Golf Gadgets and Gizmos

TeeTimesLive.com

If you thought having a website to book tee times worldwide 24 hours a day, seven days a week was cool, check this out.

This site is even cooler since it introduced its Community Toolbar. Users can now download the toolbar on their computers to receive the latest content.

Once downloaded, users remain connected to the site as the toolbar, which appears on the Internet browser window, provides instant access into TeeTimesLive.com, allowing the golfer to “Search Tee Times,” view “Hot Deals,” check “Weather” and engage in “Live Chat.”

The Tee Times Reservations box features a pull-down menu so users can efficiently book live advance and last-minute tee times in 29 states and 11 countries, and also book flights, hotels and car rentals. www.TeeTimesLive.com.

Callaway X20 Irons

Appreciating that women don’t generate the club head speed at impact that men do, it’s nice to know sticks exist that help ladies gain increased distance.

The X series combines Extreme Notch Weighting (ENW) and Variable Face Thickness (VFT) technology to consistently get the ball in flight, set it on a straight path give it some giddy-up.

A 360-degree undercut channel maximizes perimeter weighting by moving the center of gravity lower and farther back in the club head. This enlarges the hitting area while stabilizing the club head. Improved feel and playability is achieved through a Progressive Wall Reduction System.

Built typically with graphite shafts, the X20 irons are lightweight, but effective. Just ask Annika Sorenstam whose Callaway clubs have helped make her win big on the LPGA Tour. Suggested retail price: $899.99. www.golfsmith.com, www.golfgalaxy.com.

Alias Golf Shoes®

Golf, though hardly an extreme sport, can feel as much when playing some mountain courses. Why not have footwear for the occasion?

Born from its founder's history in design and production of goods for the surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding arenas, you won’t find Alias Golf Shoes in country club pro shops.

With the company’s mantra “Comfort to the Tee,” these shoes feature air- and nitrogen-filled heel chambers that reduce weight and allow maximum cushioning, as well a wider sole to insure stability.
The “all terrain” shoes are also crafted with an EVA cushioned mid-sole and foot bed for a firm, plush feel with a latex top layer. Available in three styles — Sedan, Coupe and Slope Nose, the shoes are rugged and relaxed. Suggested retail price: Sedan $68;,Coupe $72; Slope Nose $76. www.aliasfootwear.com.

G-Clip Golf Tool™

How many times have you fumbled in your pocket looking for a long tee only to come up with a shorty? And where is that darned ball marker?

Worn on a belt or waistband, this compact, lightweight gadget is a four-in-one golf tool that is home to a ball marker, two tees up to four inches in length, ball mark repair tool and golf glove caddy.
When you’re not wearing it, your golf glove attaches to a Velcro® dot and a magnet secures any standard size ball marker. Made of stainless steel, the divot tool also doubles as a club stand that keep grips dry.
The G-Clip’s rugged die-cast alloy frame also has a sturdy dual-purpose spring clip some golfers use as a money clip.

Suggested retail price: $11.99. www.finetunegolf.com, www.golfsmith.com, www.dickssportinggoods.com

 Pro-Balance Drop-in Weighting System

Who isn’t looking for ways to increase distance and accuracy when striking the ball?

Created by two former NASA engineers, Balance Certified Golf, Inc. is a firm whose USGA rules-conforming weighting system allows golfers to hit balls more accurately with greater distances.
Using a counter balance weight that is inserted into the grip area of a club, this extra weight in the handle improves club stability while giving added control and spin for irons and wedges.

By weighting the putter handle the head is counter balanced, which creates the optimum pendulum stroke. With the correct amount of weight dropped into the handle, club balance is optimized and golfers enjoy better feel — and hopefully can card fewer strokes per round. Suggested retail (2-weight kit) $79.95. www.balance-certified, D’Lance Golf, www.dlancegolf.com.

 MEGSA Trainer

Imagine what your game would be like if your swing had no faults. Developed by swing instructor, Mike Bender, a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, the MEGSA (Most Efficient Golf Swing Attainable) training system is helping golfers virtually eliminate faults in their swing.

Employing 15 separate training stations, the device allows an instructor to work with a student on every aspect of his or her game from a single area.
Used by Zach Johnson, 2007 champion at The Masters, the trainer offers immediate positive and negative feedback.

In play at the McGetrick Golf Academy at Green Valley Ranch, the only teaching facility in Colorado where the instruction is currently offered, MEGSA accelerates the learning process while helping imbed muscle memory for a consistent swing. Lessons are $120 (45 minutes) and $150 (one hour). www.mcgetrickgolf.com.