EVENTS

Elite golf equipment has come a long way in the past few years. From luxury golf clubs to expensive golf balls, the game of golf has evolved to a higher level of performance and quality.

In 2023, we can expect to see even more advanced technology and materials used in top-flight golf equipment. This will enable players to reach their highest potential while playing the game. With these new tools, players can expect to experience better accuracy and control when it comes to their shots on the course.

Have a look at some of what’s on offer this year in golf gear and perhaps some of this equipment could help your game!

Drivers

New drivers are the vehicles that “drive” equipment sales. Hitting it longer and straighter is a priority for all who play the sport. Check these new ones out:

Srixon: The company’s new ZX Mk II woods and drivers deliver "tour-level performance and revolutionary energy transfer," according to Srixon. A stronger rebound frame design with dual flex zones on the woods creates a seamless energy transfer from the clubface through the golf ball. Retails for US$249.99-$499.99.

• Cleveland Golf: Cleveland Golf's RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge – launched on Jan. 20 – features HydraZip, a technology that uses dynamic face blasts and laser lines to maximize friction for improved spin consistency in dry and wet conditions. Testing showed 43% more spin in wet conditions with the RTX 6 ZipCore than the previous generation. Its UltiZip technology boasts sharper, deeper and more tightly spaced grooves to help golfers cut through rough for enhanced spin, control, and consistency. Retails for US$169.99.
• PING: Hitting it far is the goal, but what good is extra distance if you can't keep the ball in play? That's been PING's guiding principle in recent years, as their drivers continue to be known as the industry's best fairway-finders. Forgiveness-first is still the story with the G430 line of drivers and fairway woods, but the company also reports their pro staffers picking up an extra couple of miles per hour in ball speed, too, thanks to a shallower and thinner forged face. The G430 line also includes hybrids and irons. Retails for US$600-$630.
• Callaway Golf: The new Paradym family features drivers, woods and hybrids. The driver's all-carbon chassis has removed all titanium, resulting in a body that's 44% lighter. The fairway woods could be up to seven yards longer thanks to a tungsten speed cartridge, plus batwing and A.I.-designed Jailbreak technologies for more face flexure that launch the ball off the club. Jon Rahm used one en route to his Sentry Tournament of Champions victory. Retails for US$299-$599 with iron sets starting at $1,399.
• TaylorMade: TaylorMade’s new face design in the Stealth 2 line uses Inverted Cone Technology, which is designed to maintain ball speed on off-center strikes. TaylorMade is calling this newfound forgiveness a clever name – Fargiveness. When compared to last year's original model, the Stealth 2 Plus features a 75% increase in moment of inertia and that number is nearly double in the Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD. Golfers can custom-order the color of their driver faces, adding a bit of flair to their tee shots. The Stealth 2 hybrids, fairway woods and irons are also a step above technologically compared to 2022. Retails for US$349-$629 with an iron set for $999 and up.

Pro Golf Balls

The 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x – arguably the best golf balls in the game – were in development in 2021. They are already being used by 45 pros on the PGA Tour, including Will Zalatoris, Viktor Hovland and Sungjae Im, with Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Smith, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Titleist‘s design brief was to lower long-game spin while maintaining spin levels around the greens and they say the new models are “demonstrably better” than the 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x thanks to a new high-gradient core design. The inner core of the Pro V1x’s dual-core has increased in volume by 44%, from one inch to 1.13 inches, helping to drive down long game spin and increase stability through the air. The new core designs are inspired by the brand’s custom Pro V1 Left Dot and Pro V1x Left Dash, which both use high gradient cores and are the choice of several players on tour.

Designer Golf Clothing and Accessories

In the past few years there has been a trend where more and more designer labels have looked to break into the golfing world with apparel. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Original Penguin, TravisMathew, G/FORE and plenty more make the best golf tops, best golf pants and pretty much every other piece of clothing.

G/FORE Camo Performer Jacket: G/FORE is known for making products that really stand out and this Camo Performer jacket is a case in point. That being said we do think it does have some restraint given the camo design is not an all over print. The super soft, luxurious material is lightweight, but provides good warmth in chilly conditions and is brilliant at keeping out the wind. The jacket is water resistant and features ‘AquaGuard’ waterproof zippers.

J Lindeberg Peter Slim Fit Polo Shirt: This is probably as close to feeling like you’re playing golf topless as you’re likely to experience. The material on this polo shirt is incredibly thin and lightweight, it barely adds a few ounces to your shoulders. Despite being billed as slim fit, it doesn’t come up excessively tight, helped by the stretchiness of the material. On hot days, this shirt manages temperature really well not by being noticeably thin but also by wicking away perspiration with consummate ease. The styling is modest but there’s enough there to catch the eye in the wavy JL pattern across the chest and the grey color is particularly versatile. On cooler days, you’ll likely need to add a vest or a mid layer, but for sunny days on the fairways, this shirt will do an excellent job.

Bonobos Performance Link Pants: A brand you would have seen worn by Justin Rose, Bonobos often makes shirts, in particular, that stand out from the crowd but this is not the case with the Performance Link Pants. The soft, comfortable fabric feels lovely on the skin, but also enables you to move well throughout your golf swing. This fabric also provides UV resistance, making these great trousers to wear if you're playing in hot conditions. They also have moisture-wicking and quick drying properties if you do get caught in an unexpected shower. Bonobos has also got the little details right in this offering. From the logo slide snap closure to the silicone shirt gripper on the inside of the waistband, these are excellent golf pants. They also come in nine different colors.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses can be a crucial part of some players’ games, like your golf clubs, gloves, and other essential golfing equipment. The right sunglasses for the golf course can help you locate your golf ball easier on bright or overcast days, read putts via the color and contrast-enhancing lenses, and block sand or debris out of your eyes when the wind is in your face. Here are two new offerings that come highly recommended:

Callaway Izzo Golf Sun Gear Sunglasses: Callaway says other sunglasses manufacturers may claim they have “golf specific lenses,” but the 8-Base Lens Configuration on the Izzo sunglasses were the first lenses in sunglasses specifically built for golf. Callaway figured out that through using their 8-Base Lens process users experience “twice as much light as competitors while still protecting your eyes 100% from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.” To most, the promise of receiving twice as much light through sunglasses might sound ridiculous, but Callaway says they intentionally designed their lenses this way to allow golfers to have much better depth perception than competing sunglasses. In addition to their lens technology, Callaway uses hydrophilic Megol tips placed at the temples and at the nose pad that get stickier when wet or sweaty to ensure users never worry about their glasses slipping or causing a distraction when addressing the ball. Nose pads are adjustable (unlike many competing models) for a customizable fit and feel.

OAKLEY Portal X Sunglasses: The Portal X model from Oakley is perfect for on-course and off-course use. Arguably, even more critical, the sunglasses’ design makes them comfortable for all-day wear. Oakley has released its own line of specialty lenses called “Prizm,” and offers 10 different versions of these specialty lenses that fine-tune the visual experience for users’ specific environments. Depending on your area of the world and your particular golf course conditions, Oakley offers a “Prizm Golf'' and a “Prizm Dark Golf” lens option to improve your ability to see slopes, find your golf ball, and shield your eyes from the sun's rays. Oakley says the frames on the Portal X style are made from “O Matter” material providing durability and all-day comfort. Both the nose pads and the ear socks contain “Unobtanium,” Oakley says increases grip when wet to keep your eyewear securely in place. When you perspire or get your shades wet, you can be sure the Oakley Portal X sunglasses will stay firmly in place, so you never have to fear your sunglasses slipping while you take your swings on the golf course.

Make Penthouse William Your Choice in London
When you are in the London area for a golf journey, Penthouse William is the ideal place to stay. When it comes to a luxury London vacation rental, this penthouse has all the bases covered. Located in the prestigious St. James, you will have some of the most coveted urban views of famous sites such as Buckingham Palace, The Shard, The London Eye, Green Park, The Palace of Westminster, and Big Ben. Five beautifully-appointed bedrooms will accommodate up to 10 guests. Amenities include a massage room, gym, bar, cinema room, office and a magical rooftop terrace.

LVH has vast experience customizing golf itineraries with the most elite golf courses in the world. If you are dreaming of a golf getaway, we will create your dream itinerary based on your exacting wishes. We will handle your luxurious accommodations as well create a custom itinerary exceeding your expectations. We invite you to contact an LVH client relations team member who will begin planning your ideal golf vacation, so you can make some wonderful new memories!