Innovation driving new golf equipment
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
By Rick Cassano
Staff Writer
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There have been major changes in golf technology over the years, and changes continue to take place.
Yet there's not a lot of room for outrageous new equipment these days.
"In general, everybody's in the same kind of thought process because the USGA has made certain size restrictions on how big drivers can get," said John Small, the professional at Twin Run Golf Course in Hamilton. "Everybody's getting to that same driver size. I would say the biggest trend right now is hybrid clubs."
Hybrids are clubs that combine elements of metal woods and irons into their design. Most hybrids replace long irons in a golfer's bag.
"They're easier to hit than long irons," said Jim Brazen, the professional at Indian Ridge Golf Club in Oxford. "They look funny, like an iron with a back on it. But they give a lot of loft."
For most golfers, bigger always seems to be better. That's why driver technology will continue to be a hot topic.
"The bigger-headed drivers are still hot," said Dave Hartman, the professional at Fairfield Greens South Trace in Fairfield. "That's probably where your new technology is headed, trying to raise people's launch angles higher.
"I think the materials are improving — it's just about making them lighter and increasing swing speeds," he added. "Everybody is looking to hit the long ball."
Tad Frederick, the professional at Harmon Golf Club in Lebanon, pointed to adjustable clubs as hot items.
Golfers can adjust club heads and shafts with these clubs, so interchangeable parts have become important to the golf manufacturers.
"Everything that's interchangeable is hot because people love to tinker with their clubs," Frederick said.
Also part of the current buzz are geometric drivers, which take on different shapes — squares, rectangles and even triangles.
New club designs are typically meant to increase control of the golf shot. Distance is great, but accuracy is vital.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194
or rcassano@coxohio.com.
