Admittedly, the Optishot might not fit into everyone's garage/basement/lounge/budget but it is something of a no-brainer for families with a bit of cash to spend, sufficient room in the house, and a love for the game that is so intense, playing outdoors on a real course just isn't enough golf. The new Optishot infrared simulator features a new software package highlighted by a completely redesigned interface and enhanced graphics. A sleek new design, easier-to-read data, improved navigation, variety of putting modes, custom display options, and the ability to preview premium courses have also been added to the system.
Available at dancingdogg.com
Boccieri Golf's Secret Grip - $16.99
Beginning with the Heavy Putter, launched in 2005, Boccieri Golf has enjoyed a great deal of success in recent years with its range of weighted clubs. Now the company has launched a counter-weighted grip that is 40 percent heavier than standard grips thanks to the tungsten weight in the butt-end which raises the club’s balance point, promoting more consistent contact.
Available at secretgrip.com
Fila Vicenza Polo - $90
It's not the cheapest golf shirt in the world, but get one (okay maybe a couple so you don't have to wear the sme color/style on the course every time you play) and you my decide you never need to buy a golf shirt again. The Vicenza is incredibly comfortble and, provided you don't keep it in a small box for a month, doesn't really need ironing.It wicks moisture nd nti-bacterial too. Composition: Body: 87% Nylon / 13% Lycra • Inserts: 91% Recycled Polyester / 9% Lycra
Available at shopfilagolf.com
Jones Original Bag - $129.95
For the golfer who prefers to carry a traditional, elegant, single-strap bag while walking the course the Jones Original is just the ticket. The Portland, Ore. based Jones company, founded in 1971, went down in the late 1990s due to competition from Callaway, Ping etc. But it relaunched earlier this year, meaning this classic carry bag is now available to cart-renouncing golfers, the only difference between the old and new versions being the modern-day materials with which the 2012 model is made.
Available at Jonesgolfbags.com
Miura Wedges - $235
Typical for Miura, these wedges are beautifully forged from a mild steel and possess a tight grain structure that the company claims is unmatched in the industry which explains the fairly hefty price tag. This grain structure gives Miura wedges (available in 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 degree models, with between five and nine degrees of bounce) wonderfully soft feel and consistency. Right-hand only.
Information here, available at Vons Golf & Putter Studio in Seattle.
adidas Puremotion - $120
adidas calls the Puremotion an 'athletic performance shoe with lightweight and breathable perfomance materials that give it increased flexibility and extreme comfort'. The company adds it is designed to 'deliver enhancements in climate control, performance and comfort', and says the shoe is ultra-lightweight to 'help reduce fatigue and enhance energy round after round'.
I just say it's a really cool shoe.
Available at taylormadegolf.com/adidasGolf
Sunice Edge Elmont - $380
'Sunice Edge is made up of a range of garments that allow golfers to create layers. Outerwear is all made from GORE-TEX with Paclite technology - the lightest, most packable of Gore's waterproof membranes'. The Elmont is a pricey jacket, no question. But to deal with the Bellingham winter, you need something with its performance and durability.
Available by calling Sunice on (800) 561-3872.
SwingSmart - $249.99
Swing a golf club with the SwingSmart device attached to the shaft and four key stats - angle of attack, clubface angle, swing speed, and tempo - are instantly transmitted to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod giving you the vital informtion you need to improve the shape, tempo and effectiveness of your swing. The SwingSmart web site shows an impressive list of publications that have given this training aid their recommendation.
Available at swingsmart.com
FootJoy Boot - $119.95
The FootJoy Boot is available only in Washington and Oregon and comes with a limited two-year waterproof warranty. The soft-grain leather uppers feature ballistic mesh liners for added comfort, and the moulded combintion Duramax rubber/EV outsole provides superior flexibility, durabiliy and cushioining. Softspike Cyclone cleats help keep you upright.
Available at Shuksan GC Pro Shop - 360-398-8888
G-Mac by Kartel Portrush Polo - $75
'The Portrush polo features contrast color under the collar, button holes and button thread. It is offered in eight colors this season and is fast becoming the classic of the G-Mac by Kartel collection, often seen worn by Graeme in his favorite Bell Heather color. The Portrush has a UV factor of 30.'
Composition: 95% AbsorbTec polyester and 5% Spandex
Available at fairwaystyles.com
This package, offered by Bellingham's own Joe Holdridge of Joe's Professional Golf Lab and Indoor Golf Center on Hannegan Rd, is valued at $1,290 but priced at an amazing $600. It comprises six one-hour video lessons, a custom club-fitting session, a custom-built set of clubs (Driver, 5 wood, hybrid, 6 iron, 8 iron, PW, SW & putter), and six half-hour practice sessions on an indoor golf simulator.
This offer, and several other membership/play options, available at joeprogolflab.com
Shuksan Play Card and Club Membership Packages - starting at $69
For as little as $71 a month, you can play unlimited golf (Mon-Thurs) all year long. Benefits include access to all member events, advance reservations, handicapping, and merchandise discounts. Also, new for 2012 - unlimited members receive six guest passes while limited members receive four. Unlimited membership (all week) costs $1,399 plus tax (spouse is $699). Limited (Mon-Thurs) costs $849 plus tax (spouse is $599).
Club membership, offered at $69 plus tax, gives you winter green fees of $18, two free rounds or one free round and your GHIN handicap, discount range pass, 10% discount on shop merchandise, reduced rate daily green and cart fees, and access to members-only tournaments.
The eight-round punch card costs $299 with cart, and $199 walking. It can be used Mon-Fri and at weekends (Sat, Sun) after 3pm. This represents a 38% saving off standard rates.
Available at Shuksangolf.com
Fitness & Flexibility Classes with Lori Johnson and Tyler Wong - $50
Certified Master Trainer Lori Johnson of Fresh Start Fitness Training and Nutritional Consulting (left), and Sudden Valley PGA Professional Tyler Wong will together be hosting a series of classes in January aimed at improving golfers' strength, flexibility, and endurance. The four classes will be held on Tuesdays (Jan 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th) between 5pm and 6pm, in the Sudden Valley Health Club Barn.
To sign up email the pro shop at
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, or call 360-734-6435.
