Boy, did Thanksgiving come and go in a tryptophan-induced haze. Got buried so deep in turkey and stuffing, I neglected to post this article in a timely fashion.
Having scarfed the last scrap of leftovers, here are a few of the thousand things that make me thankful to be a golfer:
No. 1 on our bucket list.
Walking a deserted course, solo, first thing on a Sunday morning.
A three-and-a-half-hour round.
Courses where you can’t possibly plunk a house off the tee.
A foursome without one of the guys who top this list.
Playing partners who know when to call off the hunt for a lost ball.
Hybrid clubs.
Launch monitors.
Clubfitting.
The golf equipment geeks who hang out here.
Friendly starters and marshalls.
Old-school Scottish caddies, like these guys.
ShotLink, the all-knowing PGA Tour stat-keeping tool, for those occasions when I just have to know which player is most likely to bunt a drive less than 240 yards, or score the lowest with a late second-round tee time going off the 10th tee. (Seriously, it’s all in there.)
Thing o' beauty: Rory McIlroy's swing.
David Feherty.
Mike Keiser (visionary founder of Bandon Dunes and Cabot Links).
The town of St. Andrews, Scotland – No. 1 on my bucket list of places to visit.
Minimalist design and the architects who practice it.
Firm, fast conditions.
19th holes that serve local microbrews.
Pull carts.
Stand bags.
Rory McIlroy’s swing.
Matt Kuchar’s smile.
Tiger Woods’ glare.
Luke Donald’s putting stroke.
GolfClubAtlas.com
Seaside golf.
Handheld GPS devices and rangefinders.
The USGA’s Mike Davis, whose U.S. Open setups emphasize shotmaking and imagination over hacking out sideways from ankle-deep rough.
Street-style golf shoes.
Caddyshack quotes. Some of the best are short: “Don’t sell yourself short, Judge, you’re a tremendous slouch.” Others, classically long: “So we finish the eighteenth and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, ‘Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.’ And he says, ‘Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.’ So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.”
It sure is, Carl. It sure is.
Titleist Golf Bags are one of the most purchased and reviewed brand of bags on the market. Known for its superior quality, reasonable pricing, and complex features, Titleist stands out from the other brands and for good reason. The company itself, Titleist, is a global competitor in terms of clubs, bags, balls and other golf related accessories so it is no wonder why so many people buy and review this brand. Based in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Titleist offers more than twenty varieties of golf bags: each with unique features and functions.
One of the more popular model of bags is Lightweight Stand Bag. This particular model features a six way club divider, cart friendly bottoms, an ergonomic shoulder strap and handle, several pockets for balls, tees, apparel, scorecard, and water bottle and comes in nine different colors or schemes. The stand bags also are known for their incredible stability with the tripod rubber-tipped legs and foot stand for automatic balancing. Because this is one of the more popular models, it can be found at most national sporting good stores like Golf Smith or Dick’s as well as some local pro-shops. However, Titleist does offer many different styles of bags that are not so easy to find. What if one is in the market for a custom or rare Titleist Golf Bag? No problem. The company is a fierce competitor so it is always wanting to grow clientele and live up to its commitment to its customers and products.
Another note about Titleist is that they are the official sponsor to many professional golfers including Steve Sticker, Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Angel Cabrera, and newcomer Rory Mcllroy. Luke Donald also is sponsored by Titleist and uses a custom S83 style bag on tour, but may switch to the more lightweight, flexible lightweight model when not in front of the cameras and away from his caddy. Prices of Titleist Golf Bags vary depending on the amenities it offers as well as the overall size: the more clubs to carry, the higher the price tag. Also, material does contribute to the overall cost and weight of the product so if someone is not willing to carry a thirty pound bag plus clubs, then perhaps the S83 model is not the right choice.
No matter the final style decided upon, Titleist is committed to its product and customers so having that assurance should be a comfort in itself. Titleist offers warrantees and even repairs for damaged bags, which is a great service to consider when a tee or umbrella punctures the delicate, yet durable material. Titeist Golf Bags are some of the most popular for a reason and aside from reading every review, it will take the act of purchasing one to find out why.
Buying a golf bag is not an easy objective. Every golfer is different when it comes to wants and needs as is a golf bag. Sure there are high-priced, luxury bags that could rival the features of a Porsche, but is that really necessary? The first step to buying a golf bag is to answer that question. The buyer must determine exactly what is required of the bag. Furthermore, will this bag need to be brand new with tags and warrantee included or can this accessory be gently used and still do the job?
One brand that is worth considering when shopping around for a quality, functional bag is Sun Mountain. The company, based in Missoula, Montana, is one of the lesser known brands in the golf world, but is nonetheless qualified to provide a great product. Sun Mountain offers both style and functionality in every model, but what Sun Mountain also offers is variety: many colors, accessories, and additions are available on the regular and custom markets.
So what styles or models of Sun Mountain Golf Bags and how do they compare to other brands? Sun Mountain boasts twenty-three lines of golf bags. From shoulder carrying bags to cart bags, ladies bags, and collegiate bags, Sun Mountain bags stay competitive with other brands and in some cases are very similar, but with a unique design twist that separates it from its competitors. For example, the Zero-G line of bags feature seven waterproof pockets, a water bottle pouch, three handles for an easy carry, a contoured strap system for comfort and functionality and being able to carry 14 clubs, balls, and whatever else a golfer may bring on the course.
Ready to purchase a Sun Mountain Golf Bag? There are a few things to consider before writing the check to the local sporting goods cashier. Sun Mountain is a national brand so they can be purchased at Sun Mountain Outlets, Golf Smith Retail Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods as well as other national stores and local pro-shops. Buying used may be a cost saving maneuver and can be a great option if one discovers a gently used, quality Sun Mountain Golf Bag at a local garage sale or second-hand store. However, buying used may not allow for the exact specifications desired to be obtained, but with the purchase of a Sun Mountain Golf Bag, users are sure to be satisfied.
Prices vary based on the specific model and accessories, but a general outline can be made for Sun Mountain. The cheapest, basic bag retails for $130 USD, which is certainly not the most expensive on the market, but also not necessarily the most extravagant. The outlined model comes standard with more than five pockets, ergonomic handles, full club set carrying capability and is available in a variety of colors. Again, buying a golf bag may not be the most exciting purchase, but it serves a specific purpose and can add some flare to any golfer’s experience.
Ping was originally founded by a former General Electric engineer who produced putters from a garage in the late 1950’s, but became involved in all aspects of the golf industry by the late 1960’s: designing and selling irons, bags, and everything in between. Although Ping became known as the “winningest” brand putter in all of golf, other aspects of the brand, game virtually went unsung for years. Ping Golf Bags are one of the highest quality and used bags in the game of golf; however, because golf bags are not necessarily integral to one’s game, the comments or reviews of the many models of Ping Golf Bags are few and far between.
Eight different models of bags that range from easy to maneuver stand bags or the tour classic cart bag. One of the stand bags that is popular among college teams and casual players is the 4 Under model. Made from a lightweight, durable, waterproof material, the 4 Under is economically built and priced for any skilled golfer. Coming in at just under four pounds, this two-strapped, ergonomic design offers four pockets for balls, tees, accessories, and apparel as well as a hip pad, umbrella holder, and a four-way club divider that all sit upon strong, retractable legs.
As for the cart models of Ping Golf Bags, the T9.5 Bag is used by several players out on tour, but by club champions and amateur players around the country. The T9.5 Bag is just one notch below the Tour Staff Bag that is made popular by the big name is golf; however, T9.5 is the perfect bag for those players just starting out in the professional realm: cost and feature efficient. With eight pockets, one veelour-lined valuables pocket, and a six-way club divider, the T9.5 Bag is sensible, stylish, and a great option for golfers with a large collection of clubs and items to take out on the course.
Competitive shopping is key to any successful purchase: golf bags included. Used Ping Golf Bags may be a bit more difficult to come by, but garage sales or flea markets in the area are great places for a possible purchase: Ping bags stand the test of time so there is a sting likelihood that when someone comes across a used Ping, it is in relatively good condition. New bags to carry a bit more cost, but with a splurge on a new bag, users will be exposed to the best technology in the bag sector of the golf industry.
Since the Ping brand is popular with professionals, amateurs, frequent players, casual players, teachers of the game, and those learning the game, the only logical decision when in the market for nothing more than a bag, make it a Ping Golf Bag and enjoy all of it's capabilities.
OGIO was founded on the basis for producing quality and uniquely designed gear bags. Since OGIO is not necessarily a nationally known name, finding a store that sells OGIO products is relatively difficult to come by. The company is based in Utah so many of the mountain-west states may carry products as well as stores that feature backpacking and BMX equipment. OGIO has made an impact on those specific niche markets so stores that appeal to those customers may also sell golf bags.
However, the most successful tool used for buying a OGIO Golf Bag is the internet. Featuring all of its products and providing free shipping on all golf bag orders, the OGIO website is the best way to research and purchase a bag.
OGIO produces 17 lines of bags that are available in countless color schemes and with countless combinations of accessories and amenities that make each line unique and highly desired in the amateur market. Not the best bag perhaps, but certainly not the worst, OGIO Golf Bags are perfect for the casual or young golfer: offering lightweight models that can endure a significant amount of wear and tear or time sitting in the garage waiting for action on the course.
Retailing for $100 USD or so, OGIO stand bags like the Wire, Featherlite or Ozone lines are on the lower-end of cost, but provide features that have become standard in the industry. The Wire line, for example, accommodates the young golfer or frequent walker with many comfortable amenities: a hip pad, ergonomic plastic grips, plenty of storage pouches, and a water bottle net for easier access. Lines like the Grom, Edge, and Diva are upscale stand bags that incorporate the luxuries of a visible ball pocket, handy towel ring, a golf glove attachment, and tee slots in addition to the aforementioned amenities for the smaller models.
For about $200 USD, OGIO cart bags such as the Kingpin, Assassin, or Sultan lines are geared toward the frequent player or the few tour players that carry a OGIO Golf Bag. Features in some of the more luxury OGIO cart bags include more pockets, more club divisions, more spaces for tees, balls, and apparel as well as a stable and sturdy base for an easy fit into any golf cart.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a golf bag so be sure to do some research before committing to any bag: OGIO included. As the perfect beginner or light-use bag, OGIO provides the most for the money and can be one of the up and coming brands as the game of golf rises in popularity amongst youth all over the world.
