Table of contents for Jun-2018 in Golf Monthly

“The sensation when you strike a shot from the sweetspot of the MP-18 muscleback is unlike any other iron” Bladed irons represent the ultimate in feel and precision. Their size dictates only the highly competent player need apply and their craftsmanship and beauty puts them a class above all the other iron designs. For years, Mizuno has led the way in this niche, aspirational category. Its muscleback irons are forged at the Chuo forging factory in Osaka, Japan, and have been for more than 50 years since the original handshake agreement between Mizuno and Chuo was made. FORGED TO PERFECTION Mizuno uses a special Grain Flow Forging process, which packs the grains of the carbon steel closer together. This leads to better feel and even more precise distance control –…

“The Shot Scope V2 truly comes into its own after the round when you can analyse your data on a connected device” The Shot Scope V2 is one of very few wrist-worn devices that combine advanced GPS technology with automatic shot tracking, making it an easy product to include within our Editor’s Choice list. TOUR-LEVEL DATA The V2 has three modes to meet different golfing requirements: GPS, Pro and GPS+Track. In GPS and GPS+Track modes, the LCD screen displays distances to the front, middle and back from the golfer’s real-time position using Smart GPS. Performance tracking is activated in both Pro and GPS+Track modes. With the help of tags positioned in the top of every club, the device works in the background to collect more than 100 tour-level statistics, broken…

Sun Mountain is a proven force in the world of golf bags. Over the years, it has been pioneering in terms of stands, straps and a range of other impressive innovations. The H2NO SuperLite Carry Bag is an example of Sun Mountain's attention to detail and it really does deliver on every level. THE NAME SAYS IT ALL The stand-out feature is its superb waterproofing, as its name would suggest – no to water! Constructed from a material that's waterproof to 2000mm and with taped seams, waterproof zips and a rain hood, this bag will keep your kit dry in all but the most monsoon-like conditions. It's extremely lightweight – under 2kg – but it's also sturdy and durable. The stand is strong and the bag is exceptionally stable when…

“The matte finish enhances your focus and they’re easy to spot” Volvik balls have certainly captured the golfing world’s attention in recent years. The bright, neon colours are striking, but this is no gimmick from the South Korean company to disguise poor performance. Volvik is keen to stress it doesn’t skimp on performance, and the Vivid is a great example of that. STYLE WITH SPEED Designed for the average player, the Vivid grabbed the headlines for being the first to come in a matte finish for higher visibility. Distance and a soft feel comes from a highly resilient Power Core while a special SF coating creates a higher ball flight and improves aerodynamic consistency. Volvik has a comprehensive range used on tours across the world and the Vivid XT model…

The iconic Titleist Pro V1 has been the most used piece of golf equipment around the world for the last two decades. It has made such a name for itself thanks to its universal performance appeal. Who doesn't want long distance off the tee, iron control, short-game spin and soft putting feedback from a ball? Renowned for their soft feel and spin control, the Pro V1 and Pro V1x still lead the pack in 2018. On paper, the Pro V1 remains marginally softer to putt with, but it would take a seriously talented player to call the ball on a blind test. Where you will notice a difference is on your approach shots, with the Pro V1x flying noticeably higher with irons, which is worth considering when firmer summer greens…

The CBX wedges are aimed at the 84 per cent of golfers who play cavity-back irons. They feature the same Rotex Face seen on the Cleveland RTX 3 wedge, which helps produce more spin for enhanced greenside control, and progressively wider soles from heel to toe to aid forgiveness on all shots. The CBX is a touch larger than most wedges but it doesn't look chunky. The sound and feel are good, too, and there's an impressive level of versatility to go with the control. If you play cavity-back irons, the Cleveland CBX wedges are worth a trial.…

We're seeing a trend towards hollow irons and the P790 is one of the very best. Not only does it look fantastic, but it has a sound and feel all of its own. Powerful and springy with a hint of softness, this iron will almost certainly hit the ball further than the iron you currently play, while having a compact enough profile to suit the eye of the low-handicapper looking for more distance. It is surprisingly forgiving, too, making it one of 2018's best all-round packages.…

Bushnell leads the way in laser rangefinders and the Tour V4 Shift is one of the very best on the market. It includes Jolt technology, which provides a short vibrating burst when the flag has been picked out from the background. However, the best feature is the Slope Shift function, which allows users to toggle between normal and slope-adjusted distances easily. The clarity of vision through the viewfinder is excellent. It is also surprisingly lightweight, easy to grip and has a longer range than most – it can lock onto a flag from up to 400 yards away. If you want precise distances, you really shouldn't look any further than the Tour V4 Shift.…

This superb training aid has been designed to help you build a powerful, repeatable and reliable on-plane golf swing. PlaneSwing is an adjustable steel hoop on which users swing a PowerSlider – a weighted club – around the perimeter to condition the muscles and ingrain a consistent and repeatable swing. With enough dedication and effort on your part, we feel it can do just that and, as such, it's very much worth the investment. It comes with an instructional DVD, giving you all the information you need to get the very most out of the system. There's also a PlaneChecker that fits into the end of the club to give a simple reference point, showing whether you are on plane during the swing.…

PXG builds clubs with no limits on cost or materials, so its products are some of the most expensive around. The 0811X is the lowest-spinning PXG driver and features a host of moveable tungsten and titanium weights that allow launch and shot shape to be fine-tuned. It also has a TPE honeycomb piece on the sole that improves sound and feel. Having gone through the incredibly in-depth fitting process, this driver won't be beaten on performance. It's just up to you as to whether you see the value in your potential investment.…

DRIVERS Callaway Rogue Sub Zero Cleveland Launcher HB Cobra King F8 Ping G400 Max PXG 0811X TaylorMade M3 FAIRWAY WOODS/HYBRIDS/UTILITY IRONS Cobra King F8 fairway Ping G400 Crossover Ping G400 Stretch fairway Srixon U65 iron Titleist 818 hybrids IRONS Callaway Rogue X Cobra King F8 One Length Mizuno JPX900 Tour Mizuno MP-18 blade TaylorMade P790 Titleist 718 AP3 Wilson Staff C300 Forged WEDGES Callaway Mack Daddy PM-Grind Cleveland CBX Titleist Vokey SM7 PUTTERS Bettinardi BB1 Evnroll ER 1.2 Odyssey O Works #7 Ping Vault 2.0 Dale Anser Scotty Cameron Select Newport TaylorMade Spider Tour Red BALLS Callaway Chrome Soft Srixon AD333 Tour TaylorMade TP5 Titleist Pro V1 Titleist Tour Soft Volvik Vivid…

“The M3 is impressive visually, too. Its two-tone crown sets the benchmark for driver appeal” In our review of the M3 in January, we said it was one of, if not the best-performing driver ever created. It was a bold claim, but one we feel we had validated by hitting hundreds of shots and crunching the head-to-head numbers against both its 2018 rivals and its various predecessors. TWIST FACE You’ll no doubt have heard about Twist Face technology. TaylorMade’s new take on corrective clubface design sees the face’s high toe section sit open and with more loft to counter the low-left flight of common toe strikes. Similarly, the heel sits closed and with less loft to fight the high-right shots associated with heel strikes. TaylorMade has always gone to great…

Two’s company In the past couple of years, my husband and I have taken up playing a fun pitch and putt course together when the weather is nice. Recently, our local course opened up a nine-hole par-3 course as well. Rather than feeling like both are an afterthought to the main course, real care has gone into the design to make them interesting and fun to play. This has allowed me to gradually progress to playing a full 18 – and I hope to be beating my husband at Stableford soon! With the added emergence of Topgolf, I think the game is much more accessible than it’s given credit for. Hopefully this will lead to a greater uptake by the younger generation. I know I’ve found it a fantastic pastime…

 Ask every golfer what they’d choose if they could have one brand of putter in the bag and most would go for a Scotty Cameron. The premium price is a stumbling block for some, but others see the value in what the brand is all about. Performance certainly comes first, but feel and aesthetics are not far behind. The new Select line blends all three together in a combination that stirs the senses. “THE SUBTLE TWEAKS TO THE SHAPES IN THE NEW SELECT RANGE DEMONSTRATE SCOTTY CAMERON’S ATTENTION TO DETAIL” Joel Tadman, technical editor You would class the putters as traditional in appearance but with subtle yet plentiful performance features, like the new four-way sole balancing, which allows them to sit naturally flush and square at address. In fact, everything…

Dustin Johnson opted for the smaller TaylorMade M3 440 at Augusta Jason Day swapped his TaylorMade P750s for P730s for The Masters Rickie Fowler now has a Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align grip on his driver Haotong Li has signed to play TaylorMade woods, irons and wedges Tom Watson won the Par 3 Contest using a Callaway TruVis ball Jordan Spieth wore the all-white UA Spieth 2 shoe at Augusta…

Photography: Kevin Murray “Reed was brilliant to watch and entertained the crowds endlessly with his determination, aggressive play and sheer quality” Was it a vintage Masters? Probably not – in fact, I'd say that it wasn't in my top ten given all the incredible tournaments over the years. The reason it never truly hit the heights on the final day was a combination of three factors – most of the chasing pack being too far behind going into the final round, Rory McIlroy strangely not firing and the brilliantly dogged performance of Patrick Reed. Let's deal with Reed first. I've actually been quite surprised at the reaction to his victory and the focus of many of the subsequent narratives in the media. A lot of people have chosen to discuss…

Club cleaning If you are used to watching golf on television, you'll know there are plenty of opportunities during the action to make a brew. Alternatively, you can practise your putting on the living room carpet or clean your clubs. Mirror checks For the addicted golfer, mirrors are the perfect training aid. Wanting to check that you're not laid off at the top? Look at your reflection in a shop window. If you have ever smashed a window with a golf club, you've taken it too far! Casual water If you have ever described a puddle to a non-golfer as “casual water”, you're a lost cause. Embrace your addiction – there's no way back. TV choices It's 12.30am on a Tuesday and you have a meeting in the morning. Why…

1 Launch angle Some players seem capable of generating easy power – that is, they swing within themselves and yet their distance is always good. This is because their launch conditions are spot on. With a driver in hand, this means you need the right launch angle. A good way to think of it is to imagine you are holding a hose – if you lift the hose up, the water goes further until the angle becomes too great and then the water starts coming back to you. In my experience, players often launch the ball too low and this has a huge impact on overall yardage. 2 Pre-set launch No matter whether you are hitting a driver, an iron or even a putt, you should be aiming to return…

LOOKS The Newport 2 is a classic plumber's-neck blade design The topline looks thinner thanks to softer edges, it's generous from heel to toe and it has a prominent black sightline on the flange. SOUND/ FEEL The putter feels perfectly balanced. The midsize Matador grip fits nicely in your hands and the feel at impact is firm but gentle, with a subtle ‘pop' sound as the ball leaves the face inlay. These premium models Tare aimed at golfers seeking the ultimate in feel and looks. Key technology The new Select putters feature a stainless steel body with an aluminium face inlay for improved weight distribution. Better balance from front to back and side to side helps the putter sit square and flush to the turf. Improved sound and feel are…

“It was the most in-depth and thorough club custom fitting I’ve ever experienced” I have observed the gradual emergence of the PXG brand from afar over the last few years. If you watch golf coverage on Sky Sports, you will surely have seen the in-your-face adverts. “No one makes golf clubs the way we do. Period” says Bob Parsons himself at the end of it, in his instantly recognisable booming voice. Parsons is an American billionaire who, to be fair, has lots to shout about, given his estimated net worth of $2.6bn. He claims to have spent $350,000 a year on golf gear and was left underwhelmed, so started his own golf equipment company (as you do). Thus Parsons Xtreme Golf was born. The mission was simple – make the…

“This may well be the most forgiving blade-style putter on the market” Evnroll putters are the brainchild of renowned designer Guerin Rife, who has been making flat-sticks for more than 25 years. What he doesn’t know about putters isn’t worth knowing. He is a man who appreciates the intricacies of milled putters – how shaping certain areas can make a big difference to feel and performance – and his ER range is the result. THE SWEETEST THING The biggest success story of his ER Series is his Sweet Face technology, a groove system that helps produce more consistent speeds on putts struck across the face and also assists dispersion by helping heel and toe strikes start closer to the intended line. IMPRESSIVE FORGIVENESS The ER1.2 Tour Blade is one of…

A warm welcome to the inaugural Golf Monthly Editor’s Choice awards, celebrating the most game-changing equipment innovations of 2018. It was a difficult task to narrow it down to the 78 products we eventually settled for in the full list over the page. There's no end to the passion, knowledge and ingenuity shown by those in golf who thrive on the challenge of creating products that make the game more enjoyable for us. Some of the clubs we've chosen here aren't necessarily the ones that perform the best, although launch-monitor data certainly played a part in our decision making. We were first and foremost looking for creativity – products that overcame challenges in a unique way and made us take a step back and think “what a great idea”. The…

The Ping Vault 2.0 putters represent the next generation of tour-calibre putters from the brand that developed the first ever Anserstyle blade. The 100-per-cent-milled models offer exceptional touch and performance from True Roll technology (TR) grooves, plus a new custom-weighting system that helps you personalise swing weight and feel. The three sole-weight options are available in six different heads and there are three premium-finish options – stealth, platinum or copper – available for certain head shapes. There are six head shapes available in total, and we like the forgiveness found in the Ketsch and Piper, but nothing is more iconic than the Dale Anser we have chosen. The feel off the face is exceptional, and the finish choices and custom swing-weight options allow you to tailor the putter to exactly…

Any company can design an iron that hits the ball further, but Callaway has taken this to the extreme with Rogue X. Yes, the lofts are some of the strongest you'll find, which will be ideal for slower swingers who struggle with distance and hitting greens, but it still gets the ball in the air with consummate ease. It feels great, as well – light through the air but fast, powerful and not too loud off the face. It is also so forgiving that good shots just seem to happen more often than not.…

This inventive training aid features a hole-sized target at the bottom of a ramp that houses a secondary ball-sized target. The scientifically shaped parabolic ramp returns each putt back towards you the same distance it would have gone past the hole had it missed. There's also a micro-target halfway up the ramp where only putts of perfect line and pace will drop in. We found it pretty addictive and hard to master the micro-target. It's easily portable, and you don't have to move balls out of the way every time. It will really test your skill and patience and gets you thinking about pace and tempo. A must-own.…

The impressive Arccos 360 consists of 14 ultra-light sensors, one for each club in your bag, that automatically detect every shot. It then uses an enhanced version of the Strokes Gained algorithm to provide the user with the same ShotLink-style analysis used on the PGA Tour. Some of the useful data it provides includes a handicap for each area of the game. It records your personal best performances, your fairways and greens hit plus where you missed them, as well as accurate distances to show how far you actually hit each club. Arccos formed a partnership with Cobra to launch the Cobra Connect that features on the King F8 clubs to provide full bag tracking. We think it's a great tool for players looking to improve and those who enjoy…

Not afraid to push boundaries, the Adicross anorak has a sporty, street-inspired look. It also features a durable, water-repellent coating and a storm hood for protection against the elements, while the bonded sleeve vents and the stretch fabric deliver comfort and versatility. We found it to be comfortable and it didn't impede the golf swing. It will suit the younger golfer seeking an edgy, contemporary look and also a garment that will protect against the elements.…

SHOES Adidas Tour 360 Boost 2.0 Duca Del Cosma Kuba Ecco Biom Hybrid 3 FootJoy Tour S Puma Ignite Pwradapt Skechers Go Golf Pro V3 Under Armour Spieth 2 APPAREL Adidas Adicross anorak FootJoy DryJoys Tour LTS jacket Galvin Green Interface-1 Lance Ping Zero Gravity Tour jacket Puma Evoknit polo Under Armour CGI Matchplay tapered pant Under Armour SweaterFleece GPS / LASER RANGEFINDERS Bushnell Tour V4 Shift Garmin Approach G10 Garmin Approach G30 GolfBuddy WTX Shot Scope V2 Sky Caddie Touch TROLLEYS Big Max Blade IP Motocaddy Cube Connect Motocaddy S5 Connect PowaKaddy Compact C2i PowaKaddy FW7s GPS Stewart Golf R1-S Push Stewart Golf X9 Follow BAGS Big Max Aqua Hybrid Mizuno BR-D4 stand Motocaddy Pro Series cart PowaKaddy Dri Edition cart Sun Mountain H2NO Superlite stand TECHNOLOGY Arccos 360…

Photography: Getty Images As it so often does, The Masters provided us with four days of sublime golf and plenty of drama to keep us on the edge of the sofa. Even though the cast list changes from year to year, the backdrop remains reassuringly familiar. Everyone can tell you about the back nine, which culminates in the 18th, a hole requiring a perfectly shaped tee shot through a chute of trees, avoiding the bunkers to the left to set up an approach to a testing two-tiered green. At 465 yards, it's typical of Augusta's lengthy par 4s, where almost every player has to hit driver. But for me, it's another par 4 that I find most interesting. The 350-yard 3rd is much shorter than any other par 4 on…

Photography: Getty Images The GM view: The vast majority of fans behave well and come to tournaments to relax and have a few drinks. A few isolated cases shouldn’t be enough to bring about regulation, but it is something that needs to be monitored. Clearly any sort of abuse isn’t appropriate. Yant: In my opinion, this behaviour is unacceptable at a tournament and they’ve needed to do something about it for far too long. This is the issue I have with the Phoenix Open. People watch it on TV and think that they can behave like that at every tour event. Samuel Wallace: The bottom line is that fans want to drink at sporting events and some get carried away. But what’s the alternative: regulating alcohol or reducing capacity? If…

Photography: Kevin Murray, shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Spain I think there are two ways to chip from a downslope. The first is a safer option ideal for when you have green to work with. The second is higher tariff, but if you master it, it should help you save par more often. For the first one you need to lean with the slope. The ball position remains the same as usual, but your sternum needs to lean towards the target a little. This gets your shoulder plane in line with the slope and from here you can make a normal swing. The second option, for when the flag is closer to you, involves taking a more lofted club. In this instance, your upper body…

1 How are Select models different to other Scotty Cameron putters in the range for 2018? We truly believe the new Select line provides best-in-class looks, whether you prefer a blade or mid-mallet style. Different head shapes and neck configurations, plus options in length and weighting, mean the line has something to offer every golfer, no matter their stroke style or putter preference. 2 Tell us how you’ve improved the sound and feel of the putters? There is up to 30 per cent more vibration-dampening material connecting face inlays with putter bodies. This slightly softens the sound and feel while preserving the feedback you get at impact – necessary to aid distance control. 3 How do golfers choose the model for them? Through our retail partners, golfers can compare shape,…

Rory’s wand Rory McIlroy triumphed at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a new TaylorMade TP Collection Black Copper Soto putter, which has a hand-polished finish to reveal the copper accents. Bubba ‘Disrupts’ play Bubba Watson sported three colours of the new Special Edition G/Fore High-Top Disruptor shoe at Augusta en route to a T5 finish. New shaft for Tiger Not one to alter his gear too often, Tiger Woods changed into a counterbalanced Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei CK Pro Orange shaft in his TaylorMade M3 driver ahead of The Masters.…

Photography: Tom Miles “In recent years golf has gone up a notch from ‘mashed potato’ and ‘get in the hole’. We are fast approaching something a little more sinister” It was a freezing-cold Tuesday night in London and I was setting up my technical equipment at the back of a press box. It was about two hours before kick-off and the away team had arrived earlier than normal. Two of them were walking on the pitch to have a little nose around. A bunch of high-vis-clad stewards were making their way towards the tunnel from the corner of the stand. As they approached the footballers, I saw the ringleader tap one of his cronies on the shoulder before unleashing: “Get off our @&?)://@ pitch you *$¥#>*.” The language was, as…

Tell us about your background... I was born in New York and we lived there until I was ten. My dad is from India and my mum is from Mexico. My dad played tennis in the US briefly professionally and he got me started early on with tennis and golf when I was about five or six years old. That was when Tiger Woods hit the scene and golf stuck with me. When I was around ten, we moved down to Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, St Augustine, which is about 25 minutes south of Sawgrass, and lived there ever since. I went to Duke University in North Carolina and I graduated in 2013. “When they say your name on the tee at The Open, that’s such a cool feeling”…

While a disappointing chip or a putt that rolls up short can be frustrating, nothing quite incites a sudden rush of rage like a shot flying miles off line. For Golf Monthly reader Martin Bedborough, his long-term fight with the pulls has left him struggling to remember what a fairway looks like. With only 14 shots to play with each round, he can't keep letting the penalty shots rack up. As such, he applied to take part in one of our reader lessons with GM Top 25 Coach Paul Foston to find the root of his fault. After being selected from hundreds of entries, the pair got the chance to meet up on the grass practice range at The London Club. As you'll see, they had an action-packed hour. TOP…

CONTROL You will certainly notice the high levels of spin control on offer. Admittedly the fresh grooves play a part in this, but knowing the ball is going to stand to attention expands the range of shots you can play. FEEL The feel on offer is superb – soft, solid and stable across the face. The flight on pitch shots was mid-to-low and it was relatively consistent across the different lofts in the range. LOOKS The address profile is as close to perfect as you're likely to find. The tour chrome finish will probably be the most popular option, but the new brushed steel and black versions both look great, too. The Titleist Vokey SM7 range brings further options and improved wedge performance. Key technology The CG adjustments introduced…

Photography: Daniel Gould TaylorMade has spent the last decade forging a reputation for having the longest drivers in the business, but for 2018 it wanted to focus on something altogether different. With the unveiling of Twist Face in January, it revealed a breakthrough design purely focused on improving accuracy and forgiveness. The big question, of course, is does it work? To find out, we enlisted the help of two mid-handicap Golf Monthly readers, who, just like us, are more than used to the occasional mishit! Our duo, Iain Palk and Chris Butcher, would be fitted for either the highly adjustable TaylorMade M3 (£479) or the lighter M4 (£369) by TaylorMade’s fitting expert Matthew Byrne. They would then spend a month testing their new drivers around their home clubs to see…

“The first thing you notice is how light and therefore easy to push it is” Big Max push trolleys have a fine reputation for being sturdy, reliable, feature-packed and folding down incredibly small. The new Blade IP is no exception. In its folded-down state, it has a depth of just 12.5cm, which makes it easy to store in the tightest of spaces – like under your clubs in the car boot or even on top of the parcel shelf. The assembly process has also improved –it now uses a simple three-stage folding system and the internal mechanism allows you to click the parts into place, rather than having to use fiddly clips. LIGHTWEIGHT AND PRACTICAL Once assembled and ready to go, the first thing you notice is how light and…

“It is not only easy to put up and down, it also becomes one of the smallest trolleys on the market when folded” Style and substance have collided head on with the R1-S from Stewart Golf – one of just three push models in this year’s Editor’s Choice. The R1-S’s unique folding system has no external mechanisms. By moving everything inside the frame, Stewart Golf has not only created one of the best-looking trolleys we’ve tested, it has also removed the danger of key parts being damaged in transit or collecting dirt while in use, making it very durable. STYLE AND SUBSTANCE You might think a design like this would lead to a more complex folding process with a larger end product, but the R1-S is not only easy to…

“The Cube Connect provides evidence of Motocaddy’s forward-thinking creativity” Motocaddy has forged a reputation as a highly innovative trolley maker, and the Cube Connect trolley provides clear evidence of its forward-thinking creativity. Not only is it compact, lightweight and easy to assemble, but it also features an impressive GPS yardage system. These distances appear on a screen thanks to the Motocaddy app – which connects to the trolley via Bluetooth – just like they do on the S5 Connect electric trolley. The screen can also display shot measurements, a round timer and smartphone notifications. ADDED BENEFITS All your belongings are easy to store thanks to the feature-packed console unit, Motocaddy's Easilock base keeps your matching cart bag firmly in place and a two-step folding system allows for easy assembly. There's…

The California-based Foresight Sports has experienced meteoric growth to become a global leader in launch monitors and golf simulators, and it's all thanks to its camera-based hardware. We were impressed by the debut of that technology in the GC2. It was portable for indoor and outdoor use, and with the optional Head Measurement Technology, you could collect the most comprehensive club data ever seen in the industry. NEXT-LEVEL DATA Taking this idea forward is the GCQuad, which features four cameras that catch 200 pictures during impact from four different perspectives. This allows features of the club and ball to be pinpointed like never before, providing accurate strike and shot data. Unlike radar-based devices, the GCQuad takes pictures of the face, so as well as ball data you get precise club…

All of the 78 products that have been selected can be found in our A-Z listing on the following page. You can read our extended opinions about these special products and the reasons why they have been selected on the dedicated Editor’s Choice section of the Golf Monthly website – www.golf-monthly.co.uk. It wasn't possible for brands to influence consideration or buy entry into our Editor’s Choice list – all 78 of the products we have selected are here on merit alone. Once the list had been finalised, we offered brands the opportunity to celebrate the inclusion of their product(s) in Editor’s Choice and enhance their listing. In this supplement, enhanced listings are full or half-page entries. On our website, the products that have an enhanced listing feature a special video.…

“It’s thin, lightweight, super stylish and can easily be combined with other layers” In the extremely competitive golf performance clothing market, Galvin Green has managed to once again create a new concept of product that ticks every box a golfer looks for from a jacket. Galvin Green says the Interface-1 Lance is the ideal jacket to wear for 95 out of 100 rounds and from our testing, we'd have to agree. The material itself is incredibly thin, which minimises its effect on swing movement and allows it to be easily combined with other layers, should the temperature suddenly drop or the heavens open. It is also very stretchy, again helping you to swing unimpaired, while also feeling soft to the touch for added comfort. It's 100 per cent windproof, which…

A hybrid has to do a lot of different jobs, and this is why the Titleist 818 models are so impressive. The H1 is larger for more forgiveness, while the H2 is smaller and aimed at the better player SureFit CG comprises a special cartridge inside the head that can alter launch conditions. Distance comes from the Active Recoil Channel behind the face. Both have a traditional look down by the ball. After a custom fitting, you'll know your H1 or H2 hybrid will leave your game in good hands.…

“The attention to detail delivers brilliant feel and feedback across the face” Willed putter specialist Bettinardi has long been a choice of the putting connoisseur, and the BB series has been part of its line-up since 1999. The latest BB range features a striking new look with a ‘stealth’ matte-black finish that reduces glare. The new Super-Fly Mill face milling features on all four new BB models and offers a responsive feel at impact. It’s designed for players looking for consistent speed and feel and we certainly think it delivers this objective. All Bettinardi putters are milled from a single piece of proprietary blend soft carbon steel. This attention to detail helps Bettinardi consistently deliver a great feel across the face. In testing, we concluded that this Bettinardi BB range…

The pocket-sized G30 offers full-colour mapping with a touch-sensitive targeting feature. It can be worn on your belt, clipped to your bag or left in your pocket. It boasts a moveable pointer, while Green View reveals the shape of the green and lets you manually position pins to get laser-rangefinder-like yardages. A cool feature is being able to see your group's score on one screen and pop-up phone notifications are a discreet, helpful addition. This GPS device offers great functionality given its very compact size.…

“We’re in no doubt that the King F8 is Cobra’s best-performing driver to date” In a driver market in which prices continue to head north, the Cobra King F8 offers excellent value with an RRP of just £329. Cobra has, for the past few years, been nipping at the heels of the bigger-name driver brands, and has made significant strides to introduce technologies and innovations that deliver impressive performance. We’re in no doubt that the King F8 is the most forgiving and best-performing Cobra driver to date. A RAFT OF TECHNOLOGY A new CNC Milled titanium face produces more consistent bulge and roll properties for improved distance and accuracy from a wider area on the face. The 360° Aero on the front part of the crown and sole reduces aerodynamic…

Photography: Getty Images A potential problem I read somewhat despairingly the report on the new World Handicap System in the May issue. There was no mention of the inevitable increase in the time it will take to play a round. The new system will give 54-handicappers the opportunity to make a triple-bogey for a net par on every hole. If each stroke takes an average of one minute to execute, an 18-hole round will take at least an extra 26 minutes, if not considerably more. This will negate almost completely any measures that are taken to address slow play. John Farthing, via email An untapped resource It surprises me that caddies are seldom found in the commentary box and commentating on golf events on the television, given the impact they…

Photography: Tom Miles “Members who pay a significant annual subscription should enjoy a few perks for their outlay” NO  Most established golf clubs in this country are set on relatively small plots where there is space on each hole for just yellow ‘boxes' and white ‘back' tees. The latter should be reserved for competition play. Members, who pay a significant annual subscription to keep the club running and the course maintained, should enjoy a few perks for their outlay. One of those should be having the chance to play off the back tees in competition, hitting from surfaces that haven't been dug up by casual golfers through the week. Participating in club competitions and playing off the back tees is one of the great benefits of golf club membership. As…

TAYLORMADE P790 UDI TaylorMade is launching a P790 UDI 2-iron (17°) that features Speed Foam for better sound and feel and comes with an 85g Project X Hzrdus Black shaft. UNDER ARMOUR FADE RST The breathable waterproof synthetic upper keeps you cool and dry. Integrated lacing system aids a locked-in fit for comfort and performance. BUSHNELL ION2 GPS WATCH The iON2 uses Bluetooth to sync with the Bushnell app for fast updates. A new reversible strap offers two colour options. G/FORE SPECIAL EDITION HIGH TOP DISRUPTOR Worn by Bubba Watson at The Masters, this unique pair of spikeless shoes blends street fashion with golf.…

Irons Titleist 716 T-MB (4-iron), Titleist 718 AP2 (5-PW), Project X LZ 130 7.0 shafts. Wedges Titleist Vokey SM7, 52°, Project X LZ 7.0 shaft, 56° and 60°, True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts. Fairway wood Titleist 917 F2, 16.5°, Matrix Ozik TP7HDe 7X shaft. Driver Titleist 917 D2, 9.5°, Mitsubishi Tensei Orange CK 60TX shaft. Hybrid Titleist 816 H2, 21°, Aldila Tour Green ATX85H TX shaft. Putter Odyssey White Hot #7. Ball Titleist Pro V1x.…

Photography: Paul Severn “I was hooked on golf after two or three weeks. I liked that it was an individual sport and you didn’t have to rely on anyone else” Hello everyone, and welcome to my column. I'm delighted that I will be sharing my thoughts with you in Golf Monthly. The magazine actually sponsored me in 1994 when I was playing my first season on the European Tour! This month, I'm going to go back to where it all began. When I was young I played a lot of football and a lot of rugby, and a bit of cricket as well. I was also a decent runner. Golf wasn't really on the scene, though, until I was 13. My grandparents bought me a half set of clubs for…

It promised much and delivered some before ending with a small bang and an interesting ripple of applause for the winner. The 2018 Masters is over and will be largely remembered for what didn't happen rather than what did. What happened, of course, was that Patrick Reed won and did so magnificently, repelling the Sunday attacks of Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler with nerve, skill and obstinacy. He deserved his Green Jacket, even if suspicion remains that if he'd sought membership any other way then the po-faced custodians of Augusta National would have turned him down. Reed's long walk up the hill at the last hole was greeted by the most subdued reaction from the fans that I can recall since Vijay Singh's victory 18 years ago, when someone dropped…

Photography: Paul Severn Even if you didn't know who this was, you need only look at his address position to think “he's going to launch it!” This tall Belgian announced himself on the world stage at the 2016 Ryder Cup, and his effortless, repeatable technique means he's going to be around for quite some time. Something very noticeable at set-up is that his chin is nice and free from his chest. When you're teaching amateurs, especially with a big club, you can see them thinking, “I'm going to hit this,” and they become so focused that the chin often gets too close to the chest. But keeping your chin free from your chest allows you to make a better backswing turn. Just look at Pieters' terrific coil-up here. There's a…

1 No dustbin lids The mental approach to putting is probably something many don't really think about. Firstly, you want to stop thinking about the perfect putt. Stop thinking about what the line is going to be. Rather, you want to ‘feel' the best line and think about the best pace. I've got a 25ft putt here and the reality is most of us are not going to hole many of these. But I still want you to think you're going to hole it and get rid of the ‘dustbin lid' mentality! Holing putts is the object of the game. 2 Feel the putt Rather than thinking about what the line is and exactly where you want to hit it, I would prefer you to feel the slope with your…

Photography: Daniel Gould MARTIN BEDBOROUGH | HANDICAP: 14 | HOME CLUB: ROYAL ASCOT GC Paul’s assessment My initial impression stood down the line was that Martin had a really great set-up and posture. Unfortunately, things got worse as he swung. His arms moved away from his body and there was a real extension to his backswing as he swung past parallel. Martin was also cupping his left wrist during the downswing, which caused him to hit shots straight right or straight left if he flipped his hands. Moving to stand side on, I could see he was standing a touch pigeon toed and had his ball position too far forward for a mid-iron, which only encourages a left miss. Paul’s remedy We started by flaring Martin's left foot out and…

POWERFUL CALLAWAY ROGUE A lack of sole adjustability creates weight savings vs GBB Epic, which are used to boost head speed and forgiveness. ADJUSTABLE MIZUNO GT180 Draw, neutral and fade settings in low-, mid- and high-spin flights help you optimise the GT180 to suit your swing. FORGIVING PING G400 MAX The 460cc version of the popular G400 offers even more forgiveness thanks to a deeper CG placement and a higher MOI. VALUE CLEVELAND LAUNCHER HB A lighter HiBore Crown and non-adjustable hosel help save significant weight that's used to encourage a high, forgiving flight.…

HUDDERSFIELD West Yorkshire One of golf's greatest joys is discovering a course about which you know next to nothing, but which then turns out to be an absolute delight. A perfect example is the gently undulating design at Huddersfield, also known as Fixby Hall, which serves as its splendid clubhouse. There are five lovely short holes and great variety and beauty are a feature from start to finish. Herbert Fowler and Alister MacKenzie are among those who have contributed to the design, which has become a favourite in the Golf Monthly Next 100. W: huddersfield-golf.co.uk GF: Round: £65wd, £75we; Day: £70wd, £85we HEADFORT County Meath The tree-lined Old course at Headfort was expanded to a full 18 in the mid-1950s, and on its own would stand up as a very…

THE GOLF par 72, 6,580 yards This two-time Senior Open venue on the South Wales coast is the star of Welsh links golf. It is a superb, and at times dramatic, test which sets its stall out from the start with a fine trio of holes flanking the boardwalk and beach. You then turn back via a dauntingly long par 3 with a thought-provoking green and a fine par 5 where the final approach plays steeply up to a narrow target. The golfing treats come thick and fast, from the tiny but well-defended par-3 7th to the exhilarating slingshot 9th and the demanding back and forth duo at 15 and 16, both of which feature devious cross bunkers and uphill approaches. The 18th sweeps back down to the clubhouse, with…

Photography: Tom Miles “It’s a soggy, depressing picture and one that threatens a terrible impact on a game that is facing enough serious challenges as it is” Is there anything in life more disappointing than a richly anticipated round of golf that goes down the tubes because of bad weather? Answer: yes, of course there is. Still, it is both irritating and annoying. Maybe a small hiccup in the big sneeze that is life, but a course suddenly closed does carry all the impact of a big door that shuts unexpectedly on your foot. It happened to me recently when my round at the blessed West Hill Golf Club in Surrey had to be scrapped because of the rain that continues to belt depressingly against my study window as I…