In the Bag

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."

Callaway Golf Company announced that it has extended its relationship with Phil Mickelson. Mickelson, currently the No. 2 player in the world, will play a full complement of Callaway Golf equipment. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

“Phil has been an integral member of the Callaway Golf family for several years and together we’ve achieved great success,” said George Fellows, president and CEO, Callaway Golf. “He’s clearly one of the most talented golfers ever to play the game and we’re proud to have our equipment in his hands as he continues towards the World Golf Hall of Fame.”

TaylorMade Golf Company has announced that global golf icon Greg Norman has joined its Tour Staff. Norman, 54, will play TaylorMade clubs, a TaylorMade TP golf ball, use a TaylorMade staff bag and display the TaylorMade logo on the side of his headwear.

Norman chose on his own accord to play TaylorMade's TP Red golf ball with Low Drag Performance (LDP) Technology during his remarkable run at last year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where he held a two-stroke lead going into the final round and finished tied for third. It was his 30th career top 10 finish in a major. Soon after a conversation began between Norman and TaylorMade that resulted in their new relationship.

If it's not at the very top of the list, TaylorMade's new R9 Driver is certainly among a small group of the most anticipated equipment offerings of 2009.

Called the most advanced and finest performing driver in the history of golf club design by TaylorMade, the R9 will feature full adjustability in that it will combine three moveable weights with the company's newest technology - Flight Control Technology (FCT). 

The latest offering from Cobra Golf in the fairway metal family is the S9-1, a club that employs the latest technology to create easy-to-hit fairway metals that bring any green within reach.

Integral in the club's design is Cobra's "Hotter 9 Points" technology which promotes more COR (coefficient of restitution) across the entire clubface. In Leman's terms, COR refers to the "spring like effect" of modern clubfaces. This measures how efficiently energy is transferred from the face of your club to the ball. 

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Cleveland Golf/Srixon is pleased to announce the introduction of their Launcher Driver Ultralite Edition and Launcher Irons.

The Launcher Driver Ultralite Edition has been designed to give more distance for slower swingspeed players, while still possessing the attributes of the standard Launcher driver. The new Ultralite Edition has a 30 gram lighter overall clubweight and a 12 degree high-lofted head. With an ultralite 40 gram Graphite Design shaft that is also an inch longer (46.5") than the standard model and a lightweight (38 gram) Winn Grip, this club is specifically designed to maximize distance for players with swingspeeds under 85mph. The Launcher Driver Ultralite Edition will carry a street price of $299 and begin shipping March 1, 2009.