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Sneak Peek: Method Midnight

April 30, 2012 By Alan Numsuwan 2 Comments

Give it up for the gearheads at golfwrx.com who unveiled first look photos of the Method Midnight series of putters. According to reports on the site, the Method Midnight will feature a black on black finish, and will have the same Method technology. Additionally, there will be three models including a blade (006), a center shafted blade (like the MC-04), and a new mallet. More info to come but thought I would share the pics from Golfwrx.com. This is truly an awesome looking putter.

All photo credit: Golfwrx.com

Click here to read the forum thread.

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Filed Under: METHOD Putter, ngnation.com, Putters

FIRST LOOK PICS: Nike Golf VR Pro Dual Sole Forged Wedge

April 28, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 1 Comment

I’ve been hoping to do a review of the VR Pro Dual Sole Forged Wedged for a while now, and this week Nike Golf sent me one to test and review. They sent me the 56/DS Platinum model, I’ll be testing it over the next few weeks and I’ll report the results in my product review here on NG Nation. For now check out these first look pics:

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Filed Under: Equipment, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR Pro Dual-Sole Wedge, Wedges

FIRST LOOK PICS: Nike Golf VR Pro Forged Wedge

April 28, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 1 Comment

It’s been a while since I did a Nike Golf wedge review, so this week Nike Golf sent me one of the VR Pro Forged wedges to test and review. They sent me the 52/10 Satin Chrome model, I’ll be testing it on the range and on the course in the coming weeks, and I’ll report on my findings in a product review here on the blog. For now, check out the first look pics in the gallery below.

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Filed Under: Equipment, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR Pro Wedges, Wedges

DEAL: Nike 20XI-X and 20XI-S Golf Balls for $34.96 at Budget Golf

April 27, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

This weekend Budget Golf is having a golf ball sale, and two of the models on sale are the Nike Golf 20XI-X and 20XI-S. Both are on sale for $34.96, that’s about $11 off the street price ($23 off the MSRP). A great deal, this weekend only, click the links below to check out the deals.

20XI-X GOLF BALLS FOR $34.96 AT BUDGET GOLF >>

20XI-S GOLF BALLS FOR $34.96 AT BUDGET GOLF >>

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: 20XI Ball, Balls, Deals, Equipment, Equipment Deals, ngnation.com, Nike Golf

Nike Golf Week at Golf Town

April 26, 2012 By Damian Daniels Leave a Comment

Canadian Nike Golf fans, from April 26th until May 2nd it’s Nike Golf week at Golf Town.

There seem to be a lot of good deals. Click the image above to check out the flyer.I’ve also posted pictures from the flyer I received in the mail.

Deals include;

2 V-Rev wedges for $120
VR Pro Driver + Fairway Wood for $300
1 Dozen ONE Vapor Speed Balls for $15
Buy 2 Get 1 Free 20XI Balls
Lunar Controls for $120
Modern Colour Block Polo for $50

Personally, I’ll be getting some ONE Vapor Speeds and the Modern Colour Block polo. Heck, I may even get some Lunar Controls, too!

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Filed Under: Accessory Deals, Deals, Equipment Deals, Footwear & Apparel Deals, ngnation.com

Anthony Kim Injury Timeline

April 22, 2012 By Damian Daniels 1 Comment

If you’re like me, you’re a fan of Nike Golf for Tiger Wood, their eye for talent and their ever-improving equipment and apparel. If you’re still like me, you like Anthony Kim because he’s a chill bro who plays the game with feel, youth and excitement. After a 2-win 2008 PGA Tour Season, the future was (and still is) so bright for Anthony “AK” Kim. However, in 2010 AK had a serious thumb injury that seemed to have lingered for well over a year.

We here at NGNation love AK and if you follow our Fantasy Four contest, you’ll notice Alan and I take him almost every chance we get. I just wanted to take the time to chronicle AK, his results and his latest injury news to surface at the 2012 Valero Texas Open after his WD.

April/May 2010
7 Straight Top 25′s, 1 Win and Injury Revelation

Anthony “AK” Kim’s last win was in 2010 at the Shell Houston Open. It was no surprise that he won here, as his 3 prior finishes were 22nd, 2nd and 24th. He also had two great finishes at the Shell Houston Open prior to the 2010 event. After that, Kim admitted that he had a torn ligament in his thumb for the past 16 months. That’s dating this injury back to January 2009.

AK received surgery on this following a 3rd place at the 2010 Masters, 16th at the 2010 Ballantines, a 7th at Quail Hollow, then withdrawing from the 2010 Players Championship in May.

August – October 2010
Return and Poor Finishes

AK returned to action at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in August of that year. While there is no cut at this event, AK finished 76th out of 80. After that, AK missed the cut at 5 of his next 6 events and then withdrew of the Justin Timberlake event in Las Vegas.

November 2010 – January 2011
Return to Form? (part 1)

Right after his WD in Vegas, AK finished 25th at the WGC HSBC Championship and followed that up with a 16th at the Chevron. It appeared that Kim was back in form to start the 2011 PGA Tour season, and he started the season as such. His first 3 finishes in 2011 were; 19th at Tournament of Champions, 13th at Sony Open and 6th at Torrey Pines.

February – March 2011
Nagging Injury?

After such a good start to his 2011 season, AK then had a MC, WD, first round exit at Match Play, MC at Honda then a 60th out of 66 at Doral.

There was a flash of hope at the end of March at the Shell Houston Open, where AK was the defending champion. AK shot a great 2nd round 64, but finished 13th overall.

April – July 2011
Missed Cuts and the Open Championship

Starting with the 2011 Masters, Anthony missed 6 of his next 9 cuts, where his finishes were 56th, 68th, and 53rd.

Then another flash of hope… a 5th place finish at the Open Championship in July. AK followed that up with a DQ at the RBC Canadian Open where he’s had good history. Then he had a 14th place finish at the Greenbrier. This is when I thought he was back and finally over his thumb injury.

August – September 2011
Mixed Nuts

Then he had 2 straight missed cuts, but then a 24th at the Barclays. However, he missed the cut at the Deutsche bank the following week in the first week of September. This put an end to AK’s 2011 PGA Tour season, leaving a lot of hope for the 2012 season and the rest of 2011.

October – December 2011
Return to Form? (part 2)

AK took off about 7 weeks after the Deutsche Bank and returned to play in Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. He finished 3rd at two of these events and 23rd at the next one.

Kim followed up his overseas trip with a 12th place the Franklin Templeton shootout. This was the type of consistency we saw from AK about 18 months ago. I finally thought that AK was healthy and ready to go.

2012 PGA Tour season
MCs, WDs and a New Injury

AK has entered 9 events so far in the 2012 season, making the cut at only 2 of them (42nd at the Honda Classic and 66th at Bay Hill).

While this was unsuspected after his great finish to 2011, AK had to withdraw in his last 2 events at the Shell Houston Open and Valero Texas Open.

After withdrawing after 14 holes at the Texas Open, AK cited numbness in his arm due to a wrist injury. AK is due for an MRI and we can only hope he returns to form soon.

Yahoo! Sports Devil Ball Golf article on 2012 Valero Texas Open WD >>

Filed Under: Anthony Kim, Athlete Profiles, Athletes, ngnation.com, PGA Tour

Product Review: 2012 Nike Golf VR_S Driver

April 18, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 4 Comments

It’s no secret, Nike Golf is making a huge splash this year with its VR_S family of woods, hybrids and irons, and it’s been well documented here on NG Nation. From the VR_S launch event at the PGA Merchandise Show in January, to the Speed Trials that are going on through May 13th (which I will be officially taking in the next week or two), Nike Golf is getting the word out about this amazing new line of equipment.

Just after the February 3^rd release date, Nike Golf sent me one of the new VR_S Drivers in 9.5-degree loft with a stiff shaft to test and review. Since then I’ve been gaming it in every round I’ve played, and have hit it many times on the range, so I can give you a good idea how this driver has performed for me. I share the results of my testing with you here.

FIRST IMPRESSION: DESIGN/APPEARANCE
My first impression of the looks of the VR_S driver was that this is a really well designed game improvement driver. From the playing position the crown is deep, giving the driver a big footprint, but not an excessive one. It’s deeper than the VR Pro LE, but still retains some of the pear shape of a player’s driver. The STR8-FIT collar is much more integrated into the hosel than the previous iteration in the SQ MachSpeed Black driver, and does not draw attention from the playing position. The crown has a metallic dark gray paint finish with a subtle design pattern that mimics the design motifs found in the VR_S irons. From the playing position this is a great looking driver.

The face has a large hitting area, and has the new NexCOR icon in the center. The sole incorporates several design elements from its predecessor the SQ MachSpeed Black, including the diffuser plate and the aerodynamic channel around the back of the crown. A new addition to the sole is the new configuration of the STR8-FIT adjustability system, which is now accessed through an opening in the sole near the neck of the club. The VR_S has a different wrench than previous STR8-FIT models, which is easy to use and loosens a nut inside the head that releases the shaft from the head. The stock shaft is a Mitsubishi Fubuki, and the grip is a Nike VR Tour Velvet from Golf Pride.

All in all the VR_S driver is a good looking game improvement driver that does not stray too far away from the look of a players driver — less so in my opinion than some of the other game improvement drivers on the market today,

FIRST IMPRESSION: PERFORMANCE
From the first swings on the range, to my first rounds on the course and every round since, this driver is long — really long. Using a launch monitor on the range I was hitting the ball an average of 10-15 yards extra total distance (8-12 yards carry distance), and I gained 4-5 mph average in ball speed in comparison with the driver I was testing it against, the SQ MachSpeed Black. The NexCOR face technology really delivers — the ball simply rockets off the face of the club. The face is designed to be forgiving towards the heel and toe, as that’s where mid to high handicappers tend to miss (rather than the top or bottom of the face). I noticed that mis-hits, most predominantly out towards the toe for me, went just as far as shots hit in the center of the face.

Like the MachSpeed Black, the diffuser plate in the sole and the aerodynamic channel at the back of the crown help reduce drag on the downswing, helping to increase clubhead speed. This combined with the NexCOR face technology helped me gain distance on most of my drives. The new configuration of the STR8-FIT adjustability system makes it easy to change the club face to any of the 8 available positions, allowing the player to quickly set the club to favor a fade or draw.

The bottom line for this driver is speed — its design promotes an increase in clubhead speed, and for me that equaled a significant increase in distance.

DISTANCE
As mentioned above, this is my main reason for gaming this driver. Gaining an average of 10-15 yards extra total distance (8-12 yards carry distance), and 4-5 mph average in ball speed has been enough of a reason for me to keep this driver in my bag since first testing it.

ACCURACY
My driving accuracy has also improved with the VR_S driver, mainly because I feel like I can swing smoothly (and not overswing) and still get great distance with this club. There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting it long (relatively in my case) and being the only one in my foursome to hit the fairway.

PLAYABILITY
The STR8-FIT adjustability system lets me adjust the face angle to be open or closed, flat or upright, in any one of 8 different positions. The system lets me set the club up quickly and easily to promote a fade or a draw, helping me to create a particular shot shape, or help prevent a slice or hook. This makes the VR_S driver not only long, but great for shaping shots too.

FORGIVENESS
The NexCOR face technology in the VR_S driver makes this club extra forgiving. With the sweet spot extended towards the heel and toe (where most mid to high handicappers miss on the face), mis-hits go just as far as shots struck in the center of the face. This forgiveness inspires confidence, and for me confidence results in better golf swings.

ACOUSTICS
The VR_S driver has great acoustics — it has a pleasingly solid sound when striking the ball. It has just the slightest hint of a “plink”, which is very minor and by no means distracting. Some of the other game improvement drivers I’ve hit have that hollow, tinny, aluminum sound — the VR_S sound is much more solid than that.

SUMMARY
The VR_S driver is a great looking game improvement driver that hits the ball a long way. I experienced total distance gains of 10-15 yards on average, and that was enough to make it my gamer to this day. It sounds great, and the STR8-FIT adjustability system allows me to set the club to promote a fade or draw and help me shape shots when I want to. If you’re looking for a new driver that will help you hit the ball farther, I highly recommend you check out one of Nike Golf’s Speed Trial events at your local golf retailer to see how much distance you gain over your current driver. I’m sold on the VR_S driver, and if you try it for yourself I think you will be too.

Read Nike Golf’s press release about the VR_S Driver and Fairway Wood >>

Check out this Oven Files video about the VR_S NexCOR Face Technology >>

Watch the “VR_S: Face” Driver TV Spot with Lucas Glover >>

Visit the VR_S microsite on nikegolf.com >>

Find out more about the VR_S Speed Trials >>

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.

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Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Equipment Product Reviews, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Product Reviews, VR_S Driver

Product Review: TW Dri-Fit Ultra Light Men’s Golf Pants

April 17, 2012 By Alan Numsuwan 3 Comments

There is something to be said about Nike’s relentless pursuit of innovation and performance, and there is no greater accomplishment than what the company did with its new Tiger Woods Collection, under the Tour Performance apparel line.

According to the company, the new apparel focuses on moisture management, cooling, and stretch technologies, and the line provides exceptional Lightweight Performance for golf athletes. But the new TW Dri-Fit Ultra Light pant goes well beyond consumer expectations. Nike Golf has truly set a new benchmark when it comes to performance golf pants with the TW Dri-Fit Ultra Light.

Last week, I was able to get a pair from Golf Coast Pickers who offer the pants for 10% off using the #GCpickers code at check out. Here’s my review of the pants:

Initial impression:

When I opened the package I thought there was no way that a pair of pants could be that light. Made of 95% lightweight polyester and 5% spandex, the pants, well, look like a pair of pants – but have the weight and feel of lightweight tennis shorts. The dark gray color was very versatile, and the screen print swoosh patch on the left thigh was a new styling feature that immediate caught my eye. The notched bottom hem is also very subtle, so as not to look like a pair of bell bottoms. The unwrapping was a great experience and I was ready to test.

Fit:

Nike Golf pants now come with a tag (see pic in gallery) to indicate whether the pants are standard fit, like the TW Ultra Light, or slim fit, like the Modern Tech Pant. At first, I was hoping that the TW Ultra Light would be a slim fit but when trying them on, they were actually very tailored. The only difference is that there is a little more room in the leg from the knee down to the ankle in the standard fit. In the thigh area, the cut and tailoring in the two models are virtually the same.

The pants provide a level of comfort that no other athletic pant has every provided me. The material is actually a four-way stretch Dri-fit material that really makes it impossible to snag, grab, and not move with you. The range of motion it allows is unparalleled.

Style:

New features to the Tiger Woods Collection pants include a new grip in the inside waist band in order to keep your shirt tucked in. It consists of small rubber dots to decrease weight but provide the same grip capabilities. Also, the button is now a snap close and presumably this too reduces weight. It is important to get the size right, because you do not want this snap to come undone during your swing. The v-notch hem is a very good improvement because the notch overlaps itself so its provides a nice lay down effect over your shoes but not so much that it looks like you’re a disco dancer from the 70s (no offense Rory). I like the way the swoosh is on the left thigh to proudly display the brand insignia. The back pockets are plain which is a welcomed change from last year’s Hyperlite pants that had contrast pockets.

Performance:

While I have only worn the pants walking around and hitting some balls outside, I can say that these are a great walking pant for warm temperatures. The stretchiness of the pants makes it feel like you’re not weighed down or uncomfortable, and gives you that athletic feel. While the pants are not water resistant, they do dry easily. I got the bottom wet to test it out, and while it did get wet like any other pant, it dried relatively quickly.

The pants do look great with shoes, as I have demonstrated with my Lunar Control in the gallery. The all white Zoom Trophy I have looks great too with the gray pants, so I would recommend these with a classic performance shoe.

Conclusion:

At its price point (MSRP $125.00), the TW Dri-Fit Ultra Light pant is the most technologically advanced pant in the Nike Golf lineup. But if you are looking for a performance pant, a pant you want to wear when you are in the competitive mindset, then these are for you. Alternatively, they are just great for a spring day when you want to look stylish on the course. I recommend these pants, and hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Gallery:

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Sources:

Pictures taken by Golf Coast Pickers GCPickers.com page and myself.

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: Apparel, Deals, Footwear & Apparel, Footwear & Apparel Deals, Footwear & Apparel Product Reviews, ngnation.com, Product Reviews, Tiger Woods

Nike Golf Athletes Carl Pettersson and Carly Booth Bring Home Big Wins on Their Respective Tours

April 16, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

Pettersson and Booth Sink Birdies with the Revolutionary 20XI Golf Ball and a Nike Method Putter

It was a successful weekend for Nike Golf as athletes Carl Pettersson and Carly Booth secure wins at the RBC Heritage and the Dinard Ladies Open, respectively.

Pettersson’s performance was solid throughout the entire tournament, making major moves in the second round with a 6-under par, 65. He secured his victory with a 69 in the final round to win the tournament by a five-stroke margin.

Using the revolutionary Nike 20XI S golf ball and a Nike Method Prototype belly-length putter, Pettersson was ranked first in greens in regulation, putts per green in regulation, as well as birdies for the tournament.

“The 20XI S has given me great consistency and great feel around the greens,” said Pettersson. “I have also gained 10-15 yards off the tee with this golf ball.”

The new Nike 20XI ball features a technology never before seen in the golf industry. This game-changing technology replaces conventional rubber cores with a radical new resin material- faster and lighter than traditional rubber cores. Nike’s resin core technology accomplishes three critical performance components that golfers dream to have in a golf ball: More distance off the tee, straight ball flight, and increased control around the greens.

When asked if he had changed anything in his equipment, Pettersson said: “I put in a new putter. I’ve used it on and off before. It’s a Nike Method long putter, and I used it in Houston, finished second there. I putted well all week. So it puts a nice roll on it.”

Rounding out Pettersson’s bag were clubs from the VR franchise, including a 4-iron from Nike’s new VR_S line.

Also etching a win in the record books as a Nike athlete was Carly Booth, who recorded her first professional victory in France at the Dinard Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour Access Series developmental tour. Sinking birdies with a Nike Method 003 putter and the 20XI X ball, the 19-year-old stormed the leaderboard on the back nine of the final round. With a stunning final round performance, Booth put herself in playoff position, winning the tournament on the first playoff hole.

Booth also performed with a full bag of Nike Golf equipment including the Nike VR_S Driver and VR Pro Combo irons.

Pettersson’s Nike Golf Arsenal
Driver: Nike VR Pro STR8-FIT 11.5-degree (Fubuki a 50 X)
Irons: Nike VR S Forged (4), VR Pro Combo (5-PW)
Hybrids: Nike VR Pro 21-degree
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 49-degree, 55-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method Prototype (Belly-Length)
Ball: Nike 20XI S

Booth’s Nike Golf Arsenal
Driver: Nike VR_S 9.5-degree
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (4-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 52-degree, 56-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 003
Ball: Nike 20XI X

Nike Golf’s 2012 PGA Tour Victories

Carl Pettersson – RBC Heritage
Tiger Woods – Arnold Palmer Invitational

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

Filed Under: Athletes, Carl Pettersson, Carly Booth, Ladies European Tour, Ladies European Tour, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, PGA Tour, PGA Tour, Tournaments

Nike Golf Athletes at the Masters :: Round 3 Recap and Round 4 Tee Times

April 7, 2012 By Damian Daniels Leave a Comment

While the early news of the day with Tiger’s good round that could have been, Phil, Hanson, Kuchar, Ooshuizen and others were stealing the show by the end of the day.

Francesco Molinari had a great day, almost matching his 69 on Day 1. He has a great chance to get a top 10.

Here are the scores for the Nike Golf athletes at the 2012 Masters;

Check the full leaderboard here >>

Francesco Molinari’s round was expected, as he was over 80% in Fairways and Greens heading into Saturday.

Kevin Chappell had a nice rebound round as well with 4 birdies and 3 bogeys.

Ross Fisher had a decent round as well. He had 5 birdies, but added 4 bogeys and a double. Fisher hasn’t been putting well, even though he’s been hitting greens and fairways.

I can’t comment too much more on Tiger. Cink didn’t even have a birdie on the round, and Schwartzel was on the rebound, but bogeys on all 3 rounds on the 18th hole can’t help.

Round 4 Tee Times and Pairings