It’s that time of the year again when you need to find that perfect gift for the golfer on your list. Don’t worry, Three Guys Golf has you covered with ten great ideas that nearly every golfer will love, and the price tag will not break the bank. All ideas are $100 or less and we have sorted from least expensive to most.

1) Elevated Golf Balls: Anyone who has a serious golf problem can never hit enough balls. These fly great if you have a large field or make perfect practice balls to hit into a net. They fly true but only about 50% of the actual distance, so you are less likely to take out your neighbor’s window (bonus). Price: 3 for $9 Purchase here

2) QED Style Too Many 5’s Tee Shirt: Most golf tee shirts suck, but I love this one. Check the score card, it adds up to 63 (not too shabby). Still, us golfers are never satisfied, but you sure will be when you give this great gift. Did that just sound like a SkyMall blurb? Price: about $20 Our Review Purchase here

3) Custom Ball Marker: Such a great gift and he will always think of you when he marks his ball. Get it engraved with his initials or whatever you choose. Plus it is handmade. Price: 2 for $25 Our Review Purchase here

4) Bunker Mentality Hat: I have a soft spot for Bunker Mentality and this hat is crazy soft, like, material-wise. Both of my teenagers love to wear it so you know it’s cool with the kids. It has soft fleece inside so your head won’t itch too. Price: about $30  Our Review Purchase here

5) I Need the Ball: Every golfer needs golf balls and the new I Need The Ball have proven to be one of the best we have played without the large price tag. Plus the unique branding is sure to put a smile on your golfer’s mug. Price: about $35 Our Review Purchase here

6) Gimme Charge: For those who prefer to ride, the Gimme Charge is a handy device that allows you to charge your cell phone simply by plugging it into nearly every golf cart. Never run out of cell phone juice again. Price: about $70 Our Review Purchase here. 

7) Adidas Climawarm Jacket: First off, Adidas is supporting the adoption of a Polar Bear through the World Wildlife Fund which gets my vote. Second, it’s super light and warm, making this a great fall jacket that can be worn on and off the course. Price $80 Purchase

8)Appalachian Leather Works Scorecard Holder: You don’t have to be a Pro to look like one. These embossed scorecard holders will surely be a hit. Not only do they look super cool, but they protect the card from getting soggy in humid weather. Price: about $80 Our Review Purchase here

9) G Belt: Yes, “G” is for Golf but it also stands for “Great Gift”. Super cool, unique, and affordable, the G Belt comes in a number of styles but each one stands out from the crowd of boring golf buckles. Price: about $100 Our Review Purchase here

10) Blunt Umbrella: Another item that every golfer needs. The Blunt umbrella’s unique structure makes it basically wind proof. Price: about $100 Our Review Purchase here

That’s the list. I promise you can’t go wrong and you will be a hero when they open the gift. And tell them Three Guys sent you.

“7 minute abs, just like 8 minute abs but a minute shorter”. Yeah this brilliant idea proposed in Something About Mary was my first thought when I saw the new Smart Square putter from Cleveland. Seriously, it does harken back to the two ball putters we have all owned at one time or another. Props to Cleveland for not shying away from the comparison. They are sticking with the 7 minute ab story- it’s like the two ball but better. Ok, let’s roll up our sleeves and see what she can do.

I had a chance to drive a brand-new, red Ferrari Boxer 328 one time. You know, Magnum PI’s car. I was around 19, and my brother was helping this other guy coach a football team of grade-school kids. The other guy had forgotten the playbook, and needed someone to go grab it at his house a few blocks away. He turned to me and simply said, “Can you drive a stick? It’s the red one over there… try not to break 100 on the way.”  Well, I only got it up to 90 between stop signs, and I’m glad I didn’t kill anyone in the neighborhood. Although it wasn’t anywhere near the smoothest ride of my life, it was unforgettable.

Yes, I’ll tell that story to a wall if prompted, but really I bring it up because I got that same Frearri feeling when it was time to test out the Miura MB001 irons. When you put this new Miura MB001 club in your hand, you know that you are dealing with something special. The folks at Miura don’t mess around; they create immaculate tools with the look and function of beauty in action. The form is classic, and the feel and balance are just right; and these clubs can hit all the shots… no lie. When I mean all the shots, I also mean that one that feels like you hit the ball with a wet newspaper when you hit it off the sweet spot. That’s no knock on this club; it’s a gem. But, it doesn’t come cheap, and in our opinion, it’s not for folks that don’t hit the ball right on the button.

I’ve played with a single-digit handicap for a number of years now, and I was still a touch nervous to play a round with this club. When we unwrapped it and got it out of its own little Miura carry bag, and its own headcover, the looks did not disappoint. A couple of swings through the grass at home showed me just how balanced and agile this club is. Some time on the range, and then on the course, impressed me even more.

The face is a touch smaller than the Callaway x- forged irons that I normally play, and the sole is also a bit narrower. The press release from Miura says that they narrowed the sole to move more easily through the turf, and changed the top line to be more easily viewed from above. In practice, I would certainly agree with both of those ideas. The club has a nearly unnoticeable offset, and the muscleback that the club is named for is reminiscent of the same design of my favorite wedges made by the good folks at SCOR. There is also a bit of bounce ground into the leading edge, making it even easier to hit off of tight lies. That impressed me, and it is different from other irons I’ve tried outside of wedges.

As I mentioned, this club definitely can hit all the shots. I was easily able to work it both ways, as well as hit high and low balls, and bunch shots without any trouble. I also chipped with it around the green, and was able to lay it down and hit a bit of a flop shot with it, and that’s just not possible with many of today’s more forgiving irons. When I hit the sweet spot, I hardly felt the impact, and off-center hits didn’t sting my hands, partly because of the softness of the PURE grip that comes standard. I hit it right around the same distance as my Callaway forged irons, but off-center hits were more penalized. Obviously, that’s the normal blade tradeoff in terms of agility and workability versus forgiveness.

I tried the stiff Nippon modus 3 120 shaft, and found it to be a very good combination for me given the project x 6.5 shafts I normally use. There is a whole fitting process that Miura uses, and if you are going to spend the money on these clubs, I would highly recommend going through their process. At the end of the day, the new refinements that have been made from their Tournament Blade and their Small Blade come together to make quite a thoroughbred, in my opinion.

I have really enjoyed getting to play with this club. I learned some more about my swing—this iron reveals both the good and the bad; and I also felt very rewarded when I put a good swing on it. It reminded me of the incredible versatility that a well-made blade can give, if you want to work on it. They are pricey, going for $200 to $300 per club, depending on your variation. Not everyone wants or can afford a race horse or sports car, but if you’re one of the players looking for one, you need to give these new Miura musclebacks a hard look.

You can learn more on the Miura website.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream, mint julep and of course “just one more wafer thin mint”. Yes, mint makes most everything better except maybe shoes. Huh, mint shoes? Yup, Kikkor has been bold enough to offer their Men’s Player in splendid mint!

Of all of the shoes I trot out, I get more double takes and questions about the Kikkor Player Mint Shadow than anything else. And why not, they are green for Pete’s sake. Since we have reviewed the Kikkor shoes in the past I will spare you the company details and just hit you with what is new.

The Mint Shadow is basically like the other Kikkor Player shoes except one small detail. They are freaking mint color and they are awesome. I am not sure exactly why a green pair of shoes are so cool, but it is not just me. Again, I get guys from all walks of life tell me they dig these shoes so I am gonna go ahead and say they are 100% money.

Speaking of which, they won’t break the bank as the price tag comes in at a cool $99. Not bad for a water resistant suede shoe. Note on water resistant -no way am I wearing these in the rain so I don’t care about waterproof but I do care that they keep my feet dry in early morning wet grass (which they do).

Comfort wise, Kikkor are pretty darn comfortable. Perhaps not as comfortable as I want them to be but I think that is more due to the fact that they look like they should be insanely amazingly comfortable and they are merely very comfortable. Walking 18 is no issue with the Kikkors and there is no break-in period.

Aside from the color, I also really like how they have separated the space between the grommets where you lace up the shoe. I am not sure what that space is called, but most shoes have a very small space where as with the Kikkor Player shoes, there is a full inch of space which give them a very unique look. That and the fact they are mint green (have I mentioned that?).

The sole is your standard Kikkor cleat. Traction is fine and they last fairly well. The back two cleats seem to wear a little faster but getting a season in should not be a problem. The truth is these are not a pair of shoes you are going to wear for two years.

For me, these are a great shoe to wear on days of blue sky and light breeze. They say “dude it is awesome outside, lets play some golf!” These are not workman shoes to be trotted out while grinding on your game or when clouds are looming. Naw, they are for better times. Mint green times.

Final note on the suede. I was pretty sure that after three rounds they would look awful and discolored but they actually hold up very well. Yes, they do get a little dirty but you can scrub them and get them mostly clean. The mint color remains solid and bold. Again, not for keeping two years but for a summer’s worth of play – perfect!

P.S. A huge thank you to Kikkor for sponsoring the Hoeffler Cup, which is a tournament we organize as a way to raise money for Victory Juncton and SKJAJA Fund. Kikkor does a fantasic job with community outreach and is definitely one of the “good guys”.

You can check out all of the Kikkor gear on their website

So you have 14 clubs in your bag, but how many do you have scattered around your house and yard? That, my friends is the true measure of your obsession. In my case, I have an old TaylorMade Burner 3 wood just outside my garage door, an old Wilson 9 iron that resides around back, two wedges on the porch, a training club in my office and a shorted club in my bedroom (low ceilings). Yes, I need serious help, but I find taking a few practice swings throughout the day helps to clear my head.

ProAdvanced chipping net, therefore, has become a nice addition to my collection of training tools. Typically, I chip from a small mat in my driveway onto the front or back yard. Besides the wasted time I spend walking around looking for the balls that have nestled down into the grass, I inevitably end up losing more than my fair share of eggs. Clearly, I need a net.

First off, the ProAdvanced Net is extremely simple to set up. It works on the same principal that a car sun visor uses. Simply take it out of the bag, shake it out and its ready to go. So easy, I would be insulting your intelligence if I made a “how to video”, which is why I chose not to (it had nothing to do with the fact I hate making videos).

The ProAdvanced Net has a few specific features that set it apart from most of the other cheapo versions. First, it has a ball return system that makes it super easy to chip, chip and chip some more without ever having to wander your front yard. Secondly, you can add targets which is a nice way to practice specific shots. This way you can work on higher flop shots and bump and run shots. So while you cannot practice distance control you can practice getting the ball started on the right flight.

Perhaps the biggest difference in the ProAdvanced Net and other practice nets is its slim design. I have had practice nets in the past and for the first few weeks they are great, but then I get tired of setting up the monster for a few swings and it ends up never being used. The ProAdvanced net on the other hand, is so easy to set up and take down I ended up using it way more than I thought I would.

For those of you who are a bit more adventurous (and have a better short game than mine), you can take the net inside and use it in any room with sufficient head space. Of course this does require that you are either a) single or b) are married to someone who is more open-minded than my wife.

In terms of construction, the ProAdvanced net not only is well designed to minimize the stress it takes but also is reinforced at all of the points of tension. The large grommet holes allow for you to easily take the target piece on or off as well as secure the net with included stakes.

You will note that the front net is only secured at the top which allows it to better absorb the impact from the golf ball. While I have hit full swings into the net, I would not recommend it as it is frankly too thin to risk shanking a ball into the neighbor’s car.

As an added touch, the kind folks at ProAdvanced have included instructions that are sewn into the case, which is nice if you are like me and never bother to open the manual. This way you will always have a reminder of how to use the net. Luckily, it is basically dummy proof and requires no advance degrees.

ProAdvanced offers this and other nets on their website.

Lyle & Scott may not be a household name in America, but they have been in the apparel business since 1874 and a staple in the European golf market. Headquartered in Scotland, Lyle & Scott sits in the heart of our sports historic birthplace.

I first discovered Lyle & Scott at the 2012 PGA show where I got to see firsthand the entire line of apparel. Unlike most of the American brands that focus on solid colors or blazing patterns, Lyle & Scott trends toward subtle tartans and argyle patterns that run across the trousers, shirts and sweaters. My fear was that while they look great on mannequins, average (or below) looking guys like myself would never be able to pull them off. What I found is that because of the color pallet and design, they are actually quite traditional (just a whole lot hipper).

When the  folks at Trendy Golf, who carry a wide range of progressive golf apparel, sent me the Club Pocket Polo, Check Trousers and Argyle Half Zip Jumper for review I will admit to being a bit more excited than usual. Since Lyle & Scott is not widely available in stores, I was very curious to see how they fit and performed. Since I am not alone in being new to the brand, I am going to give you a bit more detail on each piece as there a number design features I rarely see or are significantly different than most other golf apparel.

Lyle & Scott Club Pocket Polo Shirt

Nothing too fancy here, but I do like the cotton as I prefer this material if the weather permits. The added breast pocket is also a nice feature. I am honestly not sure what you put in the small pocket but it’s called a “ticket pocket” (still confused).  The big difference with the Lyle & Scott polo is the sleeve length. Without a measuring tape, I am sure they is an inch or so less than any other shirt I own. “Show them the Guns” could be their motto. Also note, the shirts run a tad small. The medium does fit me but I could have gone to a large.

Lyle & Scott Check Trousers:

Here is where it gets really good. Solid colored trousers are fine, but come with a pattern and you have raised the bar tenfold. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to pull off most muli-colored pants. The Lyle & Scott Check Trousers are dark enough that they are not obnoxious but easily stand out. Plus pairing them with a black shirt is super easy. I also love the cut. Not super slim but slimmer than most American brands. They taper at the ankle and give you a real “player’s look”. Made from cotton, the Check Trousers are warm enough for cooler temps but also comfortable to wear in the low 70’s.

Detail abound in these beauties. Check out the slanted belt loops in the back. At first I thought it might be a manufacturing flaw, but no, it has been added on purpose. The buttons, snaps and zippers are robust and secure so you will not have to fear them breaking or getting snagged. All around I absolutly love these trousers!

Lyle &  Scott Argyle Half Zip Jumper

First off, how fun is it to go full snob and correct someone when they say “nice sweater” and you get to be all “Thanks but it’s actually a jumper”. Sweater or jumper, this is the real deal. I think it is fair to say the Scots know a thing or two about 45 degrees and overcast so when they make a sweater you know it is going to be quality.

Made from Pima Cotton, the Half Zip Jumper is super soft and comfortable. When the temperatures fall into the 50’s, a sweater is a perfect option to keep the chill away without going to a bulky jacket or pull-over. Additionally, I like the fact that it has elastic cuffs and waist that keeps it well fit and snug to your body.

I have always subscribed to the theory that where a company is based has a large effect on their design. With the prevailing low temperatures and generally nasty weather, Lyle & Scott have mastered clothing for fall and winter golf. My bottom line: I absolutely love this brand!

You can learn more about Lyle & Scott on their website. You can also purchase much of their apparel on the Trendy Golf Website.

Dunning Golf Apparel: With the golf apparel world exploding over the last few years, we are seeing companies differentiate themselves in all sorts of ways. From the wacky patterns of Loudmouth Golf, to the cool dude styling of Travis Mathew, to the companies prioritizing playability more than style, we at Three Guys have noticed that each firm will decide what is most important and then chase that mission down like a madman. This time around I was sent some apparel made by Dunning Golf, and without even reading up on their background I was able to quickly surmise their vibe: performance, performance, traditional good looks, and then some performance.

Around since 2001, Dunning Golf’s slogan is ‘Engineered for Athletes, Designed for Players’. Catchy for sure, but the takeaway is that Dunning leans more towards technical performance than it does style. That’s not to say you’ll be wearing a high-performance brown paper bag, but it is clear that their top priority is performance achieved through cutting-edge materials while maintaining the classic look. Supporting my theory is the fact that they are the first company I have seen to have a ‘Technology’ page on their website, wherein they describe the technical aspects of each garment (shorts, pants, shirts, sweaters, etc.). And to absolutely slam-dunk my theory into your cranium: Dunning does not mess around with many funky patterns or newfangled styles – their polos are either solid or striped, their shorts are either solid colors or have a subtle pattern on them, they only have one pair of pants on the shelves (solid colors of course), their sweaters are all solid colors, and all of their outerwear is solid colors only. That might sound a bit boring given all the funky stuff that is available these days, but I also think it means that they intend to let their performance do the talking.

Yes, the belts are solid too.

Dunning is currently worn on Tour by Charles Howell III, Russell Knox, Roberto Castro, and Kevin Foley. Dunning is also a staple in clubhouses around the world so it is fair to say they are playing in the big leagues. It is also clear that they make good stuff; I had a polo shirt, a sweater, a pair of pants, and a belt sent my way, and there was no mistaking that every item was well made. Here’s the quick scoop: the pants and sweater looked very business-like . . . well made and definitely performance fiber-y, but nothing to really grab the attention. The belt had a clean/classic look to it that seems simple but cannot be faked by lesser quality makes. Now the shirt, the shirt looked crisp, professional, and somehow stood out as kind of badass in some weird way I have not yet encountered in my travels.

I chose a basic pattern called Stretch Pique Double Chest Stripe Polo: navy blue (called ‘halo’) with one green (‘reef’) stripe and one white (‘white’) stripe across the chest – no big deal. But somehow, this shirt pops. The quality fabric jumps right out at you, and the collar is a bit more regal than most with kind of a starched, disciplined look to it.

Simply put, the feel of the shirt is player. As dumb as it sounds, the fabric and cut lent itself to my believing that my swing was akin to a touring professional. Whether or not I “did or did not” yank my first drive deep into the woods is not of any consequence. The point is I looked and felt like a pro. Cash money!

Taking a step back to be fair to the entire outfit, Dunning Golf has developed its lines with the idea of “layering” being key to achieving comfort without sacrificing playability. Instead of throwing a big fleece on when it gets chilly, just utilize a few thinner layers to achieve the same temperature without hindering the golf swing. It makes sense, just as it did 30 years ago when my mom explained it before I went sledding. So when it was time for me to put the sweater on, this concept held true, as there was no interference with my sweet swing whatsoever and I still looked good.

Now, if we are keeping it real here at Three Guys (like you know we do), I think one would be hard-pressed to find a sweater that actually did interfere with the golf swing, unless you hockeywrestled one off of Dr. Huxtable himself. So I can’t act like Dunning Golf invented the playable sweater, but I can say that their model is sharp looking, playable, and has a lighter feel that I can only attribute to some cool high-tech material that I don’t even know about.

With regards to cost, I feel that Dunning’s price points accurately reflect the high-caliber apparel that Dunning Golf brings to the table: shirts run between $80 and $95, shorts and pants are $80 to $99, outerwear (pullovers, thermals, vests, sweaters, windshirts) range from $90 to $145, and belts are at $90.

Bottom line on Dunning Golf: this is quality apparel with a performance bent and clean, classic styling. Your swing will feel great in these clothes. And while you may not bowl over the hipsters at your club with your fashion, you will look damn sharp . . . no matter what your taste, that’s probably the most important trend there is.

Visit the Dunning Golf website for more info at http://www.dunninggolf.com/

In the days when I worked in an office I kept a set of fresh golf clothes stashed in my car. That way I was always prepared to sneak out of work for a quick mid-day round. The funny thing is, I would change back into my work clothes before I got home. Whether it was the personal guilt or because I did not want my wife to know the extent of my golf problem, the whole exercise would have been a lot easier had I owned a few Vesti Ascendi shirts and ties.

Every weekend I play with a group of about 20 guys who by now understand my gig. Gone are the questions about how and why I get so much golf gear. Instead, I get good feedback from regular hardcore golfers. The day I strolled into the clubhouse wearing a blue Vesti Ascendi shirt and matching tie (called the Mulligan), I got a bunch of “Whoa, are you headed to church?” and “seriously, are you playing in a dress shirt?”

However, after the initial wave of flip comments, I got a number of compliments and the phrase most used was “that looks sharp”. Yup, the fact is, you wear a shirt and tie not because it is comfortable but because you look good (and chicks dig it). But what if a shirt and tie was actually comfortable? What if there was a dress shirt that was specifically designed for golf? This is the essence of Vesti Ascendi.

So yes, Vesti Ascendi is totally different than anything in the current golf apparel world. However, turn back the clock and Bobby Jones, and men of that generation, would scoff at the thought of wearing anything other than their Sunday best. So what changed? Well, we went all techno and realized there are better materials and flashier colors. Vesti Ascendi seeks to bring back the look of the golfing legends but with with material and design made specifically for golf.

Specifically, Vesti Ascendi shirt is made with a number of key design features that are not found in regular dress shirts. Including:

• Soft Pima cotton lining on the collar and cuffs
• Back expansion pleat to allow for the golf swing
• Cuffs that are easily turned up and stay firm throughout the round
• Tie rails that keep the tie in place so that it is never in your way or distracting

Obviously, playing golf requires a lot more exercise and motion than walking around the office, so having a Pima cotton collar is a wonderful and needed addition. This soft lining makes it so you will never have any chafing to your neck and the back pleat allows for a wide range of motion without inhibiting your swing.

However, the most dramatic design feature is the tie rail. Simply attach the elastic strip to the top button, run it through the 4 tie loops and then attach it to a button near the bottom. The tie will hang naturally but never move when you swing or get in your way when you putt. Kinda brilliant.

Getting down to brass tax, it is clear that this look is not for every temperature and for every golfer. One could argue that it is the perfect “office to the course” shirt, but that is not the reality. I would argue that the shirt is absolutely as suitable for non golfing activities as it is very well-tailored, comfortable and well made. However, wearing this to play golf requires a bit of a leap of faith in the same way fans of Loudmouth Golf can relate to.

Vesti Ascendi is a look, a feel, a vibe. How you dress on the course is a statement and reflection of your personality and game. There are times I just want to get in a quick nine holes and I grab the first shirt that gets in my way. Actually, I pick out a cheap one because it is a subconscious reminder that I am going out for a practice round. On the other hand, there are days that I am out to go low. For those days I want to look my best.

Choosing to wear Vesti Ascendi is more complicated than having a multi-purpose shirt. Whenever you choose to stray from the norm you are going to make a statement. While that statement is not universal for every person, it does convey a level of maturity and respect for the game. A classic look for a modern man.

Importantly, Vesti Ascendi is not owned by a large multi-national company. It is owned and operated by a very well respected golf blogger. For me, I am a huge believer in supporting small companies because I know the dedication it takes, and selfishly, it just feels good to support that cause.

Vesti Ascendi currently offers three shirt and tie combinations as well as a drivers cap and traditional baseball hat. Shirts run $150 and include the tie and custom wood hanger and can be purchased directly on the Vesti Ascendi website.

If you are a golf purist and think there is no place for a phone while on the links, then go ahead and stop reading. However, if you play golf on the weekday you are either: 1) independently wealthy, 2) retired, 3) out of work, or 4) in a sales/other flex job. Not to mention, some of us are just phone junkies. The fact is, phones on the golf course are here to stay and for some people a necessary evil that goes along with playing golf on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, a 5 hour round when you are “roaming” can kill your battery and leave you in a bad way when you have to pretend to be on a conference call.

Hold on one second I need to close my office door.

In the never-ending pursuit to find the ultimate gadget for your golf outing, we came across what I believe is an outstanding product you’re going to want to have in your bag. The folks at Gimme Charge have found a remedy for our dilemma and have solved the problem in such a way you’ll beat yourself up for not thinking of it. The Golf Cart Charger is easily one of the neatest gadgets I’ve reviewed, and the few times I’ve taken it out in the course with me I’ve been greeted with reactions like; “I’ll buy it off you right now” and “that’s the coolest thing ever!”

It’s really a no brainer. The Golf Cart Charger uses the battery power from the golf cart, utilizing a handy adapter that plugs right into the charging port of the cart, to send you a limitless supply of “juice” to keep your phone charged while you drive around the course.

The Golf Cart Charger comes with three different adapters that are a perfect fit for the three major brands of golf carts (Club Car, EZ Go and Yamaha). The three adapters and the main power converter that attaches to each adapter all fit nicely in the pull string bag that Gimme Charge supplies with each unit. It was an easy addition to my bag and now wherever I go, be it the local Muni course or the remote locations like Death Valley, I have an endless supply of power.

A few notes about the The Golf Cart Charger. The EZ Go version plugs in directly below the driver’s seat and when the charging cord is attached it can be a little bit of a nuisance. Nothing compared to a dead battery and not being able to use your phone, but nevertheless it’s a minor inconvenience. The only other issue I came across was the cord that was supplied with the The Golf Cart Charger was not a certified Apple product so I got an error message when my phone (iPhone 5) was plugged in and most of the phones features were not accessible. This was easily remedy by using my own cord, which I honestly have too many of, so yes it was a small problem but it was easily fixed.

UPDATE: The error message I received when using the supplied cable was due to the latest iOS7 update for the iPhone and had nothing to do with the The Cart Charger. As always Apple prefers its customers to use an Apple Certified Cable when charging and connecting to a computer so if you’re running iOS7 on either and iPhone4 or iPhone5 make sure you’re using a cable from Apple.

That being said I think Gimme Charge has on their hands an amazing little gadget that is going to bring a lot of joy to the tech-craving golfers out there, and furthermore annoy the pants off of those of you who hate the fact that a cell phone is a fixture in the modern game of golf.

The Gimme Charge Golf Cart Charger is offered in several versions. The first is $79.90 and will include a USB cable to plug in your device. Types to choose from include Android, SkyCaddie, Blackberry, iPhone4 & iPhone 5 and Windows based phone. Another version sells for $69.95 and does not include the cable, so if you’re like me with a countless supply of USB cords then this would be the wiser choice. Lastly, if you happen to own your own cart or play at one particular course, you can buy the adapter of your choice for $39.95 and not be cluttered with the other adapters you’ll never need. All the options can be purchased directly from their site.

Let’s go ahead and call out the elephant in the room. Gang Green pants and shorts at first glance do indeed look like Loudmouth. The question is: if you like the idea of “crazy pattern pants”, why would you ever consider any company other than Loudmouth Golf?

Before addressing that issue, let’s be clear: Loudmouth Golf is crushing it. While I have no inside information, I have worked with Loudmouth enough to realize their business model is genius and they have cracked a market that is far bigger than anyone expected.

Clearly, I am not the only one to realize this fact and the obvious move to would be to try and break into the market. The trick of course is to cater to the same people but somehow offer an alternative (a presumably better option). This is exactly what Gang Green Golf is attempting to do.

When I was approached by Gang Green Golf about a review I was at first a bit hesitant because I personally believe Loudmouth does such a great job with their brand and I was frankly not sure much could be said about an apparent knock-off.

However, after speaking with company founder, Don Lang, I learned that he too is a Loudmouth fan and was in fact inspired to start Gang Green Golf because he felt there was an opportunity to improve on the material and cut (and to some extent their pattern selection). While you could argue that the Gang Green patterns are not significantly contrasting from Loudmouth, the cut and material are indeed quite different.

The three major element of any pants are pattern, material, and cut, with each one being critical to customer satisfaction. In the case of Gang Green Golf  pants, you get a much thinner and athletic cut which for some people is an improvement. Gang Green pants simply fit much tighter which ultimately changes how they look. Additionally, Gang Green pants utilize a lighter weight cotton than Loudmouth. The result is that they can be comfortably worn in warmer temperatures than pants that are made from thicker cloth.

Beyond the cut, Gang Green pants have a few other design details which I really like. Specifically, they have a vent cut on the cuff and feature a silicone waistband that helps to keep your shirt tucked in. The back pockets are also sewn closed to give a cleaner look although you can choose unsnip the thread to have pockets.

As mentioned, Gang Green runs tight, but not neccassily small. I ordered 34 x 32 which is my standard trouser size and they fit perfectly (although tightish). NOTE on care: I would suggest you do not tumble dry Gang Green pants or shorts in order to avoid any shrinking.

In the end it is going to be hard for any company to make significant inroads into the Loudmouth market, but economic forces dictate that because of large demand, companies will give it a shot. I applaud Gang Green for their effort as they have wisely tried to differentiate themselves with cut and design more so than pattern.

Gang Green Pants run about $109. They currently offer about 20 patterns including floral, paisley, geometric and Stripes. Pants and shorts can be purchased directly on the Gang Green Golf website.

Skechers is a term that’s synonymous with foot apparel and for many years now they have been a fixture in the malls of America. With their uniquely crafted and popular shoe designs, Skechers has made a name for themselves in today’s pop culture. Believe it or not, they have now taken on the challenging task of entering the golf shoe market.

As I made my way around the 2013 PGA Expo in Vegas last month I was more than a bit surprised to bump into the Skechers booth. “Huh, did I make a wrong turn and find my way into the X Games pavillion?” After being reassured Skechers was in fact a bonafide exhibitor, I dove in to see what they were up to and how they planned on making a mark in the brutal golf shoe market.

For this review we received a pair of the Skechers GObionics in the Black and Red.  As you can see the shoe has a very athletic, very sporty appearance and tipping the scales at a mere 10.9oz it is surprisingly light. The athletic look falls right in line with Skechers other products; they’ve basically taken the very successful GObionic line and morphed it into a practical yet effective golf shoe.

The GObionics are lightweight, comfortable, waterproof and have more grip than a rock climber . . . thanks to their trademarked ResaGrip™ the Skechers have not disappointed. Using their GObionic engineering, Skechers has taken a natural inspired organic design and created a golf shoe that allows your feet to move more freely. Furthermore, with a zero drop heel you also get the natural barefoot feeling that has become widely popular in golf shoes of late. NOTE: I found they do run a little small, so you might want to consider a half size up when picking a size.

I broke the GObionics in over several practice sessions and was quite pleased. They’re actually pretty rugged and can take a good beating. Considering how lightweight they are I was sure they would be susceptible to damage or show signs of wear, however that hasn’t been the case.

Several rounds in, the GObionics are still holding up their appearance and what’s even more impressive is how the comfort level has improved since I first put them on – there is definitely a break in period.  The traction while on the course is superb and the stability you get is surprising.

I believe that Skechers is off to a great start and certainly on the right path to a great golf shoe. Just like many of the companies that have come into the golf segment, I only see them making positive improvements as they continue to learn and gain feedback from their customers.

The GObionics retail for $130.00 and are available on the Skechers website.  They’re offered in three color patterns; the Black/Red we reviewed, an energetic Green/Black version and a stylish White.

Welcome to the golf world Skechers, we’re glad to see you

So you are not a fan of big belt buckles? Fortunately, that does not mean you are stuck choosing between a 1982 braided belt or some other non-descript strap. Welcome to the world of exotic belts, where you can pick from the likes of crocodiles, alligators, osctriches, lizards and more.

Creepy? Maybe. Cool? Definitely. Look, I have nothing against your basic leather strap, but the unique texturing on exotic leather straps is a total game changer and is just not available with cow hide leather (maybe if it came from some Area 54 farmland). Plus it is literally one of a kind.

While not screaming loud, the white alligator strap is a gorgeous blend of natural beauty augmented by crafted stitching which ultimately sets it miles apart from a flat white leather belt. Oh, and when I say “texture”, I don’t mean embossed or some other process. Piedmont Leather straps are made from genuine exotic leather so lizard is lizard, croc is croc and ostrich is ostrich.

While not a golf specific belt, Piedmont Leather straps are at home on the course as well as a perfect complement to any outfit. For those who are more adventurous, Piedmont Leather offers many colors including pink and blue allowing you to bring even more notoriety to the strap.

All Piedmont straps come with a silver buckle. Nothing fancy here, just a clean functional buckle that will neither distract from the strap nor bring undue attention to your mid-section. Personally, I prefer a more substantial buckle but for most folks the understated look is welcomed. With that said, I would like to see a higher end buckle as I think the strap “deserves better”.

Piedmont Leather is located in my home state of North Carolina where for the past few years Jay Green has be crafting exotic belts, cash covers, yardage books and putter covers. For those of you who are putter geeks, you may know Jay from TP Mills (makers of insanely cool boutique putters), so it should be no surprise that Jay brings that same passion to Piedmont Leather.

In terms of sizing, make sure you follow the measuring instructions on the website. Since each strap is made to order (no, Jay is not just pulling these off the back shelf) you will want to get it right. As a quick hint, your size will not be your waist size but rather a few inches larger.

Piedmont Leather Belts run between $150 and $400 or so depending on the type of skin you get. Each one is custom made, and Jay is always getting in new skins so his selection changes regularly.

You can view and purchase on the Piedmont Leather website.

My switch to TaylorMade clubs happened a few years ago after I attended a demo day and became completely infatuated with the Burner 2.0 irons. Soon after I also added a few of their longer clubs to my bag, including their Rocketballz woods. So, when it came time to review the new Taylormade SLDR driver, suffice it to say, I was pretty jacked to see what she could do.

Interestingly, the buzz surrounding the SLDR Driver has come with plenty of heckles from the peanut gallery. Frankly, most of the negativity is not directed at the club but rather the supposed audacity of TaylorMade to release what seems like their 8th driver of 2013. Well, let them poke fun because I am more than happy to to see what the latest technology could do for my game.

As a point of reference, my current driver is the TaylorMade RBZ, so the switch to the SLDR should not have been a huge change if the nay-sayers were correct. However, after getting the SLDR dialed in correctly at the range and then taking it to the course, I doubt very much the RBZ will ever see the inside of my bag again.

It is no secret that the key to more distance comes from the combination of  increased ball speed, high launch angle and low spin rate. How to actually build a club that best accomplishes this is at the heart of the “driver wars”. In the case of the SLDR, Taylormade chose to move the Center of Gravity or the “CG” lower on the face to promote higher ball speed. Additionally, they moved the CG forward to reduce the spin. Finally, they discovered that most golfers benefit from increased loft (up to 2 or 3 degrees) so they made the loft more adjustable than most other drivers to allow for a more optimal loft than you might believe.  In real terms this means a perfect recipe for more distance.

There are two adjustable features on the SLDR, the first being the namesake for the club. The 20g SLDR weight, emblazoned in a magnificent blue, runs horizontally along the bottom of the club and is adjustable to 21 different locations which allows the player to make adjustments to set up for a fade shot (set towards the toe) or a draw (set towards the heel). This is unlike anything I had ever seen in a driver before and it’s the foundation for how TaylorMade was able to achieve the lower CG.

The other adjustable feature is the loft of the club. Much like the other versions of TaylorMade drivers this is no different. Loosen the screw move the shaft to the desired loft and lock the screw in place. There are a total of 12 positions with a range of plus-or-minus 1.5°. The SLDR comes in 3 different loft options: 9.5° 10.5° and HL. For our review we received the 9.5° head with the Fujikura Speeder 57 stiff shaft.

When I held the club in my hand for the first time I felt more like a gawker at the Guggenheim than an anxious blogger. The SLDR is so visually appealing it would serve just as well as a modern art piece in your living room. The silver/grey paint tone is simply gorgeous and a perfect contrast to the chrome button-back TaylorMade used to assist with alignment. Unlike many of the previous TM drivers, the SLDR is noticeably toned down with more subtle stripes and paint scheme.

Looks aside the driver is a monster. I’m by no means a big hitter but I certainly felt like one during the sessions on the range and then on the course. The ball absolutely explodes off the face and the higher ball flight you’ll get from selecting an elevated loft takes nothing away from the distance. To this point, guys in my foursome were stunned (and a bit confused) when I showed them I had the loft set at 11°.

While we at Three Guys Golf pride ourselves on doing exactly zero scientific testing of equipment, I can say that I am 100% sure that I believe the SLDR is 10 yards or so longer than my RBZ. In my opinion, the SLDR is the best driver I’ve swung since picking the game back up four years ago and I have no plans on removing it from my bag. Sorry RBZ. It was fun while it lasted.

The SLDR comes in 3 configurations; the standard model like we tested which retails for $399, a TP or Tour version for those guys who actually get paid to play that retails for $499 (different loft configurations and a different shaft are the differences), and a ladies version that also sells for $399.

You can learn more on the Taylormade website

Club Crown Review: One of the great things about golf is that no two swings are the same, and each player, no matter their skill level, has the opportunity to showcase their unique style. Think back to all of the greats. Whether it was Greg Norman’s hat or Payne Stewart’s knickers, these men were not afraid to show their individuality and neither should you.

Today, golfers have lots of options to stand out from the crowd. Some go big with the likes of Loudmouth Golf, others prefer the gentlemanly look of Vesti Ascendi Golf, but what about the idea of dressing up your driver? Well that is exactly the idea behind Club Crown who gives golfers the chance to customize drivers and fairway woods with a huge selection of patterns and colors.

Club Crown simply put is a decal that is installed on the top of any Driver, fairway wood or Hybrid that comes in an amazing variety of options. The process is rather simple; go online to their website and choose the Club Crown you’d like. Order it up and have it installed at one their certified installers across the United States.

The choices, like I said, are rather outstanding. You’re not limited the basic color wheel selection you might be thinking of as you read this. As new licenses are obtained, the ever expanding catalog of designs gets larger and larger.

Animal Prints, Argyles, Camo, Collegiate, Flags, Mossy Oak and Plaids . . . the list goes on and on.

For this review we received three Club Crowns; two that came in the Black Carbon Fiber pattern for a TaylorMade Rocketballz Driver and Rocketballz 3Wood and one in the Black Skull Diamond pattern for a Ping G25 Driver.

As I watched the tech install the Club Crowns it was easy to see that this wasn’t just a peel and stick type of cover. There was a lot that went into getting the Club Crown aligned properly, installed without any bubbles or creases and sealed to prevent any peeling or accidental removal.

Overall the process takes anywhere from 15-20 minutes per club with a little extra time added for the carbon-fiber style. The uniqueness of the carbon-fiber pattern requires a lot more attention to detail while installing, hence the additional install time.

The Black Skull Diamond design came out flawlessly on the Ping G25. Holding the club like you would at address there is now way you can tell there is a Club Crown on the club, the install is that nice. It blends in great with the rest of the club and really adds a custom look. Depending on the aesthetics of your club (the G25 we used wasn’t exactly brand new off the shelf), dents, cuts, scratches or missing paint chips will show through. The Club Crown is applied very tight to the head of the driver so do not be surprised if the chips you’re trying to cover up still have a bit of a presence.

The Black Carbon Fibers patterns are flat out sick, although I’m kicking myself for not choosing the white ones. I made a big error and mistook the white Club Crown on the site for silver. Had I paid a little bit more attention and chose the White Carbon Fiber Design, it would have been an amazing look! Even with my error the black Club Crowns on the white heads of the TaylorMade clubs still came out looking fantastic, which says a lot about the product.

Because Club Crown needs to be installed by a certified installer, a process I highly recommend, you can choose one based on your location and Club Crown will ship it directly to them. Once your order arrives they will contact you and let you know it’s ok to come in and get it installed. There is no charge for this service which is another reason I recommend it.

With Club Crown you can add a little bit of flare to your game without breaking the bank on a complete wardrobe makeover.

Club Crowns sell for $39.99 plus shipping and are available for right or left handed clubs. You can see all the options here on their site.