These products are some of the very best that have been brought to market so far this year. Whether they are for Dad, or yourself, you both deserve the best!
Sun Mountain is one of the premier golf cart bag manufacturers in the US
Of all the golf cart bags our testing group has been charged with reviewing for the past ten years, without any fear of contradiction, Sun Mountain’s C-130 cart bag has no equal!
Updated for 2024, the 6.6 lb. C-130, Sun Mountain’s best-selling bag, was created to work optimally on a cart. This sturdy bag is user-friendly, the quality is outstanding, and you can expect a minimum of 5-7 years of service from this exceptional bag.
All features are designed with cart use in mind, starting with the reverse orientation top with three utility handles, cart bumpers, and 14 full-length club dividers including a dedicated putter compartment. These full-length dividers protect the clubs and prevent the migration of club shafts.
The Smart Strap System attaches the bag to a riding cart with two Velcro® straps which stops the bag from twisting and allows better access to the bag pockets. Also included is a convenient, roomy, velour-lined rangefinder pocket with a magnetic closure. In addition, the pockets consist of two full-length apparel pockets, a ventilated, cooler pocket, a range finder pocket, and two velour-lined pockets, one of which is water-resistant forward-facing and accessible when the bag is on a cart. For 2024, Sun Mountain added a velour-lined pocket and streamlined the top.
Available in thirteen different color combinations with a matching rain hood is included.
$289.99 https://www.sunmountain.com/collections/cart-bags/products/c130
For those golfers who want a C-130 but prefer a top without individual club dividers, Sun Mountain offers the C-130 5-way. It has all the features of the best-selling C-130 14-way but uses a top with five club compartments, rather than fourteen. https://www.sunmountain.com/collections/cart-bags/products/c-130-5w
And, the C-130S is a stand bag version of the C-130 for those who enjoy the size and pocket space of a cart bag but want a stand bag for use on the practice range.
https://www.sunmountain.com/collections/stand-and-carry-bags/products/c-130s
Honma Golf Balls
Honma Golf, which has been known since 1959 as a maker of quality golf clubs, recently released 3 new performance-driven golf balls in the North American market that rank among the top brands when it comes to feel and performance. The new models are the TW-X, TW-S, and D1 balls.
Available this spring, the new TW-X and TW-S golf balls deliver top-tier ball speed, spin, and overall performance while the D1 ball packs distance, forgiveness, and durability at a price point and reliability that has helped make it one of the best-selling balls in the Asian market.
The TW-X and TW-S both sport a premium cast urethane cover that provides amazing spin performance on short irons, increased durability, and an extremely scratch-resistant surface. The cast urethane cover provides a soft feel with surprising durability, creating a ball that retains its resilience after rigorous use, from iron shots to bunker escapes. The TW-X and TW-S deliver exceptional feel shot after shot. The cast urethane cover bites into the grooves of the club face during shots at low clubhead speeds, increasing ground contact time and achieving high spin performance.
Honma’s 326 Dimple construction was developed over a rigorous three-year design process. The 326 dimples are intentionally aligned with a certain size to withstand strong winds with mid/high trajectory. This provides a highly stable trajectory for any shot. A simple yet sophisticated alignment design enhances player concentration. PRICING $36 dozen.
TW-X
• Improved Initial Velocity and Spin Performance
• Newly Formulated LD Core – greater distance, achieved by enhanced initial velocity from newly formulated Large-Diameter core.
• High Elasticity FLEX Layer – overwhelming distance by adopting high-elasticity FLEX in the layer that increases repulsion for more initial speed.
TW-S
• Evolved Spin Performance and Feel
• Newly Formulated LS Soft Core – the newly formulated Large-Soft core improves the initial velocity of the ball and achieves further distance.
• Soft FLEX Layer – a newly developed ionomer layer increases backspin on iron shots and provides a softer feel for improved control.
Japan’s No. 1 Golf Ball (D1) Comes to North America
The Honma D1 model, which has been the No. 1 sales volume ball in the Japanese market, has now been improved and updated for 2024 for the demands of the North American market. Designed for golfers who desire straight ball flight, solid feel and premium distance, the D1 ball showcases advanced performance with advanced raw material formulation.
With environmental sustainability in mind, Honma’s 2024 D1 ball is designed to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the volume of butadiene rubber required by using a particulate material for the core.
The newly formulated RM Soft Core, with high initial velocity yet stable feel that is achieved by a larger, softer core fore. This Eco-friendly next-Gen ball contributes to SDGs by blending recycled materials with butadiene rubber (BR). By mixing particulate recycled material into the RB soft core, with this amount of butadiene rubber used, carbon emissions are reduced drastically.
D1
• High Durability Ionomer cover, combination of uniquely formulated highly-resilience yet high durability ionomer cover and RM soft core generates incredible distance.
• 368 Dimple, produce a strong yet stable trajectory.
• Recycled material used in ball construction.
A precise alignment design that maintains concentration by making the line in the direction of movement thicker and the line with the face slightly thinner. PRICING $27 dozen
Learn more at HonmaGolf.com.
Tour Edge
Tour Edge’s David Glod is a club-designed master craftsman who introduces amazing golf equipment that both pros and regular golfers love to play.
His Exotics and Hot Launch brands are extremely popular on the PGA Champions Tour and have also garnered 36 spots on Golf Digest’s Hot List over the past six seasons.
The Tour Edge Hot Launch 524 series of metal woods merges cutting-edge technology from the Exotics lineup with affordability, catering to budget-conscious consumers. Offering drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids at competitive prices, some even half the cost of popular models. This lineup caters to a wide range of golfers. Divided into two families, the E524 emphasizes extreme game improvement, while the C524 offers a more traditional, compact design for skilled players. Beyond visual differences, each collection boasts unique features tailored to its target audience.
“This is by far the most tech we have put into the Hot Launch lineup and almost all of it comes directly from our ultra-premium Exotics designs,” said David Glod, Tour Edge founder and president, who refers to the distinct face thicknesses as “mini-trampolines.”
Across both families, the focus is on enhancing ball speed across the entire face. This is achieved through a variable-thickness face design with diamond-shaped indentations and a central ridge along the crown, providing structural stability at impact.
In the E524 series, the driver, fairway woods, and hybrids are designed with increased offset to shift the center of gravity farther back, promoting a tendency for the face to close at impact. The E524 driver also adopts a more upright lie angle and a shorter shaft for enhanced control. Additionally, a heel-biased sole weight on the driver, fairway woods, and hybrids assist in combating slices. Higher lofts and larger visual footprints in the E524 inspire confidence at the address.
Conversely, the C524 driver, fairway woods, and hybrids feature a more centered and deep sole weight, elevating the moment of inertia for improved heel-toe stability. Similar to the E524 series, a pronounced sole rail lowers the center of gravity, with the CG positioned eight percent lower in the driver and 22 percent lower in the hybrids compared to previous models.
Both collections employ shallow face designs in their fairway woods and hybrids, with the E524 lineup featuring a shallower profile than the C524 offerings. An angled wedge of weight positioned in the rear perimeter, known as the “Houdini Sole,” lowers the CG and enhances stability while providing heel and toe relief for improved turf interaction. The angle of the wedge is more aggressive in the E524 woods, offering greater heel and toe relief compared to the C524.
The variable diamond shapes enhance ball speed and minimize spin. In the E524 woods, the driver’s face is supported by 36 diamond shapes in four sizes, while the fairway wood boasts 34 shapes and the hybrid 39. Conversely, the C524 series incorporates 37 diamond shapes for the driver, 35 for the fairway wood, and an array of 34 for the hybrid. Additionally, the fairway woods and hybrids utilize three distinct shapes and thicknesses in their diamond patterns.
PRICE: E524: driver ($250; 10.5, 12, 15 degrees); fairway wood ($180; 16, 20, 23, 25, 27 degrees); hybrid ($150; 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees). C524: driver ($250; 9, 10.5, 12 degrees); fairway wood ($180; 15, 17, 19, 22 degrees); hybrid ($150; 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees).
www.touredge.com
The Best Golf Energy Bar – 1st Tee High Protein Bar
For many years I have espoused the excellent virtues, taste, and consistency of these outstanding tasting energy bars. On the PGA Tour, the bars are ubiquitous in player locker rooms and their golf bags. There are the 1st Tee Plus+ bars to get you to start calm and focused and the 10th Tee Plus+ bars to help you finish strong and energized.
The 1st Tee High Protein Bar is the perfect snack for those looking for a high protein, low sugar bar.
With 16 grams of protein and only 4 grams of sugar, this bar provides you with the fuel you need for peak performance.
What’s more, they also contain 15 grams of Fiber. Whether you’re hitting the golf course, going for a run, or simply need an afternoon pick-me-up, a High Protein Bar will keep you going strong. Plus, it’s gluten-free and made with all-natural ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Try my favorites, the delicious dark chocolate caramel flavor and the 1st tee Plus+ Oatmeal Raisin Nutrition bar. Experience the power of protein!
$25.99 for 12 bars.
1st Tee also makes Electrolyte Drink Mixes $26.99 for 12 packets) and 1st Tee Black Pepper Beef and Sriracha Jerky ($58.99 for 8 packets).
www.golfenergybar.com
Footjoy Pro/SLX Golf Shoe
In my opinion, this shoe is and should be rated in the top three of FootJoy’s product line.
Regarded as one of the most successful product franchises in golf, Pro/SL has set a high standard for performance golf shoes by delivering comfort, traction, and performance for men, women, and 
juniors at all levels of the game.
In 2024, FootJoy released the next evolution of Pro/SL with the all-new Pro/SLX™ and Pro/SLX Carbon. Incorporating the most advanced materials and construction processes, Pro/SLX and Pro/SLX Carbon will advance your game with revolutionary traction, comfort, and control features.
“We know the game is evolving and we need to make sure that we are evolving with a modern golf shoe for the modern golfer,” said Patrick Trubiano, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “Pro/SLX will feature cutting-edge, never-before-seen performance innovation that will truly advance your game.”
ADVANCED TRACTION
Pro/SLX will introduce a game-changing new traction design called the PWR TRAX System. It features a molded 3D X-Wing that is engaged by swing forces to redistribute energy to the perimeter of the golf shoe, inspired by the wide base found in race cars to maximize perimeter stability and traction. The Race Trak Outsole with radial disc traction harnesses extends into the ground to increase the overall traction footprint. Multiple traction elements target specific on-course conditions and around-the-course walking needs.
ADVANCED COMFORT
FJ’s popular StratoFoam™ midsole offers exceptional comfort and is specifically tuned to absorb and return energy with every step. Around the ankle is a 3D Molded Collar that locks the foot in place for supreme comfort and a reliable, consistent fit.
ADVANCED CONTROL
The 3D X-Wing engages and provides increased stability as your swing engages the ground. An FTF+ foam surrounds the StratoFoam midsole for a stable platform and swing performance, with an exposed heel stabilizer and side wall TPU wrap that controls lateral and upper movement.
Like its predecessors, Pro/SLX golf shoes are sure to be popular at every level of the game, including on the professional Tours. They have already been worn in practice and play by the likes of Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Corey Connors, and many more.
“Golfers are going to be excited about the performance of the new Pro/SLX,” continued Trubiano. “It’s very comfortable, it’s very stable and it looks phenomenal.”
FootJoy warrants that this golf shoe will be 100% waterproof in normal use for two years (U.S. Warranty).
Available in white, navy, black, and white/navy
$189.99 footjoy.com
Phigolf Home Golf Simulator
Raining outside? Short on space to practice? Traveling for work?
Phigolf has you covered! The portable golf simulator provides you with an opportunity to improve your swing from anywhere in the world.
Phigolf is a South Korean company that develops golf simulators that aim to help new and professional golfers, plus amateur golfers, to improve their swing by giving real-time feedback and staying at the forefront of golf simulation technology.
Receive feedback on your swing in real-time, or play with friends and family remotely via the online platform. Phigolf’s compatibility with the Topgolf WGT TruGolf E6 platforms offers instant access to over 80+ world-class golf courses, from the comfort of your own home.
Get instant swing analysis with data overlay so you can improve your golf swing shot by shot. Trusted by golf pros and industry experts, Phigolf helps golfers around the world improve their game.
• Emphasizing Fun over Analysis: Phigolf highlights that their product focuses on making golf practice more enjoyable rather than providing detailed swing analysis. While their motion sensor technology offers some swing analysis capabilities, it’s important to note that these are more limited compared to expensive golf simulators.
• Phigolf App Features: Dive into the diverse features of the Phigolf app, including Crazy Birdie, Local Game (Speed Golf), and Online Game (Rush Game). These features enhance the enjoyment of golf practice and play. Moreover, the Phigolf’s swing analysis feature is meticulously designed to refine your swing tempo, improve swing plane precision, and enhance balance for optimal performance.
Each unit is compatible with WGT, Phigolf and E6 Connect Apps, and contains a weighted training stick, 3D swing graph, and live feedback. A Speed Golf and Rush game mode features high-quality courses as well as monthly tournaments, and online and local multiplayer capabilities. The unit is iOS and Android compatible.
Full access to WGT and E6 Connect courses requires a subscription
$239.99 phigolfstore.com 2-week delivery time
Callaway TruTrack Golf Balls
Callaway’s new Chrome Tour USA TruTrack Golf 4-piece balls are following suit. Chrome Soft is longer through the bag while providing a signature soft feel that golfers love.
Chrome Soft is designed for a wide range of golfers who want an outstanding feel, excellent distance, and incredible forgiveness.
Key performance characteristics include Callaway’s signature Chrome Soft feel, more distance off the tee, low-spinning iron shots, and a high level of greenside control.
By combining the best of both the popular Callaway Truvis and Triple Track alignment technologies, Callaway makes the Chrome Soft golf balls even easier to align on the greens.
The ball features a Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core for Tour – level speed, spin, and control through the bag. The other great feature of the ball is the new Tour Aero design which imparts consistent ball flight.
With TruTrack, the next advancement in visual technology is here to stay. TruTrack combines the best elements of Truvis and Triple Track for enhanced roll feedback, visible spin, and alignment. Each of these benefits is provided in a new hexagon shape with a USA design for even more feedback that you can see on your golf ball.
My personal opinion: Best ball I’ve used since I started playing golf. More distance, better feel, and great stopping ability on the green.
Available in 3 models: Chrome Tour USA TruTrack, Chrome Tour X USA TruTrack, and Chrome Soft USA TruTrack.
$54.99 per dozen White and Yellow available.
FYI: Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke drivers have taken the industry by storm. Wins on the Tours to date by Xander Schauffele (PGA Championship), Akshay Bhatia (Valero Texas Open), Brice Garnett (Puerto Rico Open), and Retief Goosen (Galleri Classic) have embellished the Smoke’s reputation.
SQAIRZ Velo Shoes
SQAIRZ is the fastest-growing golf shoe brand and the first golf shoe designed to increase distance, balance, stability, and speed. SQAIRZ’s patented square toe box design, spike positioning, specially placed comfort padding, Sta-Put laces, and other performance innovations have demonstrated how they have improved golfers’ positioning, biomechanics, comfort, balance, and stability.
SQAIRZ provides your foot with enough space for your toes to spread naturally. All other golf shoes angle your toes to the center of the shoe, reducing balance and stability.
These innovations help golfers to consistently achieve greater accuracy, as well as increased ground force connection and swing speed for greater distance.
Talk about “disruptors” in the golf shoe business, and SQAIRZ will always be mentioned immediately. Created by Robert Winskowicz and endorsed by Sir Nick Faldo, PGA Tour player Wes Straka, and a host of top-rated golf coaches, these shoes are the new SPEED BOLD shoes, one of the most comfortable golf shoes available. If you are a walker, these shoes are going to make your round that much more enjoyable.
SQAIRZ’s innovative Velo design solves the problem and integrates the midsole, outsole, and heel stabilizer to provide the structure needed to channel the ground force and optimize swing speed. The Velo offers the same game-changing performance with a sleeker look and a premium single-piece upper design.
There is so much to be said about their support, toe box, and stability. They are remarkable. These shoes are without a doubt the most comfortable and supportive shoes I have ever used!
All 6 models have Sta-Put laces and Pivix Softspikes and come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
$219.97 with a $30 Father’s Day Sale discount www.sqairz.com
BRANDINI TOFFEE
“The joy our products bring to people and the connections something as simple as toffee can make is what gives us purpose. While we hope to be your favorite toffee and perhaps even your favorite indulgence, on a higher level we aspire to be a company you can be proud of. To us, this is about much more than just creating a superior product. It is a reflection of how we treat people, how we operate a business, and how we make an impact in the world”.
OMG! What a treat!
Spoil Dad with some of Brandini’s toffee products such as my favorite- a 1lb box of Almond Toffee Bites. A treat so luscious, you won’t want to share! This elegant package of their signature toffee bites makes a decadent gift that’s sure to impress.
You can taste the quality of the carefully selected ingredients (butter, sugar, dark chocolate almonds), and the care that goes into every handcrafted batch. Every box is made fresh in Brandini’s Palm Springs, California factory.
Pricing: 1lb Box is $37.00. 1/4lb 6 pack Almond Toffee $60.00.
Go BIG with the Brandini Bundle:
The Brandini Bundle is back by popular demand. This curation includes a variety of my favorite almond toffee and toffee popcorn products. Perfect for office gifts, hostess gifts, or your own Brandini stash. Bundle includes:
• 2 LB Box Almond Toffee Bites
• 12 OZ Cashew Almond Toffee Popcorn
• 12 OZ Toffee Popcorn
• 12 OZ Chocolate Almond Toffee Popcorn
*12 OZ Chocolate Almond Toffee Popcorn is a seasonal item and is substituted with one additional 12oz Cashew Almond Toffee Popcorn May – October. On sale $105.00
If you see Brandon Weimer, the owner, send him my regards. His toffee ice creams are so amazing!
www.brandinitoffee.com
Each year we are exposed to so many great new golf products and this year is no exception. Whatever you choose, any one of these products will make Dad extremely happy and grateful.
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. Visit www/facebook.com/PGTAA to see all the latest mental strategies, travel and equipment reviews. Currently he also works with between 10 to 12 PGA Tour players on the mental side of golf.
He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his previous book, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf”, is still in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list. His current book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, is now in its 13th reprint is available on Amazon, and at the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Just released on June 1st, is his new book,
“The Right Mind for Putting”,
is now available at
https://www.pgtaa.com/product-category/books-and-apparell/.
