Product Review – August 2007

MACGREGOR NVG2 IRONS

MacGregor made headlines in early 2007 when the company announced that Greg Norman had become a “significant” equity investor. At the same time, the new NVG2 irons were revealed, and company spokesmen described Greg Norman’s surprise when he put the new NVG2 irons in his bag and gained 17 yards with his long and mid irons. MacGregor has undergone a reinvention over the last few years. The company which defined “forged in America” has come to represent the latest in Japanese design concepts. The NVG2 Mid Irons are examples of the Japanese influence in current MacGregor design. The NVG2 irons are long from heel to toe. They are constructed in a hollow design with tungsten weighting low in the clubhead.
They have consistently strong lofts, delivering extra length club per club. Although they were originally designed for mid and high handicap golfers, they have gained interest from low index players who want forgiveness and extra distance. www.macgregorgolf.com.

NIKE GOLF SV BLACK SATIN TOUR WEDGE

Nike Golf caused all of the early buzz about golf clubs this year with its radical drivers, SUMO and SUMO2. What is not so well known is that Nike Golf is making headway with irons, having secured more professional tour wins this year than any other irons. And the new wedges promise to be just as successful. Nike Golf chose the ING Spring Conference at the Turning Stone Resort recently to showcase the new SV Black Satin Tour Wedge. The SV wedge was designed with the help of Nike’s Tour Staff. The black satin finish is favored by PGA Tour Professionals to eliminate the possibility of sunlight reflection in the heat of battle. The SV Black Satin Tour Wedge comes in a range of specifications including lofts of 52, 56 and 60 degrees, with various degrees of bounce. The range of options accommodates players who encounter varied conditions at their home and tournament courses. www.nikegolf.com.

TAYLOR MADE - ADIDAS GOLF BURNER DRIVER

When TaylorMade-Adidas Golf introduced not one, but two, new drivers at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, the message went something like this: 1) If you are a precision-oriented strategist on the golf course, play the r7 SuperQuad; 2) If you are a grip it and rip it kind of guy, the Burner or Burner TP is for you. And while the SuperQuad has become the more well known of the two, thanks in great part to its r7 Quad predecessor, the Burner just might be the better choice for most golfers. The clubhead (lighter than most) is large, but in an elongated way. The bullet-like shape places the center of gravity well behind the sweet spot, which produces a high launch angle and terrific ball speed, even on off-center hits. The technology along with the unique line design atop the Burner clubhead delivers a feeling of confidence that allows the golfer to, well, grip it and rip it. www.tmag.com.