In the Bag

Ping has placed the cherry on top of its 50th anniversary season.

The company recently introduced what it deemed as "its most comprehensive product launch in history," in the form of two new complete series of clubs. 

Whether it's a flashy diamond-studded belt buckle, a bright orange camouflage hat or a pair of loud pants, today's image-conscious golfers have fallen in love with products that allow them to express both their personality and individuality on the golf course.

If you're looking to add a new colorful component to your golf bag, look no further than Shaft Skinz - decorative wafer-thin plastic sleeves for your shafts that have the added benefit of protecting the surface from the day-to-day knocks and scrapes that they take. 

Eidolon Golf is putting its V-Sole wedges where its mouth is by giving away a free wedge each week to the consumer whose online question is answered by Eidolon Golf's President and Founder Terry Koehler on his popular blog at www.TheWedgeGuy.com.

Readers are invited to ask The Wedge Guy their own questions about the short game, equipment or anything else in golf, and have their question considered for the Tuesday column.

Bushnell Outdoor Products, makers of the No. 1 laser rangefinder on Tour, has introduced the Pro 1600 – the newest member of the company’s industry leading distance measuring devices.

The Pro 1600 is available in two models: Tournament Edition and the patented Slope Edition. Both models will be available at Bushnell retail partners in March 2009. The Tournament Edition will retail for $429 and the Slope Edition $479. 

New for 2009, Sun Mountain is offering a top-of-the-line golf stand bag and cart bag with major college and university team colors and logos. Sun Mountain currently has agreements in place with 53 universities to include the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Georgia with more to be added throughout the year.

Bag choices include a lightweight stand bag and a full-featured cart bag at $209 and $269, respectively. For the retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com. 

Boccieri Golf announces that an authentic, John Daly hand-signed photograph will be given as a special gift to the first 1,000 customers who purchase the company's Tour-proven Heavy Putter at www.HeavyPutter.com or participating retailers through June 30.

The glossy 8"x10" photograph shows Daly using the company's new K4 Mid-Weight Series model en route to his recent second-place finish at the Italian Open on the PGA European Tour. It is the same image currently showcased in an advertisement appearing in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and other leading media outlets.

CARLSBAD, Calif. - Months after introducing highly-anticipated R9 driver, which today is the No. 1 driver model on the PGA Tour, TaylorMade has released the R9 460 driver.

The R9 460 combines TaylorMade's renowned Flight Control Technology (FCT) with the forgiveness and power of a 460cc titanium clubhead and the speed-promoting properties of a longer length and extremely lightweight graphite shaft. All at the remarkable street price of $299.

Adams golf has released its latest offering of the Idea Pro Black Iron franchise, clubs known for their Tour quality, look and playability.

Designed for skilled players, the premium set features eight tour-proven muscle-back irons with forged carbon steel heads and a distinctive black nickel ion finish. With a precisely located center of gravity, the Idea Pro Black irons deliver a penetrating ball flight for superior shot making ability with an exceptionally soft feel. 

Known for its remarkable drivers that have won six Re-Max World Long Drive Championship titles, Alpha Golf has proven its designers can craft a club that delivers maximum distance to those who play it.

Can they do the same for the short game?

As inventories of expensive golf equipment pile up like unused fruitcakes at Christmas, major golf retailers and golf equipment manufacturers have come together in Cum baya fashion to move unsold items to the golfing public at discounted rates.

A recent article from CNBC.com said of the industry struggles, "Fewer golfers are playing, and they're spending less money on everything from new clubs to travel. Golf equipment makers, hit with declining sales, have been forced to lower prices."