Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Ask avid golfers in the US for opinions about “dream golf trips” – you know, those bucket-list destinations dotted with bucket-list courses – and Scotland and Ireland will naturally be mentioned first. Beyond those iconic venues, it’s hard to predict responses. The savviest of sticks might surprise you by casting their covetous eyes southward –Continue reading “Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand”

L.A.B. Golf’s DF3.i – A Classic Boy-Meets-Putter Story

Over the years, I have tested and reviewed hundreds of putters. A substantial number of those putters have subsequently stayed in my bag for a time – from a month to a full season, sometimes longer. Every time I think I have found my “forever putter,” a new one comes along and…fireworks! Am I aContinue reading “L.A.B. Golf’s DF3.i – A Classic Boy-Meets-Putter Story”

Foresight Sports: Winter “Blahs” Alleviated by Simulator “Aahs”

I grew up on a horse-boarding farm in Minnesota. Winters could be brutal – back in the day (yeah, I’m old), -20F was typical even without windchill. And always so much snow! But to be honest, aside from the physical discomfort, there were plusses. First of all, horse manure doesn’t smell when it’s frozen. Second,Continue reading “Foresight Sports: Winter “Blahs” Alleviated by Simulator “Aahs””

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Don’t let the Grinch play through!

In last year’s Holiday Gift Guide, I fretted about prices increasing. According to The Budget Lab at Yale University, the concern was warranted. The lab’s research shows that leather products, wearing apparel, and metal products – categories central to the golf industry – are three of the top four that have been hit hardest byContinue reading “2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Don’t let the Grinch play through!”

Mizzou’s Gustin Golf Course Surprises at Every Turn

Columbia, Missouri, is known as the location of the state’s flagship public university. And to its faithful fans and alumni, The University of Missouri is known as MIZZOU. During the Tigers’ sold-out SEC football games at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, you can hear half the avid fans cheering “M-I-Z” and answered by the otherContinue reading “Mizzou’s Gustin Golf Course Surprises at Every Turn”

Dubsdread: Cog Hill #4 is Perennial Top Public Course in Illinois

Since the mid-1990s, golf has witnessed the widespread development of far-flung golf resorts constructed according to a “build it and they will come” philosophy. The idea is that dedicated golfers will travel to the ends of the earth to play great layouts. Today’s golfing public sometimes forgets, however, that the best courses are often withinContinue reading “Dubsdread: Cog Hill #4 is Perennial Top Public Course in Illinois”

L.A.B. Putters – “Feels like I’m cheating!”

I’ve been writing about golf equipment for almost 30 years. In that time, I have tested and reviewed close to 100 putters, ranging from household name brands to boutique start-ups. Many – by which I mean most – new putter companies fail within a few years. But every now and then, one of these pluckyContinue reading “L.A.B. Putters – “Feels like I’m cheating!””

Sub70 JB Sugar Skull Wedges: Scary-good

If you’ve never heard of Sub70 Golf, you’re in for a treat. This boutique clubmaker based in Sycamore, Illinois, has been producing clubs that are of the highest quality, but at a very reasonable price-point. As I detailed in the profile linked above, the philosophy at Sub70 is “If it isn’t better, don’t release it.”Continue reading “Sub70 JB Sugar Skull Wedges: Scary-good”

May your Ryder Cup be Filled with Cool Merch

The Ryder Cup rolls around every two years, and golf fans anticipate it as eagerly as Olympians await the Olympics or soccer fans crave the World Cup. With the Ryder Cup being held at Bethpage Black this year, and Keegan Bradley representing a new generation of US team captains, golf equipment and apparel companies areContinue reading “May your Ryder Cup be Filled with Cool Merch”

Hot Summer Golf Gifts

It’s been a hot summer, but my golf game has been hot and cold. Those of us doggedly pursuing lower scores through the heat and humidity deserve some treats in these waning dogdays, don’t you think? I’ve rounded up some of my favorite golf gift ideas to help pull you out of the doldrums, celebrateContinue reading “Hot Summer Golf Gifts”