Ryder Cup Matches, and presently its golf shop is the only
place in the world where you can buy U.S. team apparel (later
this year it will be selling European team apparel).
" Our most popular item has been Ryder Cup caps, followed
closely by golf shirts also with the Ryder Cup logo, " he says.
" Guests usually leave with one of those two items. "
While those items may not improve your fi rst round of the
season, you might still be the fi rst golfer in your foursome with
the team apparel. That's worth looking forward to.
Spring 2015 MINNESOTAGOLFER
11
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2015

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