2019 PGA Merchandise Show

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When news started to pour out from Batavia, Illinois based golf equipment manufacturer Tour Edge about their new Exotics EXS range of products I was very excited. Premium products built from premium material. The range includes everything from their driver (which scored very well for a Top Driver Teezy Award) to a set of irons. Between the technology that’s packed into the Exotics EXS line and the attractive price point that accompany them there is much to be excited about when looking at the EXS range of products.

One of the manufacturers that I was really excited to swing at the 2019 PGA Show Merchandise Demo Day was in fact Tour Edge. Already having had the opportunity to test and review the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 4 hybrid late in 2018 (EXS 4 Hybrid Review here) my appetite was whet in anticipation at the prospect of what the rest of the range was like. Especially, the Exotics EXS irons. The tagline that Tour Edge is using for this range (“Pound for Pound… Nothing Comes Close”) surely resonated with me. Here’s why.

 

The Pre-Shot Routine

The Exotics EXS irons by Tour Edge are packed with a ton of technology. One of the trends that we’re seeing in the golf industry is that of iron sets consisting of hollow-body construction. The EXS irons are no exception.

Exotics EXS irons feature a forged Cup Face with what Tour Edge refers to as “SpiderWeb VFT Technology”. The result? An expanded sweet spot that allows for more forgiveness which in turn enhances the golfer experience. Especially on strikes that are not… “Optimum”. Also noteworthy is the fact that the face construction is the thinnest that Tour Edge has ever used. The long irons 4-7 are the irons that feature the hollow body construction whilst the short irons 8-PW feature an undercut cavity design. A key point in the short irons is what Tour Edge calls “LaunchPad Technology”. The LaunchPad Technology is a polymer that Tour Edge used to absorb vibration, enhance the feel and create more “trampoline effect”. This effect aids in providing a higher ball exit velocity which theoretically equates to more distance.

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What good is a game-improvement iron if it doesn’t  feature perimeter weighting? Perimeter weighting has become an integral part of the golf manufacturing industry when it comes to the design of irons. Once thought to be used predominantly in game-improvement irons we’ve seen the use of Tungsten perimeter weighting in what many would now describe as player’s irons. The EXS irons are no exception as Tour Edge R&D placed a 19-gram toe weight to further address forgiveness and playability. Higher M.O.I means more resistance to twisting and “elongates the sweet spot”.

Technology points don’t simply “end” in the design of the head. Stock shafts offered in both graphite and steel. The options are none other than the Tensei CK Blue 2G Series by Mitsubishi Chemical (MCA). This shaft (also featured in the EXS Hybrid) combines the best of Kevlar, Carbon Fiber and other lightweight materials. Shaft weights vary depending on the flex of the shaft (60-80 grams). Or in the case of the steel option the KBS Max 80 is available in either a Regular or Stiff flex and Tour Edge opted to choose the venerable Lamkin Grips UTx grip.

 

The Transition

(Demo Day Conditions – Sunny, Windy (left to right) and Warm. Tested with the MCA Tensei CK Blue 2G Series in Stiff flex)

Aesthetics – First things first. I just wanted to point out that in way these irons reminded me a little bit of their EXi irons introduced a couple of product cycles ago.

That said, these irons look mean and remind me of a “Muscle Car” from the 50’s – 60’s. Maybe like a 1957 Chevrolet Belair? When looking at them from the perspective of the golf bag view (cavity view) they look fast and they look powerful. Raw horsepower! I love the colorway of these irons with the silver and black badge on the back but the “pop” of blue just further adds to the aesthetic value of these irons (see picture below).

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Tour Edge Exotics EXS irons

The looks are very attractive in the address position. The blade length is neither too long nor is it too short. At the risk of sounding like “Golfilocks” the blade length was just right. The blade length inspires confidence at address and the ball sets up great behind the head. What I really like from the address position is the top line. It is quite thin for game-improvement irons and I found the EXS irons to be very attractive overall. Personally speaking, I feel that the EXS irons may very well be the best-looking iron set in its category.

Performance– Make no bones about it. The EXS irons are premier performers. Quite honestly, it all boils down to the initial thoughts I had regarding their looks (in the address position). Looking down at them, I felt so confident that I was going to see good results that the confidence went straight to my hands and arms. Quite honestly, at that point I hadn’t really made a ton of swings with any clubs. I was still finding my way (and my swing) post-Stroke and I really had no clue what swing was going to show up at Demo Day. My first swing resulted in a well-struck 8-iron that seemed to penetrate the left to right wind. The feel on that first strike was so crisp and more importantly the ball flight didn’t “balloon”. The wind did not affect the ball flight. It just held up and on its intended line.

Divots were crisp and that could be contributed to the design of the sole which is called a “Ramped Sole”. The sole is designed to provide better turf interaction and heel relief. More relief means less likelihood of the club getting entangled with the turf.

Distance. Without having any sort of launch monitor data I cannot give specific numbers. That’s why I tout being the “Home of Organic Golf Reviews”. Using my senses (sight, sound, touch) has allowed me to differentiate differences from club to club. These irons are “hot” and “long”. The thin cup face sounds “mean” and you know that you’ve struck the golf ball based on the crisp “thwack” at impact. The sound and feel is very “solid” and its very noticeable in the hollow-bodied longer irons. The Tungsten weighting in the toe as far as I’m concerned served its purpose very well and not only did it help to prevent twisting but it seemed like squaring the face was achieved very easily. These irons are long… I need to point out that I turned myself around to hit into the wind as best as I could. I need to point out one important fact about the EXS irons.

*** The iron lofts are strong!! For comparison sake the PW is an astounding 42*. If you trap the ball as you should you’ll de-loft the club more.

While I will not go as far as suggesting that the EXS irons have a blade-like profile I will say that the minimal offset and thinner top-line nearly suggests that it is. The result is a golf club that you can control and shot-shape with ease. Cut, draw, high, and low all shots are easily achieved. Flighting the ball is a “breeze”. My typical shot shape is straight to a baby draw and it was no exception with the EXS irons. The MCA Tensei CK Blue 2G shafts were smooth and quite honestly as expected based on my previous experience using this shaft. it is Tour-proven.

What a fantastic set of irons!

 

The Finish

There are iron sets that have given me a great first impression. The Exotics EXS irons were consummate. A total blend of looks, power, feel, and performance. This is an iron set that will benefit golfers of all skill levels. I’m talking Scratch all the way to a 25-handicap. The Exotics EXS irons scored and impressive. Iron sets start from $499.99 USD and come in a variety of set compositions 5-PW to 7-PW/AW/GW/SW.

Tour Edge has packed a ton of technology into these irons and I have no doubt in my mind that they might be the irons that are in fact “Pound for Pound” the best. There’s a reason why these irons won their category for the Teezy Awards. The Exotics EXS irons scored 38.5 out of 40 points. I really think that these irons would warrant further testing on-course! Range time is one thing… On-course is another. If you’re in the market for new irons in 2019 these would be worth a look. For more information on these Exotics EXS irons please visit Tour Edge.

Until The Next Tee!!

#FightAndGrind #SeeUOntheNextTee

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Based in Vaxjo, Sweden you’ll find golf clothing Galvin Green. While I’ve almost always associated Galvin Green as an outerwear company make no mistake. This is an apparel brand that designs and manufactures everything from base-layers and polos to golf trousers and more.

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At the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida Galvin Green introduced their impressive Carbon Series. The series includes a bevy of styles, colours, and styles. especially notable when it comes to the women’s apparel side of things where they feature great colours like Lavender and Azalea/Aurora. Colours that are happy and bright.

Technology isn’t just about golf equipment as it’s imperative in the golf apparel industry as well. We can’t control the weather but what we can do, however, is control how we keep comfortable out in the climate. Galvin Green has employed the use of GORE-TEX fabric, GORE-TEX Superstretch (in key areas) and their innovative and trademarked VENTIL8 PLUS fabric.

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Young Tom Morris made an appearance at Galvin Green during the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

Not only does Galvin Green provide high-performance apparel for men and women but juniors can also reap the benefits of Galvin Green’s emergence as a leader in the golf apparel industry. for junior golfers, RUSTY is a new piece in their ever-expanding junior range.

For more details, please see the press release as shared by Natalie Collard and Matt Curtis from sports public relations agency Sports Impact.

Until The Next Tee!!

#FightAndGrind #SeeUOnTheNextTee

– Carbon Series leads premium 2019 Part One collection with 70 new lines-

 

Galvin Green, the leading premium performance golf apparel brand, has launched its most advanced collection of technical clothing for the start of the 2019 season, with a total of 368 ground-breaking garments and matching accessories.

Building on its pioneering multi-layer concept, the Galvin Green 2019 Part One collection
has been taken to the next level to offer more styles, colours, and sizes, including 70 brand new lines for men, women, and juniors.

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Alicia (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

These include an even bigger selection of lightweight garments with greater breathability, stretch properties, moisture transportation, thermal insulation and ultraviolet protection than ever before.

“In creating this state-of-the-art clothing range, we’ve incorporated pioneering fabric
technology to maximize the golfers’ level of comfort without compromising on performance,” said CEO Christian Nilsson. “We’re confident that serious golfers will find something to suit them in the new collection so they’re always prepared, whatever weather they have to face when playing more often,” he added.

Leading the way in the Men’s range is the new Carbon Series in Black, Grey and Silver
colourways, providing golfers with a choice of eight standout garments, incorporating subtle tone-on-tone patterns. The technical design features provide golfers with a premium feel and a fashionable look both on and off the course.

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At the forefront is the stylish ARCHIE full-zip waterproof jacket in lightweight stretch GORE-TEX® fabric, with smooth C-KNIT® ‘slide and glide’ backer. Incorporating GORE-TEX® Superstretch inserts in key areas – first used on garments worn by Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup team – the soft, quiet and extremely breathable jacket also features durable Vectran™ technology on the shoulders for those who prefer to carry their clubs. Matching super-stretch AXEL waterproof trousers are available in 17 size options across the waist and leg lengths (S-3XL), while the ANDY waterproof trousers (Black or Navy) in eco-friendly GORE-TEX® fabric and lightweight lining provide more options (S-4XL).

 

The Matt (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)
The Mylo (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

The Carbon Series also features the eye-catching LLOYD full-zip jacket (Silver) and half-zip LANCELOT in the flexible INTERFACE-1™ hybrid Shell Layer, plus the DAVE full-zip
INSULA™ jacket offering thermal regulation. Also included are the MATT and MYLO short sleeve shirts in the efficient moisture-wicking VENTIL8™ PLUS fabric. Compatible
accessories include a snood, belt, and cap.

Designed by golfers for golfers

 

The Official Supplier of Weatherwear to the European Ryder Cup team in Paris has carried over its flagship 3-layer, full-zip flagship AL jacket (S-3XL). The waterproof jacket
incorporates GORE-TEX® stretch fabric with C-KNIT® backer, plus a rubberized collar edge and shaped sleeves for easy movement.

A Shell Layer newcomer is the ultra-lightweight ANDRES full-zip jacket in GORE-TEX
Paclite® stretch fabric technology for minimal swing restriction. Available in six eye-catching colourways, it features a chest pocket and prominent branding. Matching waterproof ARTHUR trousers are available in three colours (Red, Navy & Black) in more than 17 size options.

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Laurent (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

As many as nine garments feature in the versatile and lightweight INTERFACE-1™ hybrid
range that can be worn 95 out of 100 rounds. The full-zip LAURENT and striking half-zip
LINCOLN (S-3XL) come in five distinctive colours, including Gold and Lagoon blue. Each
can be paired with the LEO trousers in sizes 30-40 waist.

The increasingly popular INSULA™ warm layer range features the new DOUG full-zip jacket featuring a quality padded front and two handy pockets in the new Antarctica colourway (S-3XL). The DALE jacket and DEON pullover both offer Magenta pink colour options, while the high collar DRAKE pullover comes in seven colour choices, including Lemon Chrome and Bluebird (S-3XL).

New Cool Layer short sleeve shirts in VENTIL8™ PLUS fabric include the sporty MYLES
incorporating a two-tone honeycomb design, plus the MILTON, a multi-fabric shirt in a duel block pattern available in five colourways (both S-XXL).

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Fitted NOAH and regular cut NASH trousers provide excellent moisture transportation in
VENTIL8™ PLUS and 100% polyester stretch fabric with UPF 20+. Available in multiple
colour choices (including Red NOAH), in sizing 28-42 waist.

The SKINTIGHT™ Thermal base layer range includes the EDGAR seamless long sleeve
crew neck with a pattern design across the chest, arms and shoulders. Available in
Black/Red in sizes XS-XXL.

A comprehensive range of accessories includes the DELTA snood in a range of colours, as
well as golf hats and caps like the AQUA and AXIOM. The LEWIS golf gloves and LANDON
mitts (all one size) also offer the perfect opportunity to keep those hands warm during the winter.

The 2019 Ladies range from Galvin Green offers four striking year-round colour themes – Azalea/Aurora Pink/ White; Lavender/Cover Blossom/White; Navy/White/Sunny Lime/Aurora Pink; and Black/White.

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Arianna (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

 

Adele (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)
Adele (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

The stand-out product in the Shell Layer range is the beautifully styled ARIANA full-zip waterproof jacket in GORE-TEX® stretch fabric with C-KNIT® backer, which comes in Navy and Sunny Lime in sizes XS-XL. Extremely breathable, it has an adjustable waist width, shaped sleeves for easy movement during the swing and two-way front zippers.

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Rusty (Photo Credit: Galvin Green)

Finally, the RUSTY full-zip INTERFACE-1™ hybrid jacket is a newcomer in the brand’s
biggest ever junior section. The jacket comes in six vibrant colourways.
Full details of the 2019 Part One collection can be found at http://www.galvingreen.com.

 

 

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When you hear “Motherputter” what do you think of? It is probably something close to
what I thought of the first time I heard it. But it is quite the opposite.

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Motherputter is actually a woman’s golf apparel company. Why a name like “Motherputter”, you ask? The answer is Simple. Te name stems from a mother with a love for golf. There are no words that can describe it when you love something. It was very much like this with Motherputter. There was an issue for Kim Tuttle. There were no clothes that were liked and unique to Kim. So, Ms. Tuttle decided to make her own line and make it unique to her and unique it is.

Kim Tuttle the “Chief Chick of Fashion” is very independent with a style all her own.
She found a passion for fashion which led her to a degree from Texas Tech University
in Fashion Merchandising. She followed many paths which eventually led her to New
York City. After taking a 20-year hiatus from the fashion industry to venture into politics she returned to the fashion industry. Getting back to the fashion industry she became obsessed with the game of golf.

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I first heard of Motherputter on the 2019 PGA Show website and I won’t lie. The name is what caught my attention. Clothing is like a nice bottle of wine for me, a unique name and you have my attention. In my opinion,  I found Motherputter to be the “wine” of the PGA Show. There were so many other great lines but Motherputter just called to me.

Their designs were unique and so different. They had everything from a bomber jacket
to skorts to dresses. The way the colors of the line mixed it got my attention. There
was a little flash of lime green on that black skirt or there was a nice red collar on the
pink shirt… I know pink and red clashes right? Wrong! Motherputter made it work. She
said she liked the red and pink so why not mix them together. It looked great and it
worked so well together.

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Kim always somehow has a way to incorporate her Motherputter logo put into the clothing and she makes it work. There was a lot of black and white in her line because it is a girl’s best friend right? Once again you would be wrong she made so many designs work with silvers. She made so many successful designs with florals patterns too. The thing that I love the most about the Motherputter line is the ease of how you can go from the course to a night out on the town.

The dresses are very elegant looking and they are put together nicely. Most of her
clothing has mesh to allow your body to breathe. They all mix so well. You can throw
that Silver quilt type skirt with that dressy floral shirt and then top it off with the bomber jacket and a nice pair of shoes. Nobody would know that you just got off the golf course.
Kim made them very unique to the “average woman”. The clothing is something you
would not expect to see anywhere let alone on a golf course. There was a lot of mesh put
into the lines and I really like the mesh on the clothing too. She put mesh in the sleeves
or on the jacket. Some of the jackets were reversible so you could get 2 looks with 1
a piece of clothing.

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Motherputter carries clothing up to an XL which makes me interested even more. As a larger woman, it is hard to find nice clothing that can fit me. Due to this fact that they carry a larger size it makes me want to try their stuff even more. One day, I hope to get my hands on some of their clothing and if I do I will tell you exactly how I feel about them.

In the meantime, I will stick to what I know about them. They have gorgeous clothing in a large variety of sizes and they could really take the women’s golf apparel game by storm. Keep it up Motherputter I look forward to seeing what you come up with next.

Until The Next Tee!!