First Look: 2013 Upright Caddy RASR 4-Wheel Push Cart

Written by: Tony Korologos | Wednesday, May 8th, 2013
Categories: Golf Accessories • Golf Gear

4-Wheels and Upright Bag – Upright Caddy RASR

Testing golf equipment is tough duty. Someone has to do it. Yesterday I did my first golf round of testing on the 2013 Upright Caddy 4-wheeled push cart/trolley. I say “trolley” for those of you in the UK…

I’ve reviewed various models of the RASR (also the RACR) and really like the upright bag positioning. It makes club access and bag access very easy. I’ve got more testing on this unit before I post my full review, but wanted to do a preview with a photo to get the ball rolling, or cart rolling, so to speak.

Stay tuned for my 2013 RACR review soon.

PLAYERS Championship Week – Check Out My TPC Sawgrass Review

Written by: Tony Korologos | Tuesday, May 7th, 2013
Categories: Golf Courses • PGA Tour • Pro Golf

It is the week of the PGA Tour’s PLAYERS Championship. Remember to always write “PLAYERS” in all caps. It’s what they do.

This is the unofficial “5th major” on the PGA Tour. I just hope the Tour doesn’t get any bright ideas like the LPGA did and actually make it a 5th major, because it isn’t a major. That’s a discussion for another day.

I’m teeing off on the very fun #10 at TPC Sawgrass. Nice draw, shaped with the layout of the hole! – Click for more Sawgrass photos

For now, here’s a link to my TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course review which I posted back in May of 2011. What a fun track. If I had one word to describe the course it would be “big.” It is a big course.

Fantasy Golf – Wells Fargo Championship Winner

Written by: Tony Korologos | Tuesday, May 7th, 2013
Categories: Fantasy Golf • Miscellaneous • Site News

Wells Fargo Championship Winner: Hooked On Golf Blog! HOLY SHIZNIT! I won two weeks in a row? Once again, I’m not eligible so the prize goes to the 2nd place finisher: Elitesr

2013 Fantasy Golf is brought to you by Hooked On Golf Blog and The Golf Space.

SPONSOR UPDATE

The following four sponsors have been confirmed for 2013!

Nike Golf – Nike Covert Driver
FootJoy – Shoes/Apparel
Bridgestone Golf – Bridgestone Golf Balls
Tornado Tee – Very cool golf tees (weekly)

I’m still hammering out prizes and arrangements for coupon codes to claim the weekly prizes. Stay tuned!

It is never too late to join HOG Space fantasy golf FREE. Follow the easy instructions below:

1. Go to www.buzzfantasyleagues.com
2. Create an account if you don’t have one
3. Click on “Join an Existing League”
4. Enter League ID 233, and Season ID 335
5. Create your team, enter league password “HOG”

: Nike Covert Driver Grand Prize

Sponsors Wanted

If you wish to sponsor 2013 Fantasy Golf, let me know. Sponsorship would mean providing prizes in exchange for weekly air time, banners and links to your web site via the fantasy golf updates.

Discussion

HOG Space fantasy golf is a dual effort between Hooked On Golf Blog and The Golf Space. Official fantasy golf forum discussion thread is in The Golf Space Forum here.

Golf Equipment Review: Nike 20XI X Golf Balls

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, May 6th, 2013
Categories: Golf Balls • Golf Equipment • Golf Gear • Reviews

This spring has been fun, including testing out the new Nike 20XI and 20XI-X golf balls. The XI version is the spin/control model while the XI-X is the distance model. Today’s review is specifically the XI-X model. I’ll be posting my XI review soon.

Nike 20XI X Golf Balls – click for larger image

Technology

The 20XI X golf ball is a four layer golf ball. Typically, the more layers, the better the ball. Some layers in the 20XI series are made of a different material than the same layers in other golf balls. At the core of Nike’s technology, pun intended, is Nike’s “RZN,” a rubber material which makes up the ball’s core. The mantle layer, (think back to the time you learned about the earth’s layers), is also made of RZN. The large RZN core and mantle maximize distance and improve accuracy.

The cover of the ball is the same material as most high performance balls, urethane. The urethane layer is what gives the player spin and control, especially in the short game as well as a soft feel on the putting green.

Distance

From the first time I put these balls into play the distance gain was substantial. I have gained some distance this year through new equipment and a few more pounds of weight gain, and the XI X made it even more massive. Where I was even or perhaps 10 yards ahead of some of my ~~friends~~ opponents, I’m now some 30-50 yards ahead. Hitting a wedge to the green is a little better than hitting a 6-iron.

Durability

The urethane Nike uses in the covers must be on steroids or something. The 20XI series is far more durable than any other premium golf ball I’ve tested. I can play 18 holes with an XI or XI X and the cover still looks brand new. Not the case with other urethane cover balls, which show scuffs and scrapes from my wedges.

Feel

The original models of the 20XI series felt quite hard. Too hard for my taste. Nike has certainly improved the feel of the new 20XI and XI X golf balls. They are noticeably softer, though still hard feeling in comparison to balls with non-RZN cores. Some players may prefer that hot and hard feel off the driver. Some may not.

Conclusion

Nike’s new RZN technology in the 20XI models is progressing very well. Each year the feel, performance and quality gets better and better.