First Look: Ekster Parliament Wallet and Tracker Card

Written by: Tony Korologos | Saturday, February 23rd, 2019
Categories: Golf Accessories • Golf Gear
Tags: Ekster

In for review from Dutch company Ekster is their Parliament Wallet and GPS/Bluetooth Tracker Card.

This is a next-generation wallet, featuring a solar powered tracker card (photo below) which helps the owner find the wallet via smart phone app.

An RFID blocker protects credit card info from being stolen. The quick card access mechanism, activated by a simple button, allows easy access to credit cards. All of this comes in a premium fine grain European leather package.

I have just switched over from my old wallet to the Parliament and I’ve got the tracker card soaking in photons from the sun to charge it. I’ll be gaming the unit for a couple of months, then posting my review then. Stay tuned.

Four Days After Shoulder Surgery

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, February 18th, 2019
Categories: Miscellaneous
Tags: Rotator Cuff • Shoulder Surgery

The last 4 days have been rough. Here’s a shot of the shoulder and the 5 places the doc went in. They found more damage than they saw on the MRI. Torn rotator, torn bicep tendon, torn labrum, bone spurs. I won’t be playing any bad golf for quite some time.

Shoulder Surgery Today

Written by: Tony Korologos | Thursday, February 14th, 2019
Categories: Miscellaneous
Tags: Rotator Cuff • Shoulder Surgery

Photo by Greg Corbo

I’ve been fighting a torn rotator cuff, separated shoulder, and bicep tendon issues for 8 months. Prior to the HOG World Tour trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort last summer, I got my first cortisone shot, which allowed me to play golf there. That wore off in October and I got another shot around then, and did shoulder rehab. The cortisone shots wore off and as time rolled on I could do less and less of my rehab exercises. Pain came back and surpassed where it was before. Now I can’t do simple things like wave at someone or reach for my phone without intense pain.

I tried to go the non-surgical route first but that didn’t work. Today I’m getting shoulder surgery. I’ll be having the rotator cuff repaired, bone spurs removed, and getting part of my bicep tendon removed and the remaining end screwed into the bone.

I understand the pain level following this is pretty high, so I’m mentally prepared for the next few weeks to be hell.

The doctor has told me I’ll be in a sling for 6-8 weeks and I won’t be able to swing a club for roughly six months. That puts me through the peak of golf season here, into the fall. That’s a big bummer. I also had to cut my ski season short, and this season is one of the best snow years here in Utah ever.

I still plan to post as much golf blog content as I will be able, but some of my golf equipment reviews will either be delayed or won’t contain my usual “on the course” sections.

It sucked to have to let my regular golf buddies know I won’t be playing with them this season. I did let them know that if they missed me, they could just send me some cash so they could feel like they would if I was there winning bets. For some reason they declined on that. But at least I offered.

Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater Review

Written by: Tony Korologos | Saturday, February 9th, 2019
Categories: Golf Apparel • Golf Gear • Reviews
Tags: Apparel • Callaway

I’ve been gaming the Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater on and off the course for a few months now. This is a terrific sweater which is extremely comfortable. Let’s take a look.

Key Features

100% Polyester
Insulated thermal fabric creates a barrier between you and cold weather
Weather-repellent fabric creates a barrier of lightweight protection to resist wind and water
UV Block UPF 50 protects you against the sun’s ultraviolet rays
Callaway Tour Logo on chest
Callaway Chevron Logo on center back
Fleece Fabrication Machine Washable Imported
Available in BIG & TALL

Standard Sizes/Colors

Colors available include Caviar (dark gray), Medium Gray Heather (lighter gray), Peacoat Heather (dark blue), Blue Coral Heather (light blue), Castlerock Heather (medium gray). I’m sure you’ll appreciate my translation on the colors…

Sizes available range from small to XXL. I find the sizing to be accurate. My XL fits as it should.

Retail pricing for standard sizes and colors is $75.

Big and Tall

There sweater is also available in “big and tall” sizes which range from LT to 5XLT. Colors in the B&T line are Caviar, Blue Coral Heather, Castlerock Heather (see color english translations above).

Retail pricing for B&T sizes and colors runs $90.

In Action

I’m a big fan of polyester and spandex in apparel, but not the 80’s metal band kind. The fabrics and technology over the past several years make for super high performance and comfort. On the golf course the sweater helps keep me warm and loose. I’m especially fond of the way the garment moves with me, even though my swing moves might not be terribly… natural. Whether it is cold and/or wind I’m thrilled with the performance and style of the Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater.

I’ve even gamed this sweater in northern Utah weather conditions, as in snow. It’s a great layer to put under my parka, and to wear indoors. I’ve even worn it up on the slopes with great results. Perhaps Callaway should make ski apparel.

Final Thoughts

I’m happy to have put the Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater into my starting lineup. The style, performance, and mostly comfort are terrific. I’m also glad to have finally logged my first Callaway Apparel review in this humble golf blog’s history. It only took 15 years. Hopefully my next Callaway Apparel review will hit sooner than 2034.

Wasted Management Open – If This is How to Grow Golf, Count Me Out

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, February 4th, 2019
Categories: Boneheads • PGA Tour • Pro Golf
Tags: Rickie Fowler

I didn’t watch one second of the Waste Wasted Management Open. Hats off to Rickie Fowler for the win. I’m sure Taylormade will be all over that, claiming that Fowler’s recent switch to their golf ball was the reason. Fair enough.

I saw an amazing video on Twitter (below) which came from the gallery, a “lady” double chugging beers as the crowd cheers her on.

https://twitter.com/Chicks/status/1091779676010438656

What a proud moment for her. It must have topped the time she won the beer chugging contest at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon frat house over at ASU. I hope the results at the free clinic came back negative.