I am fortunate enough to be in a position in the golf industry where I can try, test and play equipment that I don’t have to pay for. But sometimes, either to replenish my stocks, to sneakily try, or just because I really want something, I spend my money on golf equipment. So while I know my situation is very fortunate, I want my readers and followers to feel safe spending their hard earned money.
These are my five favorite things I’ve tested this year and if they were taken away I’d buy them again.
Wilson Staff Model X Golf Balls
I haven’t been shy about my love and passion for the Wilson Staff Model X golf ball. I credit the ball with giving me more confidence on the golf course this year than any year before, and it was the only piece of equipment that didn’t change once all year. I put the ball in play very early this year and it stuck. It’s a higher spin golf ball that is super consistent in the wind, rips in the wedge and still spins in a reasonable window off the tip. There is very little they can do to improve this golf ball in my eyes, but I am excited to see what they can do with the next generation.
Check out my article to understand my passion.
Wilson Staff Model X Golf Balls
The Wilson Staff Model® X golf ball is a four-piece, tournament-caliber urethane golf ball that delivers unmatched accuracy, speed and consistency. Designed for players who want a hard, fast ball, the Staff Model X has more length and more spin from the tip and irons. Each Staff Model X ball is painted using a well-controlled application process that ensures a near-perfect finish, resulting in the highest caliber performance.
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Mini Drivers
Mini drivers are great for so many reasons. And the best part is that the market now has many options. My personal favorite is the Callaway Elyte Mini because it sits in a really nice spin window, is incredibly accurate off the tip, and if I really need to hit it off the deck, I can. The best part about any mini driver is the versatility in construction. I’ve done everything from building a 42 inch R7 Quad Mini with an 83 gram axle to a 45 inch BRNR with a 50 gram axle. There is so much you can do with a mini driver. I’m still not a fan of trying to replace your current driver with a mini, but your clubs are your clubs. So anything that puts the ball in the fairway is fine by me. (If you want to know why I don’t think it’s a driver replacement, read my article).
If you’re looking for control, like me, I suggest you try the Elyte Mini from Callaway. If you’re looking for an absolute bomber, I suggest you try the TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini.
Callaway Elyte Mini Driver
FEATURES AND BENEFITS Top-of-the-bag versatility More forgiving and easier to drive than a cheap wood, the Elyte Mini Driver is a great alternative when driving accuracy is paramount. Features neutral, fade and draw settings for custom ball flight control. Elyte Speed from Improved Shape The all-new Elyte shape offers improved aerodynamics for Elyte speed throughout the golf swing. The improved shape is designed to maximize swing speed with improved forgiveness and release conditions. Ai Advances for Optimal Distance, Control and Launch Our most advanced Ai Face yet, the new Ai10x face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face™. Designed to produce extremely fast ball speeds, tight distribution and optimized release across the face.
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TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini Custom Driver
PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER Inspired by one of the most iconic designs in TaylorMade’s history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what has come before while creating its own modern identity in the same spirit. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give players versatility and playability. R7 QUAD WEIGHING SYSTEM The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide spin management and stroke shape control. The forward CG creates a penetrating flight more suited to maximizing distance, while the aft CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. The shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping to create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustment. INFINITY CARBON CROWN A new satin Infinity Carbon crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant and inspires confidence.
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Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Spikes
First, spikeless shoes are not golf shoes. Anyone who says so is wrong. There are significant advantages to the right golf clubs with replaceable pulls. (As a disclaimer, I’ve worked with the Softspikes team for a few years now, and there’s some research and testing I’ve seen to back it up that I look forward to continuing to share on this platform.) That said, the Payntr Eighty Seven SC golf spikes are definitely my favorite. Right out of the box they were more comfortable than any other golf club I own minus Skechers (yes Skechers). I can walk 36 holes a day with zero problem, and they are a great combination of durability and comfort. The only downside I can think of is that there are only two studs on the heels, but honestly I’m the only one digging them. I have never had a problem with any slipping. Playing in the rain, walking through the autumn leaves or standing on the side of the hill lies; none of this is a problem. Plus, they were co-designed with Jason Day, who is my favorite golfer. So bonus points for that.
PAYNTR Jason Day Eighty Seven SC (Men’s)
In collaboration with Jason Day, our newest model, the Eighty Seven SC, has arrived! CLARINO Trivela™️ microfiber upper provides lightweight support and flexibility Full WATERPROOF + breathable membrane fused to liner and sealed with bottom gasket. ARIAPRENE® tongue and boot provide supreme foot closure to ensure maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support. The TPU outsole, with the Fast Twist insertion system, provides traction in three dimensions for the life of the shoe. The PMXNitro+ Footbed provides responsive lightweight protection for the life of the shoe. PMXNitro+ Midsole provides maximum energy return and ultimate underfoot support. The CARBITEX GearFlex™️ drive plate allows players to more effectively utilize ground reaction forces. *Discount does not apply to this style*
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Motocaddy M7 remote control (new style)
Getting an electric wheelchair last year was a huge game changer for me. I really enjoy walking, especially in cooler spring or fall weather when it doesn’t make you sweat as much, but I have knee problems and having to either push a manual wheelchair or carry a bag can be more difficult than I like. So when Motocaddy entered the equation, things go thus much better. I have other friends who have e-strollers and it’s even more fun to play and walk with them. There is something about hiking with your friends that is so enjoyable. The conversations you have while walking the fairway and feeling a little freer to think about your shots as you walk to the ball are great. The new style Motocaddy M7 remote control is super sleek, comes with the new battery design that has no wires coming from it and is incredibly easy to use. The remote control is self-explanatory and easy to use, and the control range is extremely far. It is also very easy to travel with on the course. It folds with the flip of just a few levers into a very compact size. If you enjoy walking, but want to lighten the physical load a bit, the Motocaddy M7 remote control is the way to go.
Motocaddy M7 remote control (new style)
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Toulon Golf Formula 45
Toulon Golf Formula 45 is a truly unique offering. When Toulon decided to enter the low-torque machine market, they wanted to do something different. They wanted to do something to add to the category rather than just throw a Toulon branded option in there for the sake of having an option. Formula 45 is a tip 45º up. It’s still extremely low-torque compared to something like the standard Miami hammer from Toulon Golf, while allowing the player to more traditionally arch the putter at impact. Players who have used a blade for most of their career, or players who are so entrenched in their standard shot, may see a huge benefit in the Formula 45 over the Formula 90 or other face styles.
