Equipment | NG NATION — Nike Golf Fan Blog

Blending Art and Science, Nike Golf Introduces the Method Concept Putter

- Nike Method Concept putter has the appearance of a blade with the stability and roll of a mallet-

The Nike Golf Method putter franchise is expanding its boundaries in a Nike way with the introduction of a new mid-Mallet putter, the Nike Method Concept. Inspired by the notion of the Concept car, Nike designers have created an iconic shape that blends art with science without sacrificing the game-changing performance that Nike Method technology delivers – a smoother stroke and a truer roll with far less skid.

The art is in the profound shape. This radical shape has the appearance of a blade, yet plays like a mallet. This bold red front and the strong black back design radiates Nike and will appeal to those who are curious and are looking for ways to bring a new level of confidence to the putting green.

The science is in the multi-material technology and the distinctive two body parts. The face of the putter is light, weighing only 90 grams. The body is heavy, weighing 200 grams. This innovative combination of the two sections results in a very high MOI-to-head ratio putter with a small mallet footprint. While the Nike Method Concept has a small mallet footprint, it provides the stability of the largest mallets in the game.

The lightweight aluminum face and a high-mass stainless steel body position the center of gravity farther back in the head and lower to the sole, delivering a truer roll. As with the successful Nike Method putter franchise, the Method Concept also features Nike’s polymetal groove technology that generates a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

“We are giving consumers something new and something better,” said David Franklin, Master Model Maker, Nike Golf. “There’s a reason the shape is the way it is. It allows us to infuse vital science and powerful technology that delivers a very high MOI in a relatively small package.”

The Nike Method Franchise has more than 35 worldwide wins on the professional tours, including three major championships.

“Method technology has such a good feel and it rolls the ball beautifully,” said Nike Golf athlete and 2011 Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel. “Those two aspects in putting are very important.”

Availability: February 17, 2012

MAP: $199.00, RH/LH: 32”, 33”, 34”

MAP: $229.00, RH 41”, 43” Mid-Length

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

Filed Under: Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, Method Concept, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Putters

Nike Golf VR_S Line of Woods, Hybrids and Irons Available February 3, 2012

January 3, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 2 Comments

Nike Golf’s New NexCOR Club Face Technology Redefines the Meaning of Speed for Increased Distance Throughout the Bag

-Consumers will be able to judge Nike VR_S speed for themselves in Nike Golf’s Speed Trials at golf stores across the globe this Spring-

Nike Golf’s relentless pursuit of innovation will elevate the meaning of speed and distance for a full bag of clubs with the introduction of the new Nike VR_S family on February 3, 2012. Nike’s new VR_S club line is an extension of the successful Nike VR franchise, which has more than 50 worldwide professional wins including three major championships. The Nike VR_S family includes drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids — all combining to what is the fastest and hottest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced, and, in turn, generating more distance for every shot.

The Nike VR_S distinguishes itself from the original VR line with its pure emphasis on speed (hence the “S” in the name). The Nike VR_S line features NexCOR Technology for slower swing speeds while the Nike VR Pro LE combines both NexCOR and the variable Compression Channel for faster swing speeds. Each club in the VR_S family will have a laser engraved NexCOR logo – a shape that mirrors the face construction inside the head, optimizing speed.

Despite the USGA’s industry limitations on the driver, Nike engineers have executed an all-encompassing approach to delivering the golfer extra distance by shifting their attention to the full bag, taking every shot in the entire round and the resulting cumulative effect of distance into consideration. To generate speed and distance to every club in the bag, Nike Golf engineers focused on the “face” of not just one club such as the driver or irons, but also fairway woods and hybrids. Their aim was to create groundbreaking innovative technology that would create the fastest and hottest face on every club. Their answer was Nike’s exclusive NexCOR face technology.

“In golf, when we talk about distance, the first thing that comes to mind is the driver,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. “We decided to look beyond that and focus on the entire bag from a holistic point of view. We discovered that NexCOR face technology adds distance and will play a critical role in helping golfers to become better. They’ll be hitting more shorter irons on their approach shots.”

Nike’s new NexCOR Face Technology maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi face thickness design. The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag. The location of the NexCOR technology differs from club to club.

“In setting out to create the fastest and hottest face, we know that consumers don’t hit it in the same spot on the face every time,” said Stites. “We conducted impact studies and were able to “map” where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club. Based on those results, we are able to move this NexCOR technology around on the face. The location of NexCOR on the face differs on every club. Not every face is identical.”

Starting in March through May 2012, Nike Golf will be conducting VR_S Speed Trials at hundreds of participating golf retail shops and golf courses across the country. Nike’s VR_S Speed Trials will allow consumers to compare the speed of what’s in their current bag to the new Nike VR_S products on a launch monitor. Their accumulative distance will be tallied and recorded on a national leaderboard that will be featured on www.nikegolf.com. For a list of golf shops participating, go towww.nikegolf.com. To view some Nike athletes going through the speed trials, go to: www.youtube.com/nikegolf.

Availability: February 3, 2012

VR_S Driver
Men’s Loft Options: 8.5 (RH); 9.5 (RH/LH); 10.5 (RH/LH); 11.5 (RH); HL (RH)
All available in X, S, R and A
Women’s Loft Options: 11.5 (RH); HL (RH)
Map/Street Price: $299.99

VR_S Fairway Woods
Men’s Loft Options: 3/15 degrees (RH/LH); 4/17 degrees (RH); 5/19 degrees (RH/LH); 7/21 degrees (RH)
All available in X, S, R and A
Women’s Loft Options: 3/17 degrees (RH); 5/20 degrees (RH); 7/23 degrees (RH)
Map/Street Price: $199.99

VR_S Hybrids
Men’s Loft Options: 2/18 degrees (RH/LH); 3/21 degrees (RH/LH); 4/24 degrees (RH/LH); 5/27 degrees (RH/LH)
All available in S, R and A
Women’s Loft Options: 4/24 degrees (RH); 5/27 degrees (RH); 6/30 degrees (RH)
Map/Street Price: $159.99

VR_S irons
Men’s: 4-AW, True Temper Dynalite 90: S, R (RH/LH);
4-AW, Nike Fubuki K: S, R and A (RH/LH)
3 and SW also available
Map/Street Price: $599 STEEL/$699 GRAPHITE (8 piece set)

Women’s: 5-6H; 7-PW, SW; Nike Fubuki K (RH)
Map/Street Price: $799.99

VR_S Forged Irons
4-AW, Nippon 950HT Steel: S, R; (RH)
3 and SW also available
Map/Street Price: $999.99 (8 piece set)

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

Filed Under: Drivers, Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood, VR_S Forged Irons, VR_S Hybrids, VR_S Irons

Product Review: Nike Golf Departure Shoe Tote

December 22, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier 1 Comment

This is the third in my series of reviews of the Departure accessory bag collection — previously I’ve reviewed the Departure Backpack and Roller. I’m a big fan of the Departure line, and my enthusiasm continues here with this review of a fairly simple, yet elegantly-designed item, the Departure Shoe Tote which I purchased earlier this year.

What can be so special about a straightforward item like a shoe bag? Well, in the case of the Departure Shoe Tote, several things. Start with the heavy duty nylon that it’s constructed from, add a heavy-duty handle (the same handle design that matches the roller), and this tote has durability written all over it. The roomy main compartment is fleece-lined to protect the shoes inside, and a fleece-covered divider keeps them from rubbing against each other in transit.

The shoe compartment is vented on both sides with mesh, and on the back end by three grommets, which keeps my shoes fresh even in the hot summer months. The tote opens and closes from the top with a 3-sided flap (as opposed to a straight center zipper) that makes getting the shoes in and out very easy. The flap has a heavy-duty zipper with two tabs that matches the rest of the departure line.

The bag also has a zippered, fleece-lined valuables pocket where you can keep special items like a watch or jewelry safe and protected. There’s also dimensional swoosh on both sides on a small panel over the mesh side vents.

So this review is sweet and simple, just like the Departure Shoe Tote — a spacious, thoughtfully-designed shoe bag that gives my lunar controls the royal treatment. If you’re looking for a new shoe bag or, if you don’t have one, a great way to carry your shoes with you, check out the Departure Shoe Tote. It also makes a great gift, and it’s one of my top picks in our 2011 Nike Golf Holiday Gift Guide: Equipment Edition.

If you have the Departure Shoe Tote, let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

Editor’s note: The reviewer/author was not paid for this review, and the opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of the reviewer/author.

Filed Under: Accessories, Departure Shoe Tote, Equipment, Equipment Product Reviews, Luggage, ngnation.com, Nike Golf

2011 Nike Golf Holiday Gift Guide: Equipment Edition

December 16, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier 5 Comments

The holidays are upon us and it’s time to look for the perfect holiday gift for that special someone. And if that someone loves golf, Nike Golf’s 2011 equipment line has a variety of great gift ideas for the golfer in your life. Here are my top picks for Nike Golf equipment holiday gifts:

20XI Balls
The next generation of golf balls is here, and a dozen would look great under the tree this year. Read my review here.

VR Pro Combo Irons
This premium set of irons is sure to put a twinkle in the eye of whoever receives them. Read my review here.

Dri-FIT Tour Glove
Give the golfer on your gift list the white glove treatment with this glove made from premium cabretta leather.

VR Pro Limited Edition Forged Driver
Nike’s new top of the line driver is long off the tee and provides ultimate control of the golf ball.

Departure Roller
This is the ultimate carry-on bag — I own one and it goes with me everywhere I travel (next stop: Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show in late January). Read my review here.

Method Core Drone Putter
The latest in Nike’s line of Method putters may look futuristic, but it has the timeless ability to make the ball go in the hole.

VR Pro Cavity Irons
This game improvement iron has a classic look, great feel and will help the average golfer fly the ball high and land it softly. Read my review here.

Departure Shoe Tote
Carry your shoes in high style — the heavy duty nylon will protect your shoes and the fleece lining will treat them like royalty.

VR Pro Dual-Sole Forged Wedge
The dual sole will have them flopping it like a pro, and the X3X grooves will have the ball dropping and stopping right next to the flagstick every time.

Performance Carry Stand Bag
I own one of these and two of its predecessor, the SQ Tour Stand Bag — it’s by far the best golf bag I’ve ever owned.

If you haven’t seen it, check out our 2011 Nike Golf Holiday Gift Guide: Footwear, Apparel and Accessories Edition. And let us know which of the items above are on your wish list this holiday season!

Filed Under: 2012 VR Pro LE Forged Driver, 20XI Ball, Accessories, Bags, Balls, Departure Roller Duffel, Drivers, Equipment, Irons, Luggage, Method Core Drone, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Performance Carry Bag, Putters, VR Pro Cavity Irons, VR Pro Combo Irons, VR Pro Dual-Sole Wedge, Wedges

DEAL: Nike Departure Roller on BudgetGolf.com

December 8, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

DEPARTURE ROLLER BAG AT BUDGETGOLF.COM >>

Just saw this deal today at BudgetGolf.com on the Nike Departure Roller — $114.96 is the cheapest I’ve seen this bag. It’s about $25 cheaper than I’ve seen it at retail and $75 less than full retail (like at amazon.com). It’s a great bag, you can read my review here. If you’re in the market for a great carry-on bag, definitely check out this deal.

READ MY REVIEW OF THE DEPARTURE ROLLER BAG >>

Editor’s Note: NG Nation is not endorsed by or affiliated with BudgetGolf.com, and we were not paid or compensated in any way for this post.

Filed Under: Accessories, Accessory Deals, Deals, Departure Roller Duffel, Luggage, ngnation.com, Nike Golf

VIDEO: Method Confidence

December 6, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

VIEW THE “METHOD CONFIDENCE” VIDEO ON NIKE GOLF’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL >>

Today Nike Golf posted this video featuring several Nike Athletes talking about what it takes to make putts. They talk about belief, confidence, eliminating doubt, strength of mind and more about the mental side of putting. In my opinion, this is one of the better videos Nike Golf has published on their YouTube channel. Check it out:

Filed Under: Anthony Kim, Athletes, Charl Schwatrzel, Equipment, European Tour, Jhonattan Vegas, LPGA Tour, METHOD Putter, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Paul Casey, PGA Tour, Putters, Stewart Cink, Suzann Pettersen, Tiger Woods

Product Review: 2011 VR Pro Cavity Irons

December 5, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier 7 Comments

Check out this video in which Nike Golf athletes talk about the VR Pro Cavity irons >>

Early this year Nike Golf released its line of VR Pro irons, which features classic iron designs in three different models for three levels of play. The line includes the VR Pro Blades for better players, the VR Pro Combo Irons for low- to mid-handicappers and the VR Pro Cavity Irons for mid- to high-handicappers. After reviewing the VR Pro Combos, I was curious to see how the VR Pro Cavities would compare. Earlier this year Nike Golf sent me a set of the VR Pro Cavities to test and review, and I share my findings with you here.

FIRST IMPRESSION: DESIGN/APPEARANCE
Out of the box the VR Pro Cavity irons have the appeal of a traditional iron design that also incorporates game-improvement characteristics. The head design is clean and classic, with progressive elements incorporated into the cavity. The head is beautifully chromed from hosel to toe, with the exception of the face where the grooves are and inside the cavity. The cavity incorporates an Opti-Mass insert (the same material that’s used in the new Method Core Drone putter) that moves weight lower and deeper in the head, keeping the center of gravity in an ideal position to optimize trajectory and distance. The CG also moves throughout the set, keeping its position ideal for each club in the bag (read more about the technology in the VR Pro Cavity irons in Nike Golf’s press release). There is also extra weight added to the toe to help higher handicappers close the face at impact. The toe profile is higher than in the VR Pro Blades or Pro Combos, the topline is thicker and the sole is wider, all to increase forgiveness. The stock shaft is the True Temper Dynalite 110, and the stock grips are VR Tour Velvet by Golf Pride. Overall The VR Pro Cavity is a great looking iron with built-in game improvement technology.

FIRST IMPRESSION: PERFORMANCE
From my first swings on the range I could feel the game improvement characteristics of these irons. These irons are very solid and easy to hit, without the clunkiness that some super game improvement irons have. This was confirmed on the course, where the VR Pro Cavities helped me get the ball in the air and swing with confidence. These irons have a great feel and solid sound at impact, and produced a mid to high ball flight for me. They have a great combination of forgiveness and workability — they make it easy to get the ball in the air and still have great feel for working the ball in either direction. Distance was great with these irons, both because of the technology in them and the fact that I was able to swing easily and confidently. Overall I was very pleased with the performance of the VR Pro Cavities — they were easy to hit, produced a great ball flight and allowed me to swing with confidence.

APPEARANCE AT ADDRESS
The topline of the VR Pro Cavities is thicker than that in the VR Pro Blades or Pro Combos, but I did not find this bothersome or distracting. The cavity was not visible in any of the irons in the set. These irons have a slight offset that will help higher handicappers close the face at impact. The look at impact is pleasing, that of a traditional, classic iron design.

PLAYABILITY
These irons are easy to hit and make it easy to move the ball right or left. I was able to spin the ball when I wanted to, but I didn’t get as much spin as I do with my Pro Combos. I was able to hit the ball high and land it softly when I needed to, and with the confidence I had with these irons I felt I had control of my golf ball on the course.

LAUNCH ANGLE
The VR Pro Cavity irons promote a mid to high ball flight throughout the set. With the longer irons I got a lower, boring trajectory and with the short irons I was able to consistently produce shots that fly high and land softly.

DISTANCE CONTROL
I had very good distance control with the VR Pro Cavities. I was able to swing easier and get great distance, and distance was consistent from club to club and from shot to shot. Both long and iron shots traveled the distance I expected.

ACCURACY
The confidence I gained from these irons allowed me to play more aggressively with these irons. I felt I could aim at my target, swing easy and the ball would go there. Off-center hits also kept their line very well thanks to the game improvement technology in these irons. These irons promote confidence, and for me confidence promotes accuracy.

FEEL
The VR Pro Cavities have great feel and feedback considering the game improvement technology these irons possess — not the same feel you would get from a blade, but substantially better than a super game improvement iron. They feel pure and solid when the ball is hit near the center of the clubface, and off-center hits have a solid feel also thanks to the dampening effect of the Opti-Mass insert. And even with the solid off-center hits, I was able to consistently sense when I mis-hit a shot and where on the club face.

FORGIVENESS
These irons are very forgiving — I was able to get good distance on off-center hits, almost the same as one hit near the center of the face. The taller toe helps with misses out towards the toe (where most higher handicappers tend to miss). My mis-hit shots felt solid, went towards my target and went about the distance I would expect from a good shot hit in the middle of the club face.

ACOUSTICS
The VR Pro Cavities have nice solid sound at impact. I had heard that they had a “clanky” sound at impact, sort of like a “plink”, but this was not my experience. I only heard a pleasing “thwack” when I struck the ball.

SUMMARY
The VR Pro Cavities lived up to my expectations, and they complete a trio of great iron designs in the VR Pro line. They look great, they have great feel and the game improvement technology they possess helped my game. The traditional lines of the head design looked great in my bag. They felt solid at impact, I was able to work the ball right or left, and controlling distance was easy. The mid to high ball flight allowed me to hit longer iron shots on a medium trajectory that held its line, and short iron shots flew high and landed softly. The high toe profile and extra weight behind the toe helped shots missed in that area of the club face to hold their distance and direction. And the Opti-Mass insert dampened off-center hits and gave each shot a solid feel. These irons are part of the 2012 Nike Golf equipment line also, so if you’re looking for an iron that has a clean, classic look and will also help you improve your score and make the game more fun, look no further than the VR Pro Cavity irons.

Have you tried the VR Pro Cavities yet? If you have, let us know what you think in the comments below.

Read Nike Golf’s press release about the VR Pro Combo irons >>

Check out the VR Pro Microsite on nikegolf.com >>

Editor’s note: The product reviewed above was supplied by the manufacturer to the reviewer/author free of charge for reviewing purposes only. The reviewer/author was not paid for this review, and the opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of the reviewer/author.

Filed Under: Equipment, Equipment Product Reviews, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR Pro Cavity Irons

Tiger Woods Wins Chevron World Challenge with Method 001 Putter

December 5, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

Nike Athlete Tiger Woods Re-Takes the Stage with an Electrifying Win at the Chevron World Challenge

-Woods made two crucial putts on the last two holes with his Nike Method 001 putter to win-

Nike athlete Tiger Woods is back in the winners’ circle with a win at the Chevron World Challenge that came in a stunning dramatic “Tiger-like” fashion.

With two holes left to play in the final round, Woods needed a critical birdie putt on the 17^th to tie and another one on the 18^th to win. He accomplished both by making the 15-foot birdie putt on 17 and a 10-footer to seal his victory on 18, using his Nike Method 001 putter. This marks his first win with the Nike Method putter and the 36^th Method victory for Nike Golf on the worldwide professional tours.

With 14 Nike Golf clubs in his bag, Woods was also pleased with his iron play with his Nike VR Pro Blades.

“My iron play was pretty steady all week,” said Woods. “But I think that I hit two really good iron shots in the last two holes, which was nice. I made two good putts, too.”

Rounding out his Nike arsenal were his Nike VR Tour driver, Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods and the Nike VR Pro wedges. He also used the Nike ONE Tour D ball.

On the body, Tiger wore Nike Golf apparel from the Tiger Woods Collection as well as the new Nike TW Free-inspired prototype golf shoes that emphasize natural motion in the feet. These Nike prototype shoes will become available in late Spring of 2012.

Another Nike athlete emerged at the top of the leaderboard — Paul Casey. Casey made an amazing comeback after shooting 79 in the first round by charging up the leaderboard to finish in solo third position after posting three rounds in the 60’s from the second round on to finish.

Woods’ Nike Golf Arsenal:
Driver: Nike VR Tour 8.5-degree (Graphite Design DI 6X)
Fairway Woods: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 56-degree and Nike VR Pro 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 001
Ball: Nike ONE Tour D
Apparel: Nike Golf’s Tiger Woods Collection
Footwear: Nike TW Free-Inspired Prototype Shoe

Nike Golf’s 2011 PGA Tour Victories

Tiger Woods – Chevron World Challenge
Lucas Glover – Wells Fargo Championship
Charl Schwartzel – The Masters Tournament
Jhonattan Vegas – Bob Hope Classic

Nike Golf’s 2011 International Victories

• Simon Dyson – KLM Open (PGA European Tour)

• Suzann Pettersen – Ladies Irish Open (Ladies European Tour)

• Simon Dyson – Irish Open (PGA European Tour)

• Paul Casey – Volvo Golf Champions (PGA European Tour)

• Charl Schwartzel – Joburg Open (PGA European Tour)

• Pablo Martin – Alfred Dunhill Championship (PGA European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2011 LPGA Tour Victories

• Suzann Pettersen – Safeway Classic

• Suzann Pettersen – Sybase Match Play Championship

Nike Golf’s 2011 Champions Tour Victories

• John Cook – Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

• John Cook – Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai

• John Cook – Montreal Championship

Nike Golf’s 2011 Japan LPGA Tour Victories

• Kumiko Kaneda – Fuji-Sankei Classic

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

Filed Under: Athletes, Equipment, METHOD Putter, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, PGA Tour, Putters, Tiger Woods, Tournaments

Nike Golf Women’s Brassie II Bag Collection Available Now

December 1, 2011 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

The Future of Nike Golf’s Brassie II Cart Bag Collection for Women is Bright

- One-of-a-Kind Pieces Combine Bright Colors, Function and Fashion –

Nike Golf is introducing two new golf bags to its successful Nike Brassie II Cart bag collection for women in 2012. Each Brassie II cart bag has been designed in unity with the colors and styles of Nike Golf women’s footwear and apparel so she is coordinated from head to toe.

For women who prefer bright colors, there’s the Nike Brassie II Cart bag that carries a vivid argyle pattern in hues of pink and lavender with a classy touch of grey. For those who prefer more of an understated look, there is a grey plaid available.

The Nike Brassie II Cart bag incorporates key features and benefits for the female golfer who often uses a trolley or power cart. For maximum organization, the Nike Brassie II Cart bag features a 9-inch, 10-way oval top that is fur lined and includes “stadium seating” for clubs. Stadium seating is a simple configuration that provides easy visibility when making club selections for each shot. An integrated external putter well and glove patch guarantees quick and convenient access.

To allow for easy access to gear during a round, there are nine functional pockets, seven of which are zippered. Of the nine pockets there is a large insulated cooler pocket to keep drinks and food cool during a round. The Nike Brassie II also comes with two functionally designed matching accessory pouches. The pouches can either be clipped onto the outside of the bag or placed in one of the nine pockets of the golf bag.

To complete the Brassie II Collection, Nike Golf also has designed an array of accessories for women that match up with each of the Brassie II Cart bags, including the Nike Day bag, Nike Bucket bag and the Nike Tote bag.

Availability: November 1, 2011

Price : $250 MSRP ($199.99 MAP/Street)

Colors: Swan/White-Argyle and Sail/Tumbled Grey-Plaid

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.