I’m fortunate enough to be in a position within the golf industry where I get to try, test and play equipment that I do not have to pay for. But sometimes, either to replenish my own stock, to test secretly, or just because I really want something, I do spend my own money on golf gear. So while I know that my situation is very fortunate, I still want readers and followers to feel confident when they are spending their hard earned money.
These are my five favorite things that I tested this year that if they were taken away from me, I would buy them again.
Wilson Staff Model X Golf Balls
I have not been shy about my love and infatuation for the Wilson Staff Model X golf ball. I credit the ball for giving me more confidence on the golf course this year than any year previously, and it was the single piece of equipment that didn’t change once the entire year. I put the ball in play super early on this year and it stuck. It’s a spinnier golf ball that’s super stable in the wind, rips on wedges, and still spins in a reasonable window off the tee. There’s very little they could do to improve this golf ball in my eyes, but I’m excited to see what they might do with the next generation.
Check out my article to understand my infatuation.
Mini Drivers
Mini drivers are awesome for so many reasons. And the best part is that the market now has plenty of options. My personal favorite is the Callaway Elyte Mini because it sits in a really nice spin window, it’s incredibly accurate off the tee, and if I really have to hit it off the deck I can. The best part about any mini driver is the versatility in the build. I’ve done everything from build a 42-inch R7 Quad Mini with an 83 gram shaft to a 45″ BRNR with a 50 gram shaft. There’s so much you can do with a mini driver. I’m still not a fan of trying to replace your actual driver with a mini but, your clubs are your clubs. So whatever puts the ball in the fairway is good 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 I do, I suggest trying the Elyte Mini from Callaway. If you’re looking for an absolute bomber, I suggest trying the TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini.
Callaway Elyte Custom Mini Driver
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TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver
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Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Spikes
First-off, spikeless shoes are not golf shoes. Anybody who says so is wrong. There are significant advantages to proper golf spikes with replaceable traction. (As a disclaimer, I’ve been working with the Softspikes team for a couple of years now and there’s some research and testing I have seen to prove this, which I can’t wait to continue to share on this platform.) That being said, the Payntr Eighty Seven SC golf spikes are by far my favorites. Right out of the box they were more comfortable than every other golf spike that I own minus the Skechers (yes the Skechers). I can walk 36 holes a day with zero issue, and they are a great combination of stable and comfortable. The only downside I can think of is that there’s only two spikes in the heels, but honestly that’s just me nitpicking. I’ve never had an issue with any slipping. Playing in the rain, walking through the fall leaves, or standing on side hill lies; none of it’s a problem. Plus, they were co-designed with Jason Day, who’s my favorite golfer. So bonus points for that.
PAYNTR Jason Day Eighty Seven SC (Men’s)
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Motocaddy M7 Remote (New Style)
Getting an electric trolley last year was a great shift for my game. I really enjoy walking, particularly in colder spring or fall weather when it doesn’t make you sweat so much, but I have problems with my knees and having to either push a manual cart or carry a bag can be tougher than I want it to be. So when Motocaddy entered the equation things go so much better. I have other friends who have electronic trollies and it’s even more fun to play and walk with them. There’s something about walking a round with your buddies that’s so enjoyable. The conversations you have walking down the fairway, and feeling a bit more free to think through your shots as you walk to your ball is great. The new style Motocaddy M7 Remote is super sleek, comes with their new battery design that doesn’t have a wire coming from it, and it’s incredibly simple to use. The remote is self-explanatory and easy to use, and the range of control is freakishly far. It’s also very easy to travel with to the course. It folds up with the flip of just a couple levers to a very compact size. If you like walking, but you want to make the physical load just a bit easier, the Motocaddy M7 Remote is the way to go.
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Toulon Golf Formula 45
The Toulon Golf Formula 45 is a really unique offering. When Toulon decided to enter the low-torque putter market, they wanted to do something different. They wanted to do something to add to the category rather than just throwing a Toulon-branded option out there for the sake of having an option. The Formula 45 is a 45º toe up putter. It’s still incredibly low-torque compared to something like the standard Miami mallet from Toulon Golf, while allowing the player to more traditionally arc the putter during the stroke. Players who have been using a blade for most of their career, or players who are just so engrained in their standard putting stroke can see a large benefit in the Formula 45 compared to the Formula 90 or other face-forward style designs.
