BogeyLounge: GADGETS Archives

January 9, 2007

Golf Launchpad: Golf simulator now lets you play along

Electric~Spin, the creators of the award-winning Golf Launchpad series of golf simulators, and NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, today announced the Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience.

The new set-top box edition of the award-winning golf simulator allows users to play along with their favorite golfers during televised tournaments. The new gaming experience will be demonstrated at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.

Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience combines Electric~Spin’s ultra realistic golf simulation technology with NDS’s XTV Ready interactive TV technology to create the ultimate virtual golf experience. While watching a PGA tour event on television, viewers can use the Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience to virtually play and compete with their own clubs, on the same course, at the same time – and all from the comfort of their own home.

Electric~Spin’s Golf Launchpad is a unique golf simulation input device that allows users of all ages to play golf in the convenience of their home, in conjunction with their PCs, Macs, PlayStations and now their television set-top boxes. With the new Golf Launchpad/XTV Edition, users can achieve an unprecedented level of physical and virtual realism.

CES Press Release

Link: Electric~Spin's Golf Launchpad

BEST SWING SIMULATOR FOR THE MONEY
- ABC's Good Morning America

LAUNCHPAD IS TERRIFIC
- Charles Herold, New York Times

Could the office putting green be history? Plug in Electric-Spin's Golf Launchpad...
- Chris Taylor, Time Magazine

The golf world has, apparently, been going Launchpad crazy; even as a confirmed non-golfer, I can easily imagine how much joy the device would give an addict.
- Financial Times - How to Spend it

A much needed practice tool
- Maxim's Top Gear Review (#12 out of 50)

Launchpad brings a unique realism to the PC gaming experience.
- The Robb Report

Without (Launchpad) you can still drive a ball 200 yards, but you should open a window first.
- Charles Herold, New York TImes

GOLF LAUNCHPAD brings a new realism to computer golf games.
- CTV News

A good measure of Launchpad's appeal was, after our taping, the crew - most of whom don't play golf - spent a lot of time playing with the device. If you can attact them, golfers should be a cinch.
- Dave Lucas, Host Capital Golf Weekly, Newschannel 8, Arlington VA
| View Channel 8 Newsletter |

GOLF LAUNCHPAD's turf is the best I have seen in any simulator. It has the right give for hitting irons and putting feels great!
- Cameron Carty, CPGA Professional and instructor, Toronto, Canada

Play Pebble Beach.... in your pajamas!
- Mark Spinelli, USPGA professional, and golf instructor, Los Angeles

We've had HUNDREDS OF GADGETS on the air since we started this program. Of ALL of them, the golf simulator there, GOLF LAUNCHPAD, that's the COOLEST!
- ESPN2's Cold Pizza

...how many input devices can stand up to the satisfying thwack of a 3 iron?
- Stephen Manes, Forbes.com
A Forbes Publication

See your game accurately rendered on the screen with gorgeous graphics
- ABC News

I tested the LAUNCHPAD and it was amazing.
- Jim Louderback, ExtremeTech
A Ziff-Davis Publication

Use your own clubs and play the most famous courses in the world.
- CTV News

For golf addicts looking for a quick fix in the office, it looks to be a real winner.
- Jim Louderback, ExtremeTech
A Ziff-Davis Publication

GOLF LAUNCHPAD is a fantastic, new golf driving pad where you hit the golf balls (on tether) with your own golf clubs... now THIS IS REAL SIMULATION!
- Sean Gibson, GamingIllustrated.com

Now comes the product that will make your training sessions easier and much cheaper.
- Svend Ole Kvilesjo, Golf.no (the #1 online golf magazine in Norway)

January 4, 2007

Do You Have the Next Great Golf Invention?

The Golf Channel is in the process of developing a series that will uncover the next new innovation in golf!

If you have a golf related invention, let us know! We’re looking for people of all ages, all backgrounds, and with all types of golf inventions for this potential new series.

If The Golf Channel proceeds with the series, you may have the opportunity to showcase your product to an entire world of golf enthusiasts, right here on TGC!

Think your idea could be the next big thing in golf?

Link: Golf Inventor Application [The Golf Channel]

August 7, 2006

Nokia launches Golf Instruction Phone

If golf gadgets are your thing (and you know how I feel about gizmos), the Nokia N93 Pro Session Golf Phone is full of promise.

The phone features a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, DVD-like video capture and 3x optical zoom and comes with a suite of golf training specific software.

Certainly worth looking into, however, it's only available in Europe right now. Surely in hopes of giving the Euro Ryder Cup team an advantage :)

Read more:
Pro Session Golf | Nokia N93 | Gizmodo's Take

May 10, 2006

Take your dog for a shag...

Finally, I don't have to chose between hitting the driving range or playing with my pooch that's been holed up in the basement all day.

The Doggie Driver will instantly become "golf lover man's best friend" by allowing you to swing a practice driver while launching tennis balls up to 100 yards. Fido retrieves the ball and ~~when~~ if he brings it back all you do is push down on the ball to load it up again (without having to touch the slobbery ball).

At first I thought this is a perfect "ridiculous golf item of the week" for Golf Blogger, however, after further review this thing isn't so ridiculous.

Hey, if Paris Hilton can put her dog in a bikini, I can use mine as a ball retriever.

More Info: The Doggie Driver

February 3, 2006

True Swing Golf: Time to take your stylus for a swing

Nintendo True Swing Golf

As if I needed another diversion, I've gotten my mitts on a new Nintendo DS unit and a copy of their latest title True Swing Golf.

There are prettier and more realistic golf games out there, but I challenge you to find a more addictive (and strangely relaxing) handheld title. I don't know if it's the unique "swing the stylus" feature that takes you beyond button mashing, or the quick arcade style gameplay that is reminicent of world favorite "Golden Tee".

With my hectic travel schedule lately I've had plenty of air time with the game, and have found myself filling any "extra" time by reaching for the silvery unit. Not since Wario Ware, Inc for the GBA have I been this hooked on a title.

I'll do a proper review soon, but for now all you need to know is that True Swing Golf for the Nintendo DS is a fun and relaxing golf title, that should have a wide range of appeal. The only thing that could make this game better is if I could bring my NintenDog along with me for a round of golf. Imagine walking the course with your virtual dog by your side. I'm kidding of course (but that would be cool).

Visit: True Swing Golf [Official Nintendo Site]

See what others are saying about True Swing Golf:

Nintendo True Swing Golf [Hooked on Golf Blog]

True Swing Golf tees off for the DS [JoyStiq]

True Swing Golf Hands On [GameSpot.com]

True Swing Golf Lives Up to Its Name [NintendoGal.com]

True Swing Golf - First Play [The Game Chair]

True Swing Golf, again [ButtonMashing.com]

February 2, 2006

QOLF: Improve your game while putting one over the wife

Sure you could spend time with the kids playing horse shoes, gathering fireflies, or shooting clay pigeons but what good would that be for your golf game.

QOLF is the golfer's answer to stupid lawn games that do nothing to help you win junk bets from your weekly foursome. You set up the course, and using your own wedges, play a round of golf in under 30 minutes. The wife will be suspicious at first, but once the kids get gigglin', she'll see your intentions are honorable.

Finally a product that improves both your game and family harmony.

More info: Qolf - The off-course golf game!

February 1, 2006

Always RedE to play?

So you're on a trip without your clubs or shoes and you get a chance to play. Sure you can rent clubs, but how about shoes? You gonna be one of those clowns who play in their sneaks or dress shoes?

With RedE Golf there's no need to buy another pair of golf shoes or slip and slide around the course in your loafers.

Just keep a sheet of the tacky (i'm talking about the stickiness of the product, you make your own judgements about how they look) RedE nubs handy and you're just a few minutes from turning any shoe into a pair of golf shoes.

Just when I thought I had seen it all.

More info: RedE Golf - Always RedE to Play!

January 26, 2006

Why you should support David Leadbetter Golf products...

It only took a few minutes at the PGA Merchandise Show for my head to start spinning. Thousands of clubs, balls, gadgets, toys, clothes, etc... etc... etc... and not enough hours in the day to take it all in.

So we'll start slow and cover as much as is possible over the next few days (or probably weeks).

I picked up lots of sales brochures and business cards for followups, and there's still more research to do. But for now, I've got plenty of material to give you a glimpse of the goings on at the 2006 PGA Merchandise Show.

My biggest impression of the day wasn't any of the shiny new toys or cute booth models, but a relatively old golf standard. David Leadbetter has been around for a while, and while most of us know him from infomercials and appearances on the Golf Channel, I got a chance to see a different side today.

After a short demonstration of his latest training aid (the SwingSetter), Mr. Leadbetter proceeded to, in his own words "get on his soapbox", and tell the audience that everyone associated with the golf industry in America needs to find ways to get kids learning and playing golf. Leadbetter, stated that the single biggest difference between this country and every other is lack of accessibility to affordable golf for kids.

According to Leadbetter, a youngster can join some of the premiere clubs in Australia for around $100 (without his parents being members). Coincidently, I was told a story the other day by a friend of mine who lives in Florida. He took his 10-year-old son out for a round to a very cheap ($20) and not very well maintained course in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It was around noon and while there were available times, the dude at the pro shop looked at the youngster and said to my buddy, "I'm worried you guys might hold up some of our regulars, why don't you come back at three".

Needless to say, my friend and his son went home. Sometimes it's easier to just shoot some hoops in the driveway than feel like a bother at your local course.

I agree with David Leadbetter about needing to do something about kids being embraced by the golf industry. I know his words were from the heart, I could see it in the way he spoke to kids afterwards and signed autographs for them. The Leadbetter golf machine is gaining some momentum with the launch of quality products, services, and association with high-profile clients... I wish them well, because I think they'll use some of that power for the good of the game.

I'll be reviewing Leadbetter's latest instructional DVD "Leadbetter Interactive" very soon. It is (hands down) the best production I have seen in the area of sports instruction, and I've seen them all.

As always, Stay Tuned...

Associated Links:
David Leadbetter's Official Site
Leadbetter Interactive Instructional DVD Series
The SwingSetter - Training Aid

January 24, 2006

SOD: Golf Digest and The 2006 Hot List

When I was a little BogeyRugRat, I would roam around the house in November and December of every year with the BEST Catalog tucked under my arm. Inside the retailer's annual holiday toy guide were markings and notes indicating the painstaking process I went through in putting together my list for Santa.

Now I'm all grown up and things have changed, albeit just a tad. No more toy catalog for me. For the last few years the months in question have been January and February and the publication I turn to nowadays for shopping comfort is the Golf Digest Hot List.

The pub excites golf gearheads so much, that it should be delivered in a plain brown wrapper. Take a look at some of the features online at GolfDigest.com, but do yourself a favor and get the "hard" copy at your local news stands before it's too late.

Read: The 2006 Hot List [Golf Digest]

January 17, 2006

Can a Dancin' Dogg help your golf game?

Expected to ship in late February, The DancinDogg™ Personal Golf Simulator looks like it may fill a niche in the "play golf in your basement" category.

There is no doubt that with prices coming down on projector displays and associated gadgets, we all may be able to one day (soon) afford golf simulators in our own homes. Remember when you first saw one of those at your local pro shop and said "I need one of those in my house!"... that day is getting close.

I think I'm gonna wait to see some reviews before taking a look at the $259.00 DancinDogg simulator, but I think it's got potential.

From ENGADGET.com ... If you've been looking for a way to get your golf on this winter, minus an alley way and a few broken windows (not that we are knowledgeable of any such incident), you might want to check out the DancinDogg Optical Swing Pad. The device is all set to help you simulate a game of EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour '05, or just tell you how much your swing sucks with the included training program. The pad hooks up with USB, has 16 infrared optical sensors, and "high density Astroturf" to give your tee and the included foam golf ball a home.

Read more about DancinDogg Golf Simulators

November 19, 2005

Why golfers need an XBOX 360 ... Tiger Woods 2006

Soon, we won't even have to leave the house to enjoy a fully immersive round of golf. Mankind moves one step closer to this vision with the arrival of the much anticipated Xbox 360 and the updating of the stellar Tiger Woods golf series by EA Sports.

And I still haven't gotten over how good the handheld PSP version of Tiger Woods '05 looks and plays.

Here is an early review of the '06 version of Tiger's game on the Xbox 360, which will be available in stores (at least for a few minutes) early next week. If you're a gamer and a golfer, this is one for you.

"Other improvements include a cleaner interface as well as a significant improvement in the graphics thanks to the increased power of the Xbox 360. This is most notable in almost everything from the water effects to the fully 3D interactive crowds. Fans are reactive not only to the quality of your shot, but also to incoming “stray” balls that may not have been quite on target (practice shots as I like to refer to them). They will first try and move out of the way, but if you do manage to hit them, I am told that the ball will collide and fall appropriately. As for the grass, the lines in the fairway and on the green are just that much more defined, as are the individual blades in the rough. Your ball and your golfer's feet appear to be covered realistically. Note that I only hit into the rough to do research for this article, I really don't spend much time there, honestly!" - GamingExcellence.com

Read: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 Preview | Image Gallery [GamingExcellence.com]

November 13, 2005

Nike MaxSight performance enhancing lenses...

Back in April we wrote about a new contact lens produced by Nike and Bausch & Lomb that would assist athletes with sports specific optical enhancements.

The lenses are now available and already the positive reviews are coming in. There are lenses specifically for baseball-soccer-football (amber) and golf-running-training (grey-green).

I, for one, don't feel very comfortable wearing sunglasses while playing golf. So these babies may allow me to reduce glare and increase my ability to see contours (i.e. putting lines) without the bother of sunglasses.

Golfer Jerry Smith was one of the first patients in Denver to be fitted for the new sports lenses. He said he wanted to be able to see the greens of the golf course more clearly when he plays.

Smith said the lenses allow him to follow the ball better after he hits it. He also said that they have helped with his putting game.

"You can see the breaks, the contours, and you can see which way the green's sloping, and I think it could really help the putting," Smith said. "Fifteen yards from the green, I normally couldn't see the contours, but (with the lenses) they just pop out."

Read More:
Contacts Said To Enhance Performance [CBS 4 Denver]
Nike MaxSight Official Site [Nike.com]

November 12, 2005

Real World Golf: Coming to a PS2 near you...

Thanks to golf blog ENGOLFED for the heads up on this one.

Real World Golf allows you to play video golf on your PC or PS2 using your real golf swing. From what I can tell, you wear a pair of interactive gloves that track your movements and allow you to do everything with your video golfer that you can do with your real world swing.

This looks like a UK release so I don't know when we'll get a chance to see it on this side of the pond.

I can tell you that if this is as good as advertised, it could make that upcoming winter a lot more fun and maybe even productive.

More Info: ENGOLFED | REAL WORLD GOLF | Image Gallery

November 2, 2005

SureShotGPS: A wonder from down under

Just a few days ago, I wrote about the need for an on course portable gps solution that provided an intuitive interface design and good graphical representations of golf courses. I even said, "If it wasn't too bulky or heavy, I wouldn't have a problem clipping it to my belt or sliding it into my left back pocket."

From my mouth to the Golf gods ears, this morning I came across the sureShotGPS device developed by an Aussie company (tee2green).

From the looks of the website info, the surreShot's got everything you could ask for in a portable GPS device. And the $399US price makes it about as affordable as any optical range finder.

The sureShotGPS has just moved to the top of my holiday wish list...

Check it out: tee2green technologies | iSeekGolf

October 27, 2005

Golfing aid wins invention awards

It doesn't seem to have GPS capability so I don't understand why it would be seen as an advancement, but somehow this "e"Yardage book won a British invention award.

It would basically replace the yardage book you purchase at the proshop and it would allow you to calculate the distance between point A and point B on the screen.

Add GPS capability, a scorecard application, a wagering tracker, and a beltclip and you've got an interesting product that I would consider renting from the proshop. Hey, I spend $5 for a yardage book when I'm playing a course for the first time, why not spend $15 to rent a personal gps/scorecard.

If it wasn't too bulky or heavy, I wouldn't have a problem clipping it to my belt or sliding it into my left back pocket. I know there are some things out there already, but the interface is not very compelling and they don't allow you to keep score (or keep track of bets).

Read more: Golfing aids win invention awards [BBC News]

August 16, 2005

Now Shipping: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 for Mac

So you're a golf loving, video game playing, Mac user - who has been left out in the cold when it comes to the holy grail of golf video games (and no arguments from the Golden Tee crowd out there).

Well, it's time to rejoice, as Aspyr Media Inc. on Tuesday announced that it’s shipping the Macintosh version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005. The game puts you in the shoes of Tiger Woods, other PGA pros and custom golfers you can create yourself.

Read more: Aspyr ships Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 for Mac [MacWorld]

July 13, 2005

SOD: As Seen on the Golf Channel

Oh the joy! ... Today's Site of the Day is this handy dandy section of TGC's website, that allows you to get the scoop on the latest golf infomercial offerings without having to stay up after 2:00am...

While it may sound like I'm poking fun, I've actually bought some of these products. AJ Reveals the Truth About Golf, is far and away the funniest golf movie I've ever seen... Wait a minute, that was supposed to be a Golf Instruction Video? Oh?

Anyway, check out a bevy of golf related gadgets and remember... David Duval went in the tank after promoting the Momentus and Vijay hasn't won a major since pitching the Speed Stik...

Visit: As Seen on the Golf Channel

May 9, 2005

SoloRider extends play for many

Maybe not interesting for those of us who take for granted a pain free round of golf, but for the elderly or disabled it could mean a new lease on the golfing life.

I wrote about something like this a few months ago and now it looks like some courses are putting the technology to use.

It also looks like courses may be required to provide a number of these in order to comply with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. The law requires equal access to public places for people with disabilities.

Read More: New cart offered at golf courses [NewsZap.com]

SoloRider Official Site

May 6, 2005

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 for the PSP

If you're a fan of the Tiger Woods line of console games for the PSone or Xbox, then I recommend you run out and get a PSP (PlayStation Portable) and a copy of TWGolf for the PSP because it is easily one of the best video games ever!!!

I had a chance to try the PSP version the other day and it exceeded my expectations. Game play was flawlessly smooth, the visuals were stunning, and in some cases the portable version is even better than the console version. The wireless functionality even allows for online play (when combined with a Wi-Fi internet connection).

See a complete reviews at: MoDOJO.com and GameSpot.com

May 3, 2005

Sony Introduces Hot Shots Golf for PSP

Sony announced today that the latest entry in the popular arcade golf franchise, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, has shipped to North American retailers nationwide for the PSP.

The game features an assortment of new courses as well as 10 new characters and 5 different caddies, all of which will preserve the familiarity of the series. Players will also have the ability to create their own golfer with over 250 customizable body parts and accessories to choose from.

Several different game modes are available, including Stroke Play, Challenge Mode, Putting Challenge, and Training Mode. Wireless multiplayer tournaments and game matches will also be implemented.

April 13, 2005

SmartSwing: Clubs that record your swing data

Technology and golf go hand-in-hand, however, this seems like tech over the top (especially for a training aid). Judge for yourself...

SmartSwing Intelligent Clubs use a series of gyroscopes and accelerometers in what is called a 6-degree of freedom inertial measurement unit. In plain English, SmartSwing circuitry uses acceleration and rotation information to determine the position of your golf club in space with pinpoint accuracy over 1000 times per second.

The parts used by SmartSwing are used in a variety of other applications ranging from air bag deployment in automobiles to missile guidance systems. Bet you didn't realize a golf club could be this smart!

All of the information recorded is stored in flash memory on your club to allow for later wireless download and processing on your personal computer.

Visit SmartSwing's Website

On the computer, SmartSwing uses a sophisticated set of patent-pending mathematical equations to convert the information recorded by your Intelligent Club into the representation of your swing that you see in SmartSwing Visualizer software. This swing information is then compared to a reference swing.

SmartSwing's patent-pending reference swing is yet another scientific revolution for golf. The reference swing is a mathematically calculated mechanically efficient swing based on golf theory and the swings of past and current golf greats. It automatically scales to your specific physical dimensions to give you something to strive towards with each and every golf swing.

The combination of position, acceleration, rotation and reference information for each of your golf swings enables sophisticated swing analysis and accelerated learning. SmartSwing Intelligent Clubs open the door to accurate information in real-time that was previously only available in the highest end video systems and launch monitors, if it was available at all. For example, with SmartSwing you can study your club face orientation, release timing, tempo, instantaneous club head speed, lag, and more.

March 31, 2005

TAG Heuer's Tiger Woods edition golf watch...

“Together with TAG Heuer designers, we have developed the one watch that I can wear on my wrist without adversely affecting my golf swing.” - Tiger Woods

"This is an extraordinary achievement," says Tiger, who extensively tested the TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch prototypes and then wore the pre-series in the 2004 Boston PGA Tournament. “Now, for the first time, golfers can wear a watch in total comfort, and make a contribution to a great charity that helps youth at the same time. “Golf experts have always said that you should take your watch off before you step up to the tee, and TAG Heuer has proven them wrong. It's a great watch and a true pleasure to wear."

“Calling upon Tiger to collaborate on the design of the world's first-ever professional golf watch was an obvious choice,” comments Daniel Lalonde, TAG Heuer NA President and CEO. “Not only is he a world-class champion golfer, but since 2003, Tiger has played a key role in the design and development of a number of TAG Heuer timepieces, including the sold-out, Link Limited Edition Tiger Woods watch.”

The TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch is based on a unique design that provides maximum comfort to the wearer. The clasp and folding buckle of a conventional watch are often awkward and can hurt the wrist while intensively playing golf. Also, the standard placement of the crown at 3 o'clock can interfere with the golfer’s motion and comfort when the wrist is bent. To overcome these obstacles, TAG Heuer developed a revolutionary patented system that integrates the clasp into the watch head, and also moved the crown across the dial from the 3 o’clock to the 9 o'clock position.

"Golfers have very specific reasons for not wearing a watch during play -- the added weight on the wrist, the strap being too loose or too tight, not to mention the intense demands the game puts upon the wrist,” continues Tiger. “Working systematically through these and other obstacles with TAG Heuer's amazing team of watchmakers, engineers and designers, we were able to address all of these concerns and overcome them."

Another challenge TAG Heuer addressed is that a regular watch often slides on the wrist, snagging on the golfer's glove and creating discomfort. If the watch is tight enough so that it won’t slide, it, too, becomes uncomfortable, since the wrist's diameter changes during the course of a game -- even during the course of a single swing. To combat these problems, TAG Heuer developed an exclusive, ultra-flexible silicon strap with amazing elasticity that eliminates any sliding. The strap also dampens any shock to the wrist and adapts its length to any change in wrist diameter.

Since regular watches are often too heavy and impede the golfer’s swing and putting precision, the TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch is made of ultra-light titanium, stainless steel and silicon. The super-slim watch weighs only 55 grams, making it an astonishing 60% lighter than other TAG Heuer steel watches. This extraordinary slimness also makes the TAG Heuer Professional Golf watch one of the most elegant and dressy luxury square-shaped watches on the market. Concludes Tiger, "It’s so incredibly light, you literally forget it’s on your wrist -- until you need it."

More information: WatchNetwork.com

March 23, 2005

Let the big DOG HORSE eat...

While I try to keep attention away from my golf bag, some of you like to show your true colors with wild and crazy headcovers. Nothing is wilder or crazier than JP Lann Golf's wild animal collection of realistic animal headcovers, which includes everything from an American Eagle to a Zebra.

My favorite is this Horse Head because after you use it to protect your 450cc driver, you can put it in your enemy's bed to scare and intimidate him or her :)

JP Lann recently introduced their Canine Collection line of jumbo animal head covers.

The set includes beagle, black lab, bulldog, golden retriever and huskie head covers designed to offer the highest level of protection for drivers. Each head cover ($25) features a long spandex neck to protect the shaft and can accommodate drivers up to 450cc.

For more information or to purchase a head cover, go to www.jplann.com.

March 22, 2005

Hi-Tec CDT Golf Shoes: Golf's alternative to steroids?

(Original review done March 22) As if it's not bad enough that we carry a diagram of weight distribution configurations for our drivers, now it looks like some of us will have to do the same for our golf shoe cleat configurations.

The new Hi-Tec CDT golf shoes are said to employee proprietary cleat technology that makes the Hi-Tec CDT the "world's first game improvement golf shoe".

Endorsed by Irishman Padraig Harrington, who says the shoe has increased his ball speed from 166mph to 173mph (for a whopping 17.5 yards of distance increase), the shoe is the result of "two years of intensive research to perfect the shoe's biomechanics".

Are we buying any of this? You're probably not, but BogeyMan is a fool... so my review of the Hi-Tec CDT appears below (with follow-up updates to follow)...

For more info check out Hi-Tec online for yourself.

My initial thoughts on the Hi-Tec CDT Golf Shoes:

I finally had a chance to try these shoes last week and I have to say that I was impressed with the overall comfort and performance.

STYLING: There is no doubt that these are good looking traditional shoes and the quality and durability is easy to see. I look forward to seeing how they perform in wet conditions, but based on the construction I assume they will stay dry.

COMFORT: The Hi-Tecs come with two sets of insoles (regular and wide fit). I have always stayed away from the traditional golf shoes because of the narrow fit. My wide foot calls for a wide front (usually found in non-traditional golf shoes - i.e. Cyclonic, ECCO, etc...), but these traditional looking shoes fit nicely even with the regular fit insole.

If there was any discomfort, it was with the fact that the spikes on these shoes dig so deep that I found my feet catching ground when I was just walking up the fairway.

PERFORMANCE: While I didn't see (or expect) the marked improvement in distance that the shoes claim, I honestly did feel more balanced over the ball. I also felt that some thought did go into the shoe's design when it came to the golf swing and the body's weight shift from takeaway to follow through.

OVERALL: Probably not worth the price tag ($129), but still a very nice shoe. Comfort, quality, and performance are all above average.

UPDATED JUNE 17, 2005 - I was wrong. This shoe is very much worth the $129 price. Once I started wearing these regularly (and breaking them in), I couldn't switch back to some of my other shoes. They may not be the best looking in my collection, but they have now become the most comfortable golf shoes I own.

They stay dry in all conditions, and provide better support than I have ever gotten from a cleated shoe.

Try them, and you won't be sorry.

Sony PSP: Tiger Woods Golf to go...

The PSP revolution is expected to begin this Thursday as gamers will be lined up in hopes of getting their hands on the new portable gaming device from Sony.

Why is this news for the lounge? Well, besides the fact that the PSP looks to be the latest "it" gadget (rivaling iPod in popularity and third party options), it will also allow us Tiger Woods Golf fans to get our fix on the road.

Not to mention the fact that the PSP will serve as a gaming device, music device, video device, and down the road probably (with add-ons) a gps device, among other things... making it the perfect companion for a golf road trip...

Stay tuned... the revolution begins Thursday.

Everything you need to know about the PSP:

Gamespot.com - PSP LAUNCH CENTER

Gamespot.com - Preview the PSP version of Tiger Woods Golf

Engadget.com - See a roundup of reviews on the new PSP gaming device

March 18, 2005

XM Growth Continues with PGA Partnership

"XM Radio makes it possible for fans to follow the tournaments and get the latest golf news virtually anywhere from coast to coast, whether they are on the road, at the office, or even in the gallery at a tour event," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

Golf on radio? Without pictures? Actually, there have been times when I've been in a situation where golf on the radio would have been awesome. Driving back from the beach on a Sunday afternoon?

Now you'll be able to hear live coverage of a PGA Tour event thanks to XM's recent deal with the PGA, bringing golf to the ever-expanding world of satellite radio.

Besides tournament coverage, XM could provide golf related talk shows and other golf specific content.

The only way for this technology to keep growing, is to offer content the consumer can't get anywhere else... this certainly falls under that category.

Here's more info: XM on Course with PGA Partnership - Reuters

Thanks to golf blog pioneer :) GolfBlogger for the heads-up...

March 1, 2005

Ubisoft to challenge EA with Vijay Singh Golf Game...

EA Sports' Tiger Woods franchise will soon have competition from French game maker Ubisoft who signed Vijay Singh to an endorsement deal.

EA's TW series took video golf to a new level, so it will take a lot of innovation for the number 1 player in the world to unseat the number 2 player in the world when it comes to the console world of golf. (#1 unseating #2... Did that make any sense?)

Rumor has it that the Vijay game will feature a 5-hour driving range mode for those who want to practice more than play ;) ...

"French publisher hits into EA as it nabs license deal with Tiger-rival Vijay Singh; acquires code from Microsoft's sports properties to fuel upcoming game."

February 22, 2005

The Performance Golf Tee? Huh?

First it was hot balls, next it was hot drivers, now it's "the performance golf tee"... . Just between us, unlike the Golf Blog Grouch, I'm goofy enough to try them (even at $5 per bag).

The Golf Blog Grouch muses on the insanity at: Hottest Golf Product? You Gotta Be Kidding Me

Also: Visit the official site for EVOLVE GOLF makers of the EPOCH-3 "The number one performance golf tee in the world"... I didn't even know that was an equipment category.