- MOI continues to drive new developments
- Larger sweet spots, increased aerodynamics, easy-slide soles
- Larger selection for a variety of swing profiles
- Exchangeable shafts and retroactive adjustment options
The most
important topic at GOLF EUROPE 2009, held from October 5th to 7th, 2008
in Munich, is
and remains MOI, the moment of inertia. Even golfers who have no advanced degree
in physics know that a high MOI is a measure for higher stability, and no
modern, play-enhancing golf club can do without it.
For 2009
the industry offers golf players more attractive products than ever. Never
before were the latest oversized drivers classier, sleeker, shapelier, and more
futuristic-looking than those for the 2009 season. Design departments worked
harder than ever and derived their inspirations from “classic male subjects”
such as racing cars, star fighters, and state-of-the-art aeronautics.
The
designs speak clearly of power and dynamics paired with aerodynamic aspects.
The latter influenced the new shapes quite strongly. They are reflected in
continuous transitions, and tapered club heads (driver). Weight cartridges,
pads or inserts not only do their job (to lower and push the center of gravity
further backward); they are also elegantly integrated into the overall design.
They are hidden with the help of flat inlays in the sole or in the transition
to the backside of the club head, or even with a spoiler-like look. F-22
fighter jets and Lamborghini’s Reventón provided the inspiration for the latest
designs of one of the largest driver manufacturers.
In
addition to compelling aesthetics the 2009 models boast a number of just as
impressive hard facts: thin wall construction and ultra-light composite
materials make it possible to explore new limits in targeted weight
distribution (all club types) and to place even more weight(s) into the sole to
simplify ball contact.
Club
faces (drivers and woods) are elongated and even more forgiving thanks to
enlarged sweet spots. Reinforcement of the ultra-thin metals on the backside of
the club (in trapeze, rhombus, cross or x-form) expand the optimal strike zone
practically across the entire face. Even balls struck not in the exact center
will fly farther and straighter than before. Basically, the club has to connect
with the ball “anywhere” on the club face to perform.
The sound
and feeling of club/ball impact also experienced some fine-tuning. Dampening composite
ribs turn harsh sounds into pleasant resonances.
All types
of clubs are now more suited to any variety of swing profile than ever before.
There are versions made of pure titanium as well as multi-material variations.
The trend
for drivers, fairway woods and hybrids is geared not only towards offering a
number of different loft degrees, but also a larger selection of standard
shafts. In 2009, a golfer will not just select a shaft according to weight and
flexibility, but also according to his or her preferred (or suitable) swing
curve (higher or shallower; with more or less spin). Next season, golfers will
be able to make the appropriate selection to, for example, get a 3 wood with
the features to accommodate his or her type of swing.
Speaking
of spin – to influence the side spin, there will also be more variety in the
selection of the preferred club face angle (neutral or closed). A number of
models will be available in both versions. A brand-new option will be presented
at this year’s Golf Europe: the face can be adjusted retroactively to result in
a draw curve. This is accomplished with the help of a special hosel allowing
adjusting of the club head in two positions.
Yet that
is not all: this and a number of other systems make it possible for golfers to also
exchange the shaft. Depending on weather and course conditions, the player can select
the appropriate exchange shaft, or use a club head with more or less loft with
his standard shaft.
Custom-fitted
clubs are a mega-trend nobody can ignore. The mentioned hosel/insert systems
are geared primarily towards professional custom-fitting by golf instructors or
fitting stations.
A
multitude of innovations have impacted irons as well. Observed more and more
often at tee boxes, club sets for beginners combine 8 to 10 clubs including a
number of different club types – utility woods, hybrid irons, and irons with
wide soles. Advantage: all lengths optimally coordinate with each other.
New, more
refined sole designs are wide-spread. Often they are more rounded from front to
back and from toe to heel. The effect: the area of contact with the ground
decreases, the club glides through the grass better, twists less, and drags
less on the ground especially when hitting in high grass or the rough.
MOI inspired
putter designers to futuristic, bold new shapes. Any resemblance to Star Wars
Pod Racers is fully intended. Exchangeable weights allow adjustment to one’s
personal putting intensity or to various green conditions. Putter faces
constructed with layers of different composites, or composites combined with
milled steel offer a new feeling: better handling, as well as performance and
durability.
GOLF
EUROPE 2008, the 16th International Golf Sports Trade Show, held
from October 5th to 7th, 2008 in Munich,
will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the latest products for the
next golf season.
