Golf technology isn’t dead quite yet

The USGA & The R & A have had their hands full the last 10-15 years in regards to all the rules and regulations they have had to implement due to the increasing innovation by golf club manufacturers. What would golf be like without regulations? 600cc sized driver? Electronic Caddyshack putters that guarantee a one put on every hole? Let’s face it, restrictions are necessary. But does tighter restrictions on club design and technology limit a companies product development?

Note to golf companies – Golfers are pretty savvy consumers. Don’t try and fool them by re-hashed versions of last year’s model and pass it off as ‘New & Improved’. Money is tight now days, and if you expect your product line to succeed you best bring your A-game when it comes to technology and design.

Are companies like Titleist, Callaway and TaylorMade’s better days are behind them?

If you believe in some of the rumors and sightings regarding of the 2009 product line, it’s shaping up to be a pretty descent year!

One of the highlights will be Nike’s new DYMO series of drivers and fairway woods coming this February. Building off the success of their SQ SUMO 5000 and 5900 drivers, the Nike SQ DYMO (Dynamic Moment of Inertia) will still be available in a round head and square head model, but it’s their STR8-FIT system that will set them apart from the competition. The STR8-FIT model will allow the user to manipulate the drivers head position & loft, all by adjusting the clubs shaft and hosel weight. The driver can be setup into 8 different positions – 3 closed, 2 neutral and 3 open, with the lie angle changing slightly in each position. This will allow the user to customize the DYMO and adjust it to their particular swing, giving them more control over their shot trajectory and ball flight.

The STR8-FIT DYMO might just be the technology that helps lead Nike to driver dominance in 2009.

Next post I will talk about a couple more drivers that are set to be introduced in February – The Callaway Diablo and the Adams Speedline.

Clubs Equipment