At Three Guys Golf we really enjoy finding new companies as it provides us an opportunity to share with our readers apparel outside of the big box stores. The only downside is that most new companies have a very limited line. However, in the case of newcomer CHASE54, because or their relationship with their parent company, they have been able to charge out of the gate with a huge collection.

CHASE54 PANTS & SHORTS

The cotton pants and their cotton shorts (some of the best feeling, most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn) blew me away. Being the desert rat that I am the last thing I’ve ever considered wearing out on the course in Vegas is cotton, but not anymore. This portion of the CHASE54 collection is hands down the winner. I’ve always maintained my distance when its come to natural cotton pants but after wearing the Long Shots & the McCouls I am rethinking my postion on the matter.

While the cotton pants and shorts were my favorite, I also really liked the poly blend line. Specifically, Chase54 offers a weather resistant polyester blend that can hold up in wet conditions and shorts that have a very relaxed comfortable fit. A bonus is that they did not cheat us out on the pockets, they are REAL pockets (I hate having to fish down into child size pocket trying to find a ball marker).

Where CHASE54 differs from your garden variety apparel line is their attention to detail. Unique placements of their logo throughout the line and creative tags that display CHASE54 makes the branding stand out without being obnoxious.

Beyond the style, the quality is outstanding and the comfort is top notch. The only issues we had were on a few of the zippers, but after talking with the company, we learned that they have discontinued the plastic zippers and will only offer the metal version which held up like a champ.

CHASE54 POLO’S

Polo’s with a traditional look like the Mosby Polo in white or in black are great for on the course activities but also carry enough style that you can wear them out for a night on the town. It’s an easy argument to make that the CHASE54 polo’s can easily be worn for a round of golf where your game will hopefully match your style or just a casual night out with friends where you can feel classy but not uncomfortable.

Each style comes in a multitude of color choices. There is the Stonewall Polo that comes in White, HD Orange, Dark Grey and Carolina Blue. More choices like the MacArthur Polo that is available in White, HD Orange, Blue and GT Yellow and many more. When you take all of the options and pair them with the creative styling and color choices of their pants and shorts you can see why I had such a difficult choice in picking my outfit for my round.

I ended up pairing the Truman polo in black with the Long Shots cotton pants in white for my 18 holes. I dug deep down inside and searched for my inner Rickie Fowler but just couldn’t do it yet. I’m still stuck in the plain not so vibrant pattern I’ve been in since I started playing. Never the less I made it out to the course and had a great day, I just wish my play would have looked half as good as I did!

The polos are designed very well, even for my rather portly physique. The large shirts fit me very well and were not a hindrance at all during my round. Sometimes you get that shirt that just will not let you enjoy yourself, be it a snag or a bunch-up here or some overly aggressive static there, but the Chase54 polo handled my outing without a hiccup. The last thing you want to worry about in the course is your clothes malfunctioning and being a distraction. That wasn’t the case at all, in fact the only issue that I’ve run across since receiving everything is deciding which outfit to wear next!

CHASE54 Tee Shirts and Ball Markers

Lastly, CHASE54 surprised me with a little something extra in the package. They included in the shipment a couple of T-Shirts. You don’t see too many apparel companies putting out T-Shirts as much as I wish they would. Kudos to them for doing so. I love wearing my golf polos but sometimes I just want to bum around in a T-Shirt. They also threw in some poker chips that have the CHASE54 logo on them and some wristbands. I love the wristbands because they have their company motto “Chasing Perfection” on them. It’s a simple but effective phrase and it came in handy as a nice head clearer when I was in the middle of my round. I look down to address the ball and seeing the words “chasing perfection” helped me regain my focus a couple of times. As far as branding goes, I think they’re spot on with their concept of chasing perfection, and are almost near it with their apparel.

Overall it’s the variety, in this reviewer’s opinion, that separates CHASE54 from the other new brands that are out on the market. Cutting edge style in a way that appeals to masses but done with quality, integrity and class.

Be sure to check out the full clothing line from CHASE54  which can be seen on their site.

It has been nearly a year since I have worn a spiked golf shoe so I was in for a bit of culture shock (or foot shock) the first time I put on the new Adizero. One of the first things you notice about this golf shoe is that it sits up pretty high (at least on firm cement) which is completely different to the low to the ground shoes I have become accustomed to. However, unlike most spiked shoes, the Adizeros are crazy light which is pretty much what the name implies. In fact, they are only 3.2 ounces which is lighter than two apples or one can of warm beer I forgot to take out of my bag last fall.

As for the grip, I have gone on record stating that most amateurs really don’t need much more traction than what is afforded by simple treaded golf shoes, but there is no doubt the Adizero have an insane about of grip (and to be fair, my swing speed is half of Dustin Johnson’s). The ten spikes firmly plant you on any surface and the shoes do not feel as high when on actual turf. So in the end there is no doubt additional grip is a benefit when you play on soft turf or if you really like to push off of the ground with force.

The other real technology that Adidas has put into the shoes is the structure. Both the toes and the heel section of the shoe is amazingly well molded to your foot so you have basically zero lateral shift inside them. The idea being that they wanted the shoe to mirror your foot as close as possible. While I was concerned that they would be too narrow for me, I found no discomfort at all. Instead, they have super padding and make for a perfect shoe to walk 18 in (or 36).  Additionally, I did not have any break in period as they were ready to go out of the box.

So when you say 3.2 ounces, or 2 apples, it’s still hard to know what that means. As a reference point, when you hold up one Adizero and one “generic golf shoe” it is instantly clear which one is much much lighter. You can even perform this test with a “minimalist shoe” and surprisingly the Adizero is about the same weight even though it looks much more substantial.

While it took me 2 or 3 rounds to get used to the feel of the Adizero, I have actually become quite fond of them. The additional traction is welcomed in the winter when the ground is soft and the shoe is waterproof so wet conditions are not an issue. And while they are white, the leather is easily wiped clean with a damp rag.

From a style standpoint, they are completly different from the shoes I typically choose to wear but I get really positive comments from my weekend golf group who acts as my unknowing “public opinion focus group”

Really the only knock I have on these shoes are 1) the laces are a bit too long and tend to loosen up. I am not sure if they are just made from a slick material but I almost wanted to double knot them. 2) they are pricey. This is the Adidas Pro line so they currently run about $180.00, which definitely put them near the top end of the pay scale.

With that said, if you like a spiked shoe with tons of support but do not want the weight of your traditional shoe, then the Adizero fits the bill.

Note on sizing: I typically wear a size 12 and the Adizero size 12 was a perfect fit.

You can see more about the Adizero on their website.

As regular readers know, I am not shy about wearing goofy golf clothing, but the other day I had an epiphany while I was getting ready to play a round of golf  (okay this is where the story becomes a bit girly but get over it). When I got to the “pants’ part of the equation, I was momentarily stumped. I put on two trendy pairs and was driving myself crazy with second-guessing . .   something was not right. Finally I decided the heck with it and threw on my pair of QED Park City Trousers. Sure I wear them all of the time but they are just so money. No fuss, no mess, just damn good golf pants. I paired them with a QED Logan polo and boom – simple, comfortable and great looking.

Last fall I reviewed the first line of QED which included a few polo,s but this winter, QED came out with a greatly expanded line including shorts, pants and even a button down and pullover. True story: I was at a high school reunion and I literally had two guys ask me what kind of shirt I was wearing (and one of those guys placed an order the next day).

So here is the deal with the polos. They have a great cut and style with many featuring two breast pockets and/or over-stitching which gives them just enough flare to stand out but not too much that you look over the top. The button down, called the Roy Woven Shirt, while not a golf shirt, is a perfect shirt to wear after hours either tucked or untucked. The other new detail added to the shirts are the enhanced snaps. I am not sure but they are some kind of stone or something, but whatever the case, I don’t have any other shirt with this type of snap. Money!

The pants are perfect in a bunch of ways. First the cut is generous. Not euro, not trendy, just mens cut. The waist has a band that helps keep your shirt tucked in, and they have a snap instead of a button and the material is water resistant. As an added bonus, they also have a small zipper on the cuff.

Made with a nylon spandex they are excellent in terms of give and they never wrinkle. And again, I won’t say waterproof but definitely water resistant which comes in real handy in a light drizzle.

So here is the bottom line on QED: Straight forward golf apparel for the golfer who wants function and style without all of the hoopla. Every detail has been carefully considered, right down to the matching black squares on the back shoulder of the shirt and waist of the trouser. QED is a math term for “finished” or “done”. When you wear QED, you know your are complete, you are set, and you will never, ever get called out for looking like a dope. QED.

NOTE that the new Holden, Logan and Torrey Polo sizes run fair rather than small which is a change from the Eureka, Francis and Heber which run a size small.

You can check out the whole new line of QED apparel on their website.

Score Band Review: When I first starting playing golf, my instructor advised me to not to keep score. The score, he said, was not important. Learn the game, learn to love it and keeping score will come later.

When I finally decided it was time to actually use the card given to me by the course for something other than taking down phone numbers, I also realized scoring is not as simple as it seems. Unlike my husband who seems to have a photographic memory of every shot he takes, my round becomes a blur after only a few holes, which makes retracking my score more or less a guessing game.

So when it was time to volunteer to review the Score Band, I was all in, which I’m sure this was a relief to the “Three Guys” who undoubtably cringed at the mere thought of showing up at their local course wearing an electronic scorer only a rookie would wear. Well, the joke is on them. Score Band is an electronic score keeper that you wear like a watch. As a matter of fact, it is a watch. The Score Band is very small, lightweight, water resistant and comes in a black or white with a variety of different colors for the buttons as an accent.

The Score Band has four functions – golf, tennis, allscore and watch. There is one small, silver button on the side that allows you to change the Score Band from one function to another. Then, there are simply two buttons on the face of the device allowing you to score within each function. For golf, you’ll still need to keep up with your written score card if you like to look back on your round to refer to your score on individual holes, but at the end of each round, the Score Band has tallied your holes for you. You’re only required to click for each stroke and click at the end of each hole to tally and start fresh for your next hole.

Let me assure you that this device is not just because you have too many strokes to remember. I found that when I started using a device to keep up with each stroke, I didn’t have as many strokes as I thought. I mean, when I finished a hole with what I thought was a five, I would try to recount my strokes like my husband, again and again, because there was no way I had done that well and actually bogied a hole, or did I? Well, with a counter like the Score Band, I found my score to be lower due to the fact when I actually did do well on a hole, I wouldn’t believe it. Surely I had forgotten to count a stroke somewhere so I would give myself a stroke because I thought I was being more honest. That’s right, when I started using a counter, I realized I hadn’t forgotten any strokes, I really was getting better!

Score Band for Tennis

I am also an avid tennis player, and I started wearing the Score Band for tennis. I play doubles in two different leagues in Atlanta. While the leagues are for “friendly competition,” I have found that when it comes to ladies’ tennis, friendly is sometimes the last thing in the competitive mind. The server always calls the score before each serve, but in a city, it is not always heard by everyone on the court, and there is a dispute about the score every now and again. If you have a long point and have switched sides of the court with your partner during the course of play, all four players sometimes lose track of the score. You usually come together and recall the points you have played and come to an agreement about the score. I am notorious for not keeping track of the score if I am not serving. Problem solved with my Score Band. After every point, I click my Score Band and it keeps my game score and the match score for me. I will say that while I found it very easy to keep the score when I was not serving, it was slightly more difficult to remember to do when I was serving. I am quite sure that with practice I could overcome this difficulty. At the end of the set, you will net to reset to begin your next set and switch to the allsport mode if you need to score a tie breaker.

Score Band for Ping Post and other Sports

My kids use the Score Bands for ping pong in the allscore mode. They can keep up with their score and that of their opponent. This can definitely cut down the arguing in any household. At my son’s basketball game, I can use my Score Band to keep track of how many free throws his team attempts and how many they actually make just to discuss with him after the game. You can use the allscore function for virtually anything you need to score. While I can recommend a Score Band for any golfer, it certainly has many uses other than golf. You can find out more and order for yourself at www.scoreband.net.

What in the world does “windproof” mean? I mean, if it is cold or windy enough that you need a jacket, wouldn’t you just grab your sweater or  jacket that keeps you warm? For whatever reason, I have never bought into the “windproof” idea – just seemed like a silly gimmick to me. I figured it was just one more reason a company could convince me to buy extra gear I don’t need and will probably never use.

I have kind of a strange confession right here at the start. I have been told, in polite conversation, if they were going to eat me, they’d start with my calves.  Anyone…?  No one else have that happen?  Oh well, apparently I have big calves, and my physical therapist has let me know that I tend to overuse them in pretty much all my daily activities. Since these activities usually include swinging a golf club at some point in the day, even for a few minutes, I was interested in seeing if Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves might help my issues, and maybe lift and separate…sorry, at least lift. You know, “bros” for my calves.

Adam warned me that his experience with compression socks post knee surgery was a real drag, but when those carolina blue Leg Sleeves showed up, I dove in with both… calves.  And much to my great surprise and delight, they feel great. I have walked many miles of hills and challenging terrain, in the cold no less (Carolina winter, okay I admit it). I have also made quite a few golf swings wearing them, and I’m happy to report they give added support and a feeling of stability to my lower legs that reminds me of a really good tape job that’s supportive and not too tight, and when I finish moving around and take them off, I feel like my calves are not as stressed or full of tension, and they seem to recover more quickly. Of course that is the whole idea behind compression socks-create improved circulation in areas farthest away from the heart.

In terms of golf, walking 18 or 36 holes can put a lot of stress on your legs so utilizing this technology makes a lot of sense. Proof positive of their effects is the fact I have worn them on a number of occasions..with shorts! For those less brave, they are great under a pair of pants as they wick away moisture and do not feel hot on your legs. For fashion forward folks, you can even step into some argyle styles.

You can see the whole line of Zensah products on their website.

Never one to rest on their laurels, TaylorMade recently sent us the newest version of the Ghost Spider putter, the Ghost Spider S. I just realized I have no idea what “rest on one’s laurels” means, but I’m pretty sure it works in that sentence. Anyway, having been fortunate enough to review last year’s model, it only made sense for me to have a go at the new Ghost Spider S so we could compare apples to apples (or insect to insects).

Truth be told, Adam sprung the newer model on me about 5 minutes before we were teeing off in a “toughie day” tournament. Normally I would never mess with the putter mojo within such close range of a tournament, but this one tourney was on the silly side and I was dying to try out the new putter. So on to the practice green!

Keep in mind that I was a big fan of last year’s model, and it’s been the only putter in my bag since I first tried it out. In a nutshell, the Ghost Spider was big, crazy looking, and super-stable. As a man wrestling with the yips, it was a lifesaver . . . it was the closest I had come to a point-and-shoot putter, and this was something that I needed at the time.

At first glance, the Ghost Spider S appears to be a bit smaller and cleaner than it’s predecessor. The head is indeed 20% smaller than the previous model (dubbed “Itsy Bitsy Spider” in the development stages), and it looks as though they decided to drop the “crazy” and just make a simple, efficient mallet putter. If you look closer, you realize that the same Spider shape is in play, but somehow they’ve tweaked the putter head to disguise the funky skeleton of the Spider line.

Little bit different, right? The biggest change, aesthetically, is that TaylorMade went with a black centerpiece and a single straight line for alignment. While the elimination of the old basketball court/male-gender-symbol look is the most obvious change, the fact that the centerpiece is now black is also a significant difference. TaylorMade says that the new centerpiece minimizes distraction – I can’t speak to that simply because I am essentially a moron, but I think it looks a bit more sleek and I certainly had no trouble lining up the face. And for you Star Wars geeks out there, don’t worry, it still looks like a storm-trooper. One thing to note – when standing over the club, there is a clearly raised portion of the black alignment aid that you can’t really see in the above picture. It looks cool, and also seems to play a role in lining up the putt. See below:

The Ghost Spider S still utilizes the Pure Roll insert with ridges designed to maximize, well, a “pure roll”, but that’s not to say it’s the same insert – TaylorMade has definitely tweaked the feel on this go’round. Again, I liked the old putter’s feel, noting that it was rubbery (which sounds bad) yet surprisingly still cool and satisfying on impact. The new Spider S has toned down the rubbery feel, heading more towards the ‘click’ direction, at least as far as a rubber insert can head in that direction without wearing tap shoes. The end result is a feel that smacks more of the top of the line putters. Solid and tight – not soft, not hard, just right in zee middle.

Pure Roll!

And actually, what I just implicated about the insert I think can be said for the new Ghost Spider S overall – this version takes a significant step out of the radical/not for everybody category and into the premier club category. Simply put, the Ghost Spider S wants to be taken more seriously than it’s predecessor, and I think it has earned that respect. TaylorMade has subtly fine-tuned every aspect of the putter, maintaining the Spider heritage based on high MOI and stability, but ultimately creating a brand new top of the line club.

I will not be adjusting these weights, but you can.

Let me put it this way, this is the first time I’ve ever played with a putter that I would believe costs $250 or more (it doesn’t, it retails at $179.99), which I think of as a whole new level. As a lefty, and a frugal lefty to boot, I rarely get to stroke a Scotty Cameron or a nice Rife or any of the other big boys over $200 . . . when I do, the feel of those putters is something I don’t quickly forget. With the new Ghost Spider S, I finally have an idea of what it’s like to play a round with one.

You can see the whole line of TaylorMade putters on their website.

Most guys buy golf gloves like this: Hmm, XL, white, what’s on sale? Then we wonder why it goes in the trash 2 weeks later. I don’t blame you for passing over the $25 Hirzl glove if you have never worn one, but you are now on notice! They are worth the money. The short story is that the Hirzl glove is nearly indestructible. Plus it has extraordinary grip and breathability.

I know you are supposed to rotate gloves, but I typically wear one glove till it wears out (it’s the Darwinian in me I think). At least this way I know how long it lasts. Hint, I find that my gloves will last much longer if I put them back in the packaging rather than just velcroing them to my bag.

So back in late October, I put my first Hirzl glove into play figuring to get about 6 weeks out of it (2-3 rounds per week). Well, it is mid-January, and I have decided, it may never die.

As I mentioned, I have played a ton of rounds in the Hirzl glove and in lots of conditions including rain. Specifically, in early November I was caught in a 4 hole down pour and while everyone was switching out gloves trying to stay dry, the Hirzl gave me no trouble and I was able to grip the club as well as when it was not wet.

As you can see the palm is made of some type of rubbery material which gives it the tackiness but surprisingly the glove is not hot to wear. To be fair, I have not played in the heart of the summer but I have played a bunch of rounds in the 70’s and did not have any problems with it getting sweaty. Again, I put the Hirzl glove back in the case after each use so it always feels great the next round.

The way I look at it, for those penny pinchers (my hand is raised), if the Hirzl glove lasts 3 times longer than the $15 version,  you are actually money ahead. Not to mention, Hirzl claims 5 times the lifetime of most gloves but no need to split hairs, this guy is bullet proof.

So the next time you reach for the bargain bin, resist and treat yourself to a Hirzl golf glove. You can learn more about Hirzl on their website.

Pure Grips Review: Most people spend a lot of time picking out their clubs but relatively little time choosing the grips. Usually, it is not until the grips become slick that we ever think about what kind of grips are actually on our clubs. Unless you are a golf nut, the choices of grips is fairly confusing as there are a ton of  brands, colors, styles and installation processes.

Like some other grip companies, Pure Grips offer a number of style and color options but what makes them truly unique is their very easy, efficient and green-friendly installation process. Plus, Pure Grips offer a 12 month guarantee. In other words if you manage to wear one out, they will send you another one.

Coincidentally, prior to this full product review, I unknowingly have been using the Pure Grip on the Miura wedge that I reviewed for Three Guys Golf. Beyond the look and feel of the Pure Grips, it is the installation process that is much improved from the more traditional taping method. Having re-gripped many clubs in the past, this revolutionary re-gripping method represents a huge benefit for those “do-it yourself’ers”

Since I did not own an air compressor, I picked one up in the $85 range but I figured it will also run a nail gun and paint sprayer for jobs around the house. The other solution of course is to borrow your buddies air compressor in return for re-gripping his clubs. Pure Grips sells the ‘gun attachment’ with a nozzle on the end to blow air through the grip (this will aid you in sliding the new grips on and off). The only prep work is to get the old grip and the old tape completely off before  installing the new grip. Please check out our video below to see how easy it actually is. Since you can easily pop the grips on and off with their ‘no-tape’ installation process you can quickly try one for a few weeks, pop it off, and try another one without having to cut up the grip and destroy it in the process.

As a reference point, my favorite grips in the past have been the simple Lamkin Crossline so I chose to review the Pure Grips Pure Pro model which has a similar feel. In the end, I found that I actually like the feel of the rubber better as there is a slight increase in tackiness. Plus Pure Grips have a ton of color options (but I still chose black). One of the main selling point behind Pure Grips is that the rubber is more ‘pure’ than what most grips are made of. Specifically, where other companies use silicone and plastics in their grips, Pure Grips are 100% rubber which helps to keep your hands on the handle in wet conditions. It also helps with durability because they won’t dry up and crack. Again, the Pure Grips are noticeably more tacky than other grips which is really nice (and this tackiness stays with the grip over time).

In terms of real-world testing, I have really enjoyed the grip on my Miura wedge without even realizing what I was swinging. Now that I’ve had a chance to play with Pure Grips on all of my clubs, I’m honestly thrilled, and they are my new favorite grips. I have even spent a good bit more time hitting at the range without a glove because of how comfortable they are on my hands. Plus, the installation is so much easier so I will be more likely to keep my grips fresh rather than push them to where I have in the past.  Whatever grip you are used to, I think you’ll find a good fit in their selection of styles.

You can see the whole product line on the Pure Grip website.

The Putting Perfection DVD is one in a series of instruction videos that goes by the name 100 Yards and In Wins. With 60% of your scores coming from shots within 100 yards the DVD looks into the 40% or more of your strokes that come in the form of putting. It’s a simple philosophy, improve your game from 100 yards and in and you’ll improve your scores.

Having valuable information is a must for an instructional video but how that information is communicated is equally important if you are to actually learn anything. In other words, it’s not just the message, it is the messenger. The Putting Perfection DVD hits both of these marks by teaming up Maria Palozola, a Top 50 Golf Instructor and Jay Delsing, a PGA Tour Veteran.

Maria Palozola has been a teaching professional for 18 years and has racked up a rather impressive resume. Golf Magazine: “Top Teacher in Midwest”, Golf Digest: “Top 10 Teacher in State (Illinois), LPGA Midwest Teacher of the Year (2008 & 2011), Top 50 LPGA Teacher (2008-present).

Jay Delsing has competed in over 550 PGA Tour events and enjoys a lengthy 20 year career on the PGA where he earned well over $3.5 million. I know that doesn’t seem like a big deal with the amount of money that the current players on the PGA are bringing in, but Mr. Delsing did this back in the early 90’s long before the Tiger money made its way on to the tour. Plus in 1992 he was ranked in the top 16 in putting. So yes, they have street cred!

In terms of the DVD, it is based on the 5 principles of Putting Perfection.

1. Having a Solid Set Up
2. Aiming the Putter Correctly
3. Making a Pure Path
4. Hitting it in the Center
5. Controlling the Speed

Maria and Jay go into each principle a length to provide clear explanations of the topics. The information is easy to understand and they are careful to not use confusing terminology that may scare away the less experienced player. Sure, most golf DVD’s are pretty boring but I found myself grabbing a notebook so that I could put some of the principals into action the next time I’m out on the putting green for practice. Yep, even I, who reads way too much golf instruction found some very noteworthy information on the Putting Perfection DVD.

Included in the DVD is a bonus section that has in it additional tips that I found almost as important as the information that was provided when going over the 5 principles.

The bonus sections consists of:

1. Putting Lessons from a Pro
2. How to Practice Putting Effectively
3. Common Mistakes Amateurs Make

I would say that the Putting Perfection video is designed more for the beginning player or for someone that is in a putting funk and needs to get back on track. If you find yourself not performing up to the standards that you like to with your putting, I recommend checking out the 100 Yards and in to Win video Putting Perfection.

You can order the DVD and see all the other products offered at www.mygolfinstructor.com

Nike Golf Outerwear Review: For me, it’s always been an easy choice on what to wear when I play golf in colder weather. Thermals, thermals and more thermals, cover that up with some cargo pants and a polo, and don’t forget the beanie. Until recently, I had no idea that Nike Golf has a line of clothing devoted specifically to cold weather golf. Moreover, Nike outerwear has a very simple philosophy which is layering clothes while keeping them lightweight, comfortable and amazingly warm. Warm is a gross understatement as the Sport Hoody I mention below is like being wrapped in flannel cocoon.

Nike sent us a wide variety of their products to review including the Sport Hoody, Multi Stripe Polo, Mesh Warm Motion Polo, Nike Fabric Mix Full Zip Jacket, Sport Reversible Vest and Flat Front Tech Pants. Beyond the sheer variety, I also could not help but get a chuckle from the naming conventions which span Purple Earth, Melon and Heather. Clearly the Marketing Department takes their job very seriously. More importantly, the R&D folks at Nike are also working overtime because every piece looks and performs wonderfully.

I’m lucky that I live out in the Vegas Valley (well lucky to live here, not so much at the Black Jack table). Anyhow, it doesn’t get very cold out here until the end of December. As it turned out, the mercury finally dipped for my annual winter golf outing where we played three separate days when the temperature was 34°, 38° and 42° respectively. This year I was ready!

Not having your swing hampered by layers of clothing is a huge plus in my book. Unfortunately, most winter golf clothes end up making you look like the Michelin man. What I love about the Nike layering system is that it is incredibly versatile but never bulky.

In terms of fashion, Nike makes it super easy to maintain a sharp look no matter how you pair the layers. All of the colors are complimentary so it’s virtually impossible to mis-match. The added benefit to their clothing line is that it is not limited to the golf course. Specifically, I find myself reaching for my Nike jackets more often than any other winter outerwear I currently own. Style and function, you just can’t go wrong with this stuff.

Being at tad portly I’m always concerned with not only how I’m going to look in what I pick out but also how will it fit. All of the Nike golf gear runs fair. In other words, I wear a large and the Nike large fits great. In fact I am starting to wonder if the actual Nike model is not the studly figure on the posters but in fact 5′ 10″, 185 pounds. Either way, the Nike gear fits great-and delivers outstanding performance.

You can see the full line of Nike Golf clothing on their site.

Last summer Three Guys Golf was introduced to a funky British company called Bunker Mentality. While their look is clearly not for everyone and fringes on golf punk, they are steaming full ahead and I for one am on board the S.S. Funky.

As I mentioned we have reviewed Bunker Mentality summer wear and their sister company Queen of the Green (the ladies version), so we thought it appropriate to also do a quick review the fall/winter gear. The two items we saw were the ‘Warm-up Jacket’ and Crest Sweater. Unlike many of the Bunker styles, the warm-up jacket is as tame as a house cat. Simple grey with blue piping is the only remarkable feature. Oh, there is that huge logo on the chest but no one will notice it. Actually, I totally dig the Bunker Mentality logo and it is absolutely the reason why the jacket looks so cool.

Seriously I love this jacket and wear it all of the time. It is a perfect weight for temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s. It is also tight-fitting so as to not be bulky. Plus it is also stretchy enough to move through your swing. Add the fact that the jackets are not very expensive and you have what I call a winner.

The sweater, on the other hand is full on Euro. As long a you are comfortable with your masculinity, the shirt is royal. Heck it has a crest on the chest so how can you not feel like a player? Sure it has pink stripes and is regularly stolen out my closet by my teenage daughter, but if you can channel your inner Ian Poulter you may actually dig the look (just make sure you order at least full size larger as they run small).

With so many companies cranking out yet another striped shirt, I find it refreshing to find a company who is willing to be a bit daring. Even if Bunker Mentality does not always hit the mark in mainstream style, I give them credit for providing a unique clothing line that is also very affordable (and they have regular sales!)

You can see the whole line of Bunker Mentality on their website.

A few months ago we reviewed the summer wear by Page and Tuttle and Susan did a great job of detailing the fabric innovations this company is responsible for. This is no fly by night outfit. Nope, they have been up and running for over a hundred years.

Recently, I had a chance to review one of their golf pullovers and while I was expecting to find no fault with it, I did not expect it to become one of my favorite cold weather pieces of gear. To set the stage, I live in NC where the typical fall/winter day is between 40-55 degrees but the temperature changes dramatically throughout the day so layering is critical to staying comfortable.

First, as we all know by now, good athletic fabric wicks moisture away, and let’s your body breathe – unlike cotton, which can actually get you in honest trouble on a winter day. Hence, the Page & Tuttle pullover is made of a soft, thin and flexible  micro-fiber ‘cool swing’ polyester. In terms of construction, the seams are heavy-duty sewn, like athletic gear should be – strong and out of the way for the best strength and movement combination.

Second, since layering is a huge key, the Page and Tuttle pullover is an excellent weight for pairing with multiple things like a vest or jacket. So in warmer temps with little wind the pullover is a great option but is equally suited to go under a wind shell or jacket.

Third, the sizing is really generous, and gives folks like me good room to swing the club without it feeling swampy. I am from a football family, and a lot of clothes just bind up on my shoulders during a round of golf. Not the Page & Tuttle pullover. It has good length to cover your rear a bit, excellent shoulder room, and one of my favorite features is the soft cuffs on the sleeves that keep the arms out of your way to grip your club.

Best of all, the pullover is obviously not only great for the golf course . . . you will find yourself wearing it thoughout the colder months in a variety of situations and it will likely never go out of style. The Page & Tuttle lists for $65 and comes in a good variety of colors and sizes.

You can see all of the Page & Tuttle gear on their website.

About a year ago I got my first pair of Loudmouth shorts and to be honest I was not exactly thrilled about the whole idea. Sure, I had seen John Daly saunter up and down the fairways in every crazy pattern imaginable but not for one second did I have any desire to follow in those footprints.

As it turned out, I was doomed to learn another lesson in “be careful what you wish for”. Not in a million years did I think Loudmouth would actually send gear to our fledgling blog. Perhaps this gesture should have been my first clue that style was not the only thing unique about LoudMouth Golf.

Since it was mid-December when I received the Disco Ball shorts, I had to wait nearly a month for a freak warm day before I actually got the chance to take them out for a real test drive. I even convinced Wade, my blogger in crime, to join me in our grand experiment (Matt was conveniently unavailable that day)

Now I won’t lie and tell you that Wade is a full-fledged Loudmouth convert, but I suspect he secretly still wears his “Torry Lines” shorts when no one is around. The fact is wearing Loudmouth brings a whole new level of interaction that most golfers never get to experience. When you walk into the clubhouse donning “Captain Thunderbolt, DogWood or Shagadelic Black” you will not be permitted to quietly pay your greens fees and head to the first tee. Nope, you get to field a whole bunch of questions about where you got those shorts and if the carnival knows you have gone AWOL.

And it won’t end there. Nope, you get to you hear people shout from across the fairway:  “cool shorts”, “does your wife know you stole her drapes?” and (true story) “can I buy those from you?”

But here is the the secret ingredient that allows you to deflect all of the lame jokes . . .envy. I firmly believe that what is really being said is “I wish I had the guts to wear those”. Plus the fact is that Loudmouth pants and shirts are really well made and fit twice as well as the junk your buddies buy off the sale rack at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Now 12 months later I am here to say that Loudmouth wins. They win for sticking with it when they were being called a joke. They win for making golf more fun. They win for creating conversation and adding levity to a game that is too often overly serious. They win because they understand how to connect and interact with their customers. They win because they have built a legion of fans who are instantly recognized from afar.

While I am a long way from keeping up with Loudmouth CEO Larry Jackson who wears LoudMouth 7 days a week 365 days a year, I am proud to be a card carrying member of the LoudMouth movement. And guess what, I am hardly alone as LoudMouth is being worn by hackers, pros, celebrities and even the US Olympic beach volley ball team. Yup, like it or not, LoudMouth is winning.

Blank Label Custom Shirt Review: After 12 months of reviewing all things golf, I have found more and more companies whose attire is just as appropriate off the golf course as on. Coincidently, at the same time I was discovering this phenomenon I stumbled upon a company called Blank Label who makes custom dress shirts. I guess it is fair to ask what a dress shirt review is doing in a golf blog . . . it’s simple really, I figure if you read any of our apparel reviews, you are also probably just as particular about the clothes you wear off of the course. Hence, Blank Label falls into what we call “Golf Lifestyle”.

Just like your favorite golf shirt, a well-tailored dress shirt is indespensible. The very name “dress shirt” implies that you are dressing up so obviously it should look good. Sure you could go into your local Marshall’s and get a shirt for $40 and look like any other schmoe. Or you could go to a fancy store and choose from what they have on the rack and drop $250 and two hours of your life. Or, you can have your own custom tailored shirt made with your personal choice of colors and styles (and still have time to get in 18 holes).

Here’s how it works. The Blank Label website is super easy to navigate and allows you to literally build your own shirt. Not only can you choose the material, but you can choose collar style, pocket, cuff, placket, shoulder and buttons. Plus there are 3 monograming options. In my case I had the cuff monogramed and my name in the collar. Yea, it’s kinda nuts, but also pretty darn fun to mess around with.

Speaking of collars and cuffs, you can also add contrasting material on the cuffs and collars (ala Cam in Modern Family). With all of these options, I defy you to not find a style you love. While it may be a bit overwhelming to make all of these choices, it is pretty hard to go wrong. However, if you are stumped, the website gives you a head start on a bunch of good looking styles categorized by collections. ie sporting, everyday, imported, etc.. Still, I might suggest you also employ the time-tested “ask the wife” approach when in doubt.

Finally, there is the sizing. Blank Label has three options: tell them your sizes, measure your best fitting shirt or send them a shirt. In my case I simply measured a shirt. Stupid simple and now they have my sizes and any new orders will be seamless. If on the chance the shirt does not fit, they will rebuild you a new one and donate the other to charity (kinda sweet). So what does this all cost? My shirt was $95 which is on the low end but most shirts run around $100-$125. Again, not going to the Men’s Warehouse…priceless.

So here is the lowdown: you get the exact shirt you want, with a ton of options, in about 4 weeks at a significantly reduced price from that of a high end tailor. Plus they seem to add new fabrics all of the time so you will never run out of options. Done and done.

You can check and build your own shirt on the Blank Label website.