Teeing Off

Author:
SI Staff

MY BAG

FOR THE PLAYERS

Bo Van Pelt

"I'm the worst at changing gear. I bought a set of clubs at a shopping mall in Oklahoma when I was in the eighth grade and kept it until I went to college."

1. DRIVER

Titleist

909 D2 (8.5°)

Titleist.com

SHAFT: Mitsubishi Rayon

Fubuki 73 (X flex)

Mitsubishirayongolf.com

2. FAIRWAY WOOD

Titleist

910 FD (13.5°)

SHAFT: Mitsubishi Rayon

Diamana Blue 80 (X flex)

3. HYBRID

Titleist

910 H (17°)

SHAFT: UST Mamiya

Proforce V2 104 (X flex)

Ustmamiya.com

4. IRONS

Titleist

CB (four-iron); MB (five-iron through PW)

SHAFTS: Nippon

NS Pro 980 (X flex)

Nipponshaft.com

5. PUTTER

Scotty Cameron

Newport2 Studio Select

Scottycameron.com

6. SHOES

Footjoy

DryJoys Tour

Footjoy.com

7. BALL

Titleist

Pro V1

GRIPS

Golf Pride

Green Victory Cord

Golfpride.com

TECH TALK

CORE VALUE

Nike's Method Core putter uses advanced materials and a unique groove design to get the ball rolling—and tracking

ANY BALL on the green sits slightly below the surface of the grass, and to roll true it must first get on top of that surface. To help golfers achieve this, most putters have about four degrees of loft to give the ball some lift at impact. But loft imparts backspin on the ball, which can cause it to hop and skid upon landing, and those actions may alter the line or speed of the putt. Nike's Method Core putter attempts to get around that problem by cutting the loft to two degrees and using a blend of materials to get the ball up and rolling with less backspin and more overspin.

The polymer fins extend through the face and make up the top half of the groove so the ball contacts them first. They soften the impact to decrease vibration and increase stability.

The top edges of the grooves in the aluminum face plate "grab" the surface of the ball providing lift and imparting topspin.

The aluminum also creates an audible sound at impact, feedback that is a key factor in distance control.

The cavity that holds the insert removes 40 grams from the center of the putter, focusing the weight in the heel and toe for a greater moment of inertia or stability.

SEE

TRY

BUY

@GOLF.com

TWO PHOTOS

DARREN CARROLL (BALL, BAG)

PHOTO

ROBERT BECK (VAN PELT)

PHOTO

COURTESY OF FOOTJOY (SHOE)

ILLUSTRATION

COURTESY OF NIKE (ILLUSTRATION)

THREE ILLUSTRATIONS

May 16, 2011