I know my stars have aligned when I receive Golf Digest’s Hot List Issue one day before I’ll be spending an extended amount of time in a car or on an airplane. My excitement level for the impending golf season gets ramped up with every page I flip through. If you’ve ever read any publication with a Hot List type story, you know there are a lot of goodies to choose from. Fortunately for you, our staff has sifted through the muddle and happily presents the better of the best in our annual Must Haves.
TaylorMade TP5 & TP5x Golf Balls – For the first time, two golf balls incorporate 5-layer construction to actively improve or increase driver/iron distance, control and spin without sacrificing greenside performance. MGM was fortunate to test these balls at the PGA Show and staff member after staff member achieved eye-popping yardage improvement! www.taylormadegolf.com
TaylorMade M1 & M2 – Same letter, better everything is TaylorMade’s call to glory in 2017. Their highly-successful M family of clubs has been rebooted this year, featuring more light-weight carbon and increased forgiveness. Make sure to check out their new M2 D-Type Driver, a miracle invention for those who slice. www.taylormadegolf.com
Callaway Epic Driver- Callaway Golf is poised to have an epic year if the early reviews are correct. Their Jailbreak Technology is a game-changer, which promotes additional ball speed while still conforming to the USGA’s legal limits. www.callwaygolf.com
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls – Titleist’s10th version of the #1 selling golf ball of all-time, the Pro V1, was just launched at the PGA Merchandise Show. Both models are complete with numerous upgrades, just ask Justin Thomas! Even better, these balls are ideal for all swing speeds. www.titleist.com
Tour Edge Hot Launch 2 – One of MGM’s favorite companies, Tour Edge is daring you in 2017 to find a better custom-fitted value in golf. Their new Hot Launch 2 line features adjustable drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids, plus a 37* Chipper for shots made easier around the green. Tour Edge is also easy on your wallet, as all clubs retail between $69.99 and $199.99. www.touredge.com
Wilson Staff Triton DVD Driver – Wilson Golf created quite a buzz by inventing a golf reality show dubbed Driver vs. Driver, whose goal was produce Wilson’s next TOUR-grade driver. The winning submission, The Triton Driver, was designed by Eric Sillies, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and is highlighted by two interchangeable sole plates and adjustable weights for ultimate customization. www.wilson.com
Sun Mountain Sync Golf Bag & Speed Cart GT – The industry’s leading bag manufacturer is at it again, creating a functional and stylish work-of-art in their new Sync line. The bag is available in six colors and features 15 full-length individual dividers. Sun Mountain constructed the perfect complement, the new for 2017 Speed Cart GT. The Montana-based company also offers a gorgeous series of leather bags and matching head covers if the retro-feel strikes you. www.sunmountain.com
Srixon Z 565 Driver – A ton of new technology has gone into Srixon’s flagship driver, including a new tiered Power Wave Sole, Stretch Flex Cup Face, and lightweight crown. The end-game, a ripple effect designed to elicit higher launch angles with more forgiveness and slight draw bias. www.srixongolf.com
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls – Looking for the best line of golf balls under $20? Here is your answer! And because fashion matters on the course, these balls are offered in white, yellow, and pink. www.srixon.com
Adidas Tour360 Boost Golf Shoes – New for this year’s offering is a Torsion Tunnel which gives you independent flexibility and control between the heel and forefoot. It’s a safe bet these might be the most supportive shoes you have ever worn. www.adidasgolf.com
Odyssey O-Works Putters – Two-piece Microhinge technology is designed to gently flex and rebound at impact to impart forward spin. Ten TOUR-level performance models are available at a $229.99 price point. www.odysseygolf.com