A couple months ago I stumbled upon a concept called #TourSauce. Invented by the guys at NoLayingUp, TourSauce is simply all the things professional golfers do that make them, well, professional. Examples would include the club twirl, the wayward drive indication, or casual putter toss to a caddy. Besides making for great twitter fodder, TourSauce can also be fun for us amateurs. Sure we don’t have crowds of people watching us stroll up the 18th fairway but that does not mean we cannot do a little tip of the hat to imaginary fans, or point right when we put a nasty slice on our drive. So while we may never have a PGA caliber swing, we can have PGA caliber TourSauce.

Now some flavors of TourSauce do not require any props but other more subtle varieties do. Ideally, we could rent a caddie to toss our ball to or steal a Marshall to announce our name on the first tee but alas that could get expensive (and maybe illegal). Ah, but what about the yardage book green inspection? Sure, a few of us have a yardage book, but clearly whipping out a snappy leather bound book of notes has a double helping of TourSauce. Look, when a guy stands in the middle of the fairway, studies the blowing tree tops and promptly pulls out a leather bound yardage book from his back pocket it has “yup, I play golf for a living” written all over it. The problem is, I doubt I will ever own a yardage book. Fortunately, the guys at CarveOn have a solution: the scorecard holder.

As a walker, I carry my scorecard in my back pocket and obviously take it out at the completion of each hole. That gives me eighteen, count them, eighteen TourSauce opportunities. So instead of pulling out a boring scorecard from my back pocket and a pencil from my front pocket, I can whip out my leather bound, stitched and engraved scorecard holder (and write down a 6). TourSauce aside, the CarveOn scorecard holder is absolutely brilliant. How brilliant . . . well Rory McIlRoy’s red yardage book with a Nike swoosh is in fact a custom CarveOn yardage book. Kinda cool that the Irish kid shows some support for a fellow countryman. Oh, I guess I have yet to mention that CarveOn is located in Kildare Ireland. Well, now I did and we can move on.

The scorecard holder I received is made from vegetable tanned Tuscan leather that is stitched around the edges. On the front it also has my name written which is a very nice touch and an option for all CarveOn products. While not as large a full yardage book, the scorecard holder fits very nicely into any back pocket with just enough leather sticking out to let everyone know you have TourSauce.

Additionally, it solves one real world problem, the sweaty scorecard. Anyone who plays in the humidity knows that on hot days a scorecard can literally fall apart by the 8th hole. Placing it into a leather holder keeps all your ticks and tacks legible and can easily be put back in your bag to be ready for the next round. Inside the CarveOn scorecard holder you will find corners that will hold nearly any golf scorecard.

What I did not realize was that for the first time I was able to see the entire scorecard at one glance rather than having to flip it over for the back nine. Not that it really matters, but it is nice to not have to rewrite initials at the turn. Additionally, the CarveOn scorecard holder has a pencil that fits neatly on the side, keeping everything in one place. In my case, the pencil even had a logo…nice touch!

The Perfect Golf Gift

Speaking of nice touches, I was super impressed with the packaging. Each scorecard holder comes in an engraved wooden box making it an ideal gift for a golfer. Moreover, when something arrives in a wood box, you just know it is meant to last. That is the great thing about leather, it lasts forever, but continues to change as it ages making it truly one of a kind.

CarveOn is a relatively new company, only formed in 2011, but it feels like they could have been making leather goods for 80 years. Using a combination of new technology and old world craftsmanship, CarveOn offers a wide selection of leather goods including bill folds, notebooks, bags and iPhone sleeves. Basically, all the boutique items that no one needs but loves to get. In other words, an absolute no-brainer gift for the hubby or boyfriend who has a golfing jones.

As I have written before, there is just something about leather. It is one of the oldest materials and yet it maintains an unrivaled level of sophistication. Nothing says class like a finely crafted leather accessory. Whether it is James Dean in a leather jacket, James Bond with a leather strapped watch, or Jim Morrison in leather pants, the dudes are legendarily cool. Who woulda thought the Barney Rubble daily pelt would stand up thousands of years later.

Of course a scorecard holder is not for everyone. 95% of golfers just want to throw on a pair of cargo shorts and a collared shirt and save their money for the greens fees or a fancy new driver. But a little secret, this little taste of TourSauce will only set you back about $80 and will make you 100% more badass, which is worth at least two strokes a round.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a CarveOn scorecard holder or yardage book and let the TourSauce mayhem begin!

Remember Hello Kitty, the unstoppable feline that took over the world a few years ago? Well, there is a new cat on the block and its name is Loudmouth Golf. See, I write about a ton of apparel companies but by far the most unique is Loudmouth Golf – not only because their clothes are made from eye-popping patterns but also because they have set their sights far beyond the golf course.

A little history here. Loudmouth Golf was the third company to send us gear to review and probably the single biggest reason why we decided this whole blog thing might be a good idea. So not only am I indebted to Loudmouth for their unreasonable “leap of faith”, but I have also gotten to know a number of folks on staff. Basically, I am a card-carrying member of the Loudmouth Nation (jeez it pains me to write “nation”). Anyhow, you get my point – I dig the company, regularly wear their gear and am convinced they are absolutely crushing it.

My epiphany came when I realized that the Loudmouth Golf is not just about pants, short, hats or umbrellas. Loudmouth is literally about any item you might buy… just like Hello Kitty. Yea, that Hello Kitty, the one that took over households that had 4-11 year old girls. Blankets, t-shirts, mouse pads, pillows, shoes, bikes… you name it, Hello Kitty made it.

Well, Loudmouth is clearly taking a page from the Kitty book and the product line extension into sunglasses is just one more piece of evidence. While they currently only offer three models (in two colors), Fairway to Heaven Shagadelic, Stroke of Luck and Swingblade, the line is sure to grow.

I am gonna tell you right now that I am a sunglass snob. Long ago, I decided that there were two things I was willing to spend a lot of money on… shoes and sunglasses. The way I see it, if your feet and eyes are happy, the rest of your body can manage. Hence, most of the sunglasses I buy are over $240. Part of my rationale is that I figure if I buy expensive sunglasses I will be less likely to lose them. The opposite philosophy is “I lose my sunglasses all of the time so I get cheapo ones”.

So, I guess you could say Loudmouth sunglasses split the difference. Clocking in at a cool $99, they won’t break the bank but they also are not quite up to the level of your high end Costa Del Mar or Maui Jim.

When I first heard that I was being sent a pair of the new Loudmouth sunglasses, I was obviously prepared for the most gaudy and flashy eye-wear imaginable. Remember, this is not my first Loudmouth rodeo. I own about 7 pairs of Loudmouth shorts and pants and none are ever confused for any other brand.

Much to my surprise then was the subtle use of the trademarked Loudmouth pattern. Only on the lower sides and inner arms is there any hint that these are anything but your regular brown sunglasses. Well, the lens is a bit brighter than most (a reflective red), but all things considered, pretty tame stuff.

Alright, you are a Loudmouth fan and you want to wave your Loudmouth flag, do these cut muster? I think they mostly do. Really, not many people want to wear crazy sunglasses but a hint of flare… that’s ok. Just enough Shagadelic to let everyone know whose team you play for without going all clownglasses on us.

Per my earlier admission to being a sunglasses snob, the Loudmouth glasses are definitely not as good as my $240 Costa Del Mar which I wear all of the time (and have had for over 3 years). For example, the plastic arms feel a bit “plasticky” when you fold them in and out, but then again they are made from plastic.

On the other hand, they are darn comfortable. I have worn them for full rounds of golf and did not have any issues with them digging into my head or nose. They are also quite sturdy and can be tossed around without too much concern. As an example, I pretty much have neglected putting them in any kind of case for the past month or so and have had zero issues.

In the end, however, what you pay for in sunglasses is the lens. Without any training, nearly anyone can tell the difference between a $20 pair of sunglasses and a $200 pair simply by walking outside into the sunlight. With a quality lens, colors are sharp and everything looks crystal clear. Cheap lenses just make stuff look darker. The lenses used in the Loudmouth glasses are “pretty good”. Not fantastic, but definitely on par with glasses in the $100 range.

Personally, I have worn these on the course, driving, and at the beach and the lenses are good enough that I have not immediately ditched them for my regular pair. The rose color gives enough shade to cut the bright light but also adds enough contrast so you don’t feel like you are just in a dark room. Additionally, the lenses are made from a polycarbonate so they resists scratches. In my case, no scratches so far (and I have yet to put them in a case).

So maybe I am not the target audience but I know at least one person who is… my 14 year old son who thinks they are all that. The kid never wears sunglasses but he picks them up all of the time. Heck he played golf in them last weekend and it was overcast the entire time.

What can I say, the boy knows what he likes and Loudmouth Golf is always his go-to golf shorts. Hello Loudmouth.

You can see all of the sunglasses on the Loudmouth Golf Website.

You remember those old Reese’s commercials when some dude with chocolate slams his chuckwagon into someone with peanut butter and the world rejoices? I think I just stumbled onto civilization’s next ‘duh’ moment with the Hydro Flask, a reusable water bottle that actually keeps things cold, hot, or whatever temperature you started with.

Yes, the thermos was invented 1,200 years ago and the water bottle was invented back when feudalism reigned, but for some reason it took until 2008 for someone to consider merging the two. The result is a water bottle that incorporates double-wall vacuum insulation, BPA-free materials, and food grade stainless steel . . . all in the name of keeping your water cool or your coffee hot.

This is a fairly simple concept and product, so I will spare you my usual 2,000 word diatribe. My wife and I ordered the 18 oz. bottle and the 21 oz. bottle, in orange and pink respectively, and put the Hydro Flask into play. Here are some examples of what happened:

1. Cold Stays Cold: Over the past 10 years my wife has converted me into a water addict. Don’t worry, I am not one of those all-American healthy guys that does everything the doctor tells him – I am also addicted to ice cream, beers on courses, and honking 4 foot putts. But anyway, I now drive to work with a reusable water bottle and leave it in my car for the ride home. For the past few years, this meant enjoying a nice gulp of boiling hot water during the months of July and August. But now with the Hydro Flask in action, I simply drop a few ice cubes into the bottle in the morning and when I get back in the whip at the end of the day I have cold water waiting for me.
2. Hot Stays Hot: My wife is a coffee drinker. Of course she’s always used the same coffee travel mug things that everyone uses. Apparently these things do a good job of mitigating spills, but nobody ever thought to make one that actually keeps the stuff hot. Even the stainless steel looking ones are just show ponies. So now my wife gets in the car and has hot coffee waiting for her for up to 12 hours if she so desires. I’m hoping that doesn’t rank as one of her desires, purely for breath purposes, but there’s some benefit to having the option.
3. Perfect for Golf: When you walk 18, you know that after the first 3 holes you will be drinking lukewarm water for the rest of the way, unless you are lucky enough to stumble upon some cold pondwater in one of the course’s coolers. With the Hydro Flask, you are pulling cold water for the entire round. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but on the hot summer days, it is. In fact, anything that can enhance your ability to venture out when everyone else thinks it’s too hot is a win. Course is empty and you can have a glorious experience.

I also ordered the Hydro Flask Growler, a 64 oz. canteen that is shaped like a, well, growler. Hydro Flask is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, land of intense craft-brewing, so I’m thinking this is a nod to the craft beer world. Anyway, Adam and I have spent a round or two of golf trying to determine when exactly a growler would come into play. Maybe on a course that actually does a TSA check of your cart to make sure there is no cooler . . . just empty 5 cans of cold beer into the growler and tell those clowns you have doctor’s orders to stay hydrated on the course? Or perhaps when you hit one of those newfangled outdoor concerts when everybody is expected to buy beers for $7 a pop instead of bringing their own? In either of those scenarios, we concluded that bringing contraband in its natural form was always still too feasible to bail out for the growler option. If you can’t figure a way to hide 12 cans of Coors Light from a course ranger then you and I cannot be friends, and the last time I worried about violating an outdoor family-friendly concert rule was never. Okay, so what the heck is this growler good for?

1. Sports: If you’re headed out to exercise in hot weather, you gotta have cold water or Gatorade on hand. If you don’t want to be Tim Allen and roll up with a big-ass cooler for a pickup game of basketball, the growler is a perfect solution. Ice cold water, 64 ounces of it, at your disposal. And if I haven’t made this clear yet, ice cold water. Stays ice cold for a very long time. The website says up to 12 hours – I haven’t counted, but it’s a long time.
2. Boozin’: Last weekend I decided that beer was making me a doughboy, time to take a breather. But, another free concert was on, and like any good parents, my wife and I felt compelled to corral the kiddos and hit the lawn. Now we all know there ain’t no concertin’ without some boozin’, and that’s when the true genius of the growler hit me. Instead of using the ice in the cooler for my Moscow Mules, which gets manhandled by all the grubby mitts and is already tainted by dirty beer cans and what have you, I realized that I could throw some ice into the growler and keep it separate from the riff-raff. Eureka! The ice stayed ice, and I’m talking zero meltage, for about 6 hours. If I tipped the growler over, no water would come out. Even better, my drinks were made with clean ice, not the stuff with pieces of my kids’ cheez puffs floating around in it (organic cheez puffs, of course). My apologies to those of you brilliant enough to follow me on Twitter, I realize this last point is a repeat. Oh, and I’m sorry for sucking at Twitter.

WARNING! Different bottle sizes have different mouth sizes. Please heed this information when you choose your Hydro Flask, this actually screwed us up a bit and we all have different size holes for no good reason. Gross. This also comes into play with the different accessories, sport lids, etc. Just sayin’.

Check out the Hydro Flask website and see what they have that might work for you. Different shapes, colors, lids . . . somewhere in there is your winner. Products range from about $24 to $50 – not as cheap as the ones you pickup at Wal-Mart, but clearly more bang for the buck. The Hydro Flask is about as no-brainer as you can get for a golfer or really anyone who requires liquids to exist.

Confession time..I have stopped using every GPS device I have ever owned or reviewed. Don’t get me wrong, my dismissal of these units was not because they did not work or were not useful, but rather simply because they end up in my bag uncharged. Maybe it is just me, but I pack GPS unit in my bag after my round which means I end up forgetting to take it out and charge it. Flash forward, to the next round and my GPS is safely packed away with 10% battery.. Adding to my reasoning for not using a GPS is because I often play the same course and have unfounded belief that I can accurately judge distances without a measuring device. Superpowers aside, I am actually well aware that I would benefit from a GPS, but until I can find one that meets my basic nature I am going to have to rely on yardage markers and hunches. Good news, I think I have finally found my GPS soulmate. The Bushnell NEO XS GPS is not fancier than the ones I quit using but it does one thing none of the other do . . . it comes back in the house with me. The simple fact that it is a watch style GPS has been a total game changer for me. Starting with some facts (or at least my opinion of facts). The Bushnell NEO XS is pretty darn light and thin. At no point does it bother me and I often forget to take if off after the round, which is fine because it is also a waterproof watch. I found out about the waterproof after I realized it was on my wrist after a shower. Hey oh, good thinking Bushnell! Just as important is the display which is super easy to read with big numbers that contrast in bright sunlight. Plus, there is no issue reading the numbers if you wear polarized sunglasses like I do. That is not the case with some units which require me peeking under my glasses to read. Then there is the little fact that it is on my wrist the whole time, which saves me from having to tote it around or worry about losing the sucker. I mean, I guess some guys like to bring out the arsenal of technology before each shot, but not me – just give me the yardage (heck if I could dial in to 132 yards I would not be a 10 handicap). Function wise, the buttons are all intuitive. To start the game just click “play golf”. The GPS quickly finds course around you so that you can choose the correct one. A few minutes later you are ready to go. On the course, the GPS will move from hole to hole but you can always toggle holes if for some reason it is showing the wrong hole. The other button I like to use is the “Golf” button. After you hit a ball simply click this button and it will start calculating how far you hit the ball. A handy feature if you are trying to dial in you club distances or when you bomb a drive and want some additional satisfaction for exactly how deep you went. Because I play 80% of my golf on the same course, I really only need distances to the front middle and back. Sure hazards are fine but 99% of the time I don’t use them. Fortunately, the Bushnell includes up to 4 hazard distances just in case. The code for the hazards is slightly confusing but typically, I can figure out that “RGB” means “right green bunker”. There is a key to all codes in the manual. Beyond the basic “Front, Center, Back”, the Bushnell NEO has a couple of other bells and whistles that make this a great product. First, the battery life is solid. You can easily get 3 rounds of golf in before charging. In “watch” mode it will last about a year (but I am not sure who would buy this GPS unit and only use it as a watch). The point is that what chows the battery is the GPS and since it is super easy to forget to turn off the GPS, there is a feature that will automatically return the unit to “watch mode” after a set amount of time. For example, I set the Bushnell NEO XS to turn off after 4.5 hours. If I am stuck behind a slow group and end up on the 17th fairway after 4.5 hours, the GPS will ask me if I want to resume playing so that I do not have to restart the round. In other words, you won’t have to fear forgetting to turn it off or having it turn off before your round ends . . . best of both worlds situation. Another feature that is kind of cool (even though I don’t use it) is that the NEO has an odometer, so I can tell my wife that I just walked 5 miles so there is no reason for me to go to the gym. After really digging my newfound love with a GPS device, there was still one looming issue. My home course moved 3 greens last summer and for some unknown reason, the management has never gotten the course remapped. That means everyone’s SkyCaddie is useless for three holes. Not surprisingly the Bushnell NEO had the same issue. However, after a little poking around on the Bushnell website I found a form to submit changes to a course. Bing, bang, boom, two days later my course has been updated! Heck yes, that is what I call customer service! So bottom line: if you want yardages but not the hassle that comes along with a larger device the Bushnell NEO XS is a great option. It only runs about $199, which is roughly half the price of handheld models. Sure, it will not give you yardage to every tree on the course, but it works great for simple access to accurate yardage to the green.

You can learn more on the Bushnell website

The greatest golfers have always been described as artists. While technique is a requirement, it is the vision to see shots most could never imagine that has separated the great from the good. Whether it is Phil’s flop shot or Bubba’s 90 yard hook to secure the Masters, we marvel at the artistry of the game. The same holds true for golf equipment and accessories. Beyond technical excellence, it is the artistic vision that moves a product from good to exceptional

When it comes to headcovers, I am on the record stating that 99.9% of big brand headcovers are awful. Not only do they look horrible, they are not even that functional. On the other hand, for two years, I have admired from afar the Seamus headcovers. But until this winter, I never been fortunate enough to see them in person. In January, I picked out three headcovers from the growing Seamus pattern selection. Over the course of the spring, the headcovers have become a staple in my bag, and frankly, I do not see them ever leaving.

Founded by husband and wife team, Megan and Akbar Chisti, Seamus is truly and family-owned and run business. The unique perspectives both individuals bring to the table have helped to make the company one of the most respected small golf accessory companies around. Proof to this point is the fact that Bandon Dunes, along with a number of other prestigious golf courses, carry Seamus in their Pro Shop.

Over the years of writing for Three Guys Golf, I have found that every company has its own vibe and that beyond the actual products, it is that vibe that plays a huge role in how I end up feeling about the company. Now, with huge multi-million dollar behemoths like TaylorMade, that vibe is created in a marketing department by folks who measure trends and focus groups; with small companies the vibe is genuine and is a direct reflection on the owners of the company.

The Seamus vibe is one of tradition, honesty, and appreciation for beauty. Everything Seamus creates harkens to Megan and Akbar’s artistic values and background. Even their trade show booth, which was handmade using old boards and decorated with vintage clubs, signals the Northwest origins of the brand.

None of this is surprising once you speak with Megan or Akbar who are both soft spoken, kind, and insightful, which is a welcome change to the too often “over the top” personalities of the golf world. To me, it is the rare blend of craft, passion and vision that has been as big a factor in Seamus’s success as the product itself.

So what is it about the Seamus headcovers that has garnered such widespread praise? In my opinion, the beauty of Seamus headcovers is two-fold:

First, the selection of woolen patterns is so rooted in the origins of the game. Tartans and plaids from the old country run throughout the collection, many of which are Clan specific. Being a southerner, I don’t know too much about tweeds and other woolen fabrics, but browsing thought the Seamus site, you will find a mutitude of color selections that range from blues to reds to browns. I think it is the combination of color selection and fabric that is at the heart of their essence. So finding a single headcover you love is easy, but perhaps more difficult is trying to envision how different patterns will look next to each other. Fortunatley, I have found that it is hard to go wrong as the mere fact that the fabric and construction is the same means they all look great together.

In addition to the visional beauty of Seamus, the construction of the headcovers is outstanding. Nearly all of the headcovers are made from wool, which holds up incredibly well and tends to repel dirt. On the inside, you will find soft fleece which protects the clubs as well as makes it super easy to get the clubs in and out. Plus, the contrasting color and texture adds to the beauty.

You will note that the headcovers do not have a sock attached and are actually relatively short. While you might think this would lead to the headcovers falling off, this is not at all the case. Part of the reason why they stay on so well is because (in the case of the driver headcover) there is a hidden elastic band sewn inside near the top. Frankly, it is an ingenious little detail as it goes unseen but not unnoticed. Again, I think it goes back to the attention to detail that flows throughout the company. From a durability standpoint, I have been regularly using the Seamus headcovers for 4 months and they look just as good as the day I got them and I expect to keep them for many years.

Beyond the headcovers, Seamus is now branching out to other products including neckwear, wood iPhone cases, pitch repair tools and ball markers. While I cannot personally speak to all of those items, I can say that the ball marker is one of my favorites. I am a bit of a ball marker snob and only use ones that are hand made or one of a kind. I just feel like it is a great opportunity to show individuality and for the most part they do not cost very much. The Seamus ball marker is hardly flashy, but the hand pounded metal has a great weight and size.

I will end this post much the same way I have ended other headcover reviews. Every few years you go out and buy a new driver or fairway wood and for a brief moment in time they are your best friends. Inevitably, you grow weary and the love fades. Soon enough you are on the free market for the next stick to help your game.

Fortunately, this scenario does not have to hold true for many of the other items in your golf bag. Finding a set of headcovers is such an example. Since quality headcovers like Seamus will last for years and years, the actual investment becomes quite small given the amount of use they will get. If you are like the vast majority of golfers who are still toting around the stock headcovers, it is high time you take the plunge.

Check out all of the Seamus headcovers and accessories on the Seamus website.

Raise your hand if you hate hitting off of range mats. Ok, everyone can put down their hands now. Yep they all suck…even the ones that are basically brand new. Unfortunately, most are way past their expiration date, paper thin, and leave a green film on the bottom of your golf clubs. Worse is the fact that there is often no alternative in sight. Even at nice clubs, the grass range is sometimes closed for weather or just because the greenskeeper is in a bad mood. I am sure he had a better reason, but honestly it’s sometimes a total mystery why they won’t let you hit off of grass.

It was fortuitous when last week I got a call from the inventor of Range To Go. Normally, I shy away from inventors, but his idea was so cool and so immediately useful I had to give it a try. The concept is simple, a tri-fold mat that you can use at home or take with you to the range (via a handy carrying case).

The Range To Go portable driving range consists of three square hitting mats connected together, each one simulating a different part of the course. You have your basic mat (fairway), long grass (rough)  and a thick long turf (suitable for putting a tee into).

Lets start with at home practice. I tend to do a lot of chipping at my house and I have a cheapo mat that I use. To be fair, it works ok but compared to the Range To Go mat, it is a joke. Chipping from the long grass is so realistic I feel like I am at a swanky country club. I can even choose to chip with or against the grain (say what!). And, because the mats are basically indestructible, I can leave it out and not worry about it getting messed up. The mat that I used has literally had thousands of balls hit from it. Remember this is their one and only prototype that has gone through tons of testing.

Ok, so why is it called Range To Go? Well, because it is small enough that you can bring it to the range with you so you are not forced to hit of the garbage mats the courses provide. Simply lay the mat down on the existing surface and whack away. The rubber on the back keeps it from moving around so you will be free to hit off of turf normally reserved for tour players. Not only does the surface look real but it also give you the sensation of taking a divot. BONUS TIME: when you are done you don’t have to scrape the green junk off off of you clubs!

Back to the whole prototype thing. Normally, we only review products that you can actually buy. When we were contacted by Range To Go, they were planning to raise money via Kickstarter. Apparently, I am not the only one who thought Range To Go was a great idea because they are now fully funded and are taking orders. While the product won’t ship until August you can save $20 by ordering now.

Alright, back to the actual product and my three day experience with it. I told you it was a prototype so I had to return it (but that is the kinda guy I am). At $109, this mat kicks ass (but you can get it for $89 if you order early). The section of the mat that is the “rough” is so realistic it makes for a perfect home chipping surface. No more taking chunks out of my lawn and only using my old clubs (because of the damage cheap mats do to my clubs).

Again, this is the Range To Go, so I would absolutely take it to the driving range during the week when the grass is closed. As it stands, I avoid going mid-week for this exact reason. With Range To Go, it is so stupid-simple, I have no excuses not to practice (except for the overpriced range balls).

One final note on usage. You can either lay the mat parallel or perpendicular to your stance. I prefer to not straddle the mat but it was actually designed to give you a semi-optimal stance width. Either way, it never feels awkward.

Bottom line, great idea and I am not at all surprised they went from KickStarter to full production in lightning speed.

Double Bonus: use promo Code back9 to get an additional $9 off (for the first 100 customers) when you order from the Range To Go website.

Each spring we scour the earth to find a handful of unique items that are what we call “golf bag essentials”. While each one may not literally go into a a golf bag, they are all products we think every golfer should check out. We have gadgets, tools and even food – all of which have be personally used by us and get our Three Guys Golf sign of approval. Check it out!

Seamus Divot Repair and Ball Marker

What golf bag essentials post would be complete without a divot repair and ball marker suggestion. Most divot repair tools are either too wimpy or too gimmicky. The Seamus divot repair tool is neither. It is big and honking and hand-freaking-made. Not just handmade but hand forged. Yea, banged out by a big burly guy with a hammer and sweat dripping from his brow…well I made that last part up but I think I have seen a few too many episodes of Game of Thrones recently. You get the point – they are legit and 100% unique.

You can find both of these items on the Seamus website. Oh, and they also sell awesome headcovers!

The Hat Sponge

How many of your favorite hats have you had to throw away due to nasty sweat stains? I know for me, living in the south, hats have a short life span in the dead of summer. Leave it to an Englishman to come up with a clever invention called the Hat Sponge which sits inside the brim of your hat. Not only will it wick away and  absorb most of the sweat but it will also eliminate any scratchy feeling for those of us who are a little thin on our forehead. Plus, it won’t change the shape of your hat at all. No one, even you, will realize you are wearing it (kind of like the man bra). My tip: save your hat, get the Hat Sponge.

The Hat Sponge runs $13.00 which is will pay for itself pretty darn fast. Get them on the Hat Sponge website.

Mettle Golf Gloves

You gotta have a golf glove but that does not mean you have to settle for a boring white one. Mettle Golf is a new company that offers sylish golf gloves. Made for Cabretta leather and a lycra top, the Mettle gloves are definitely not run of the mill. I have been all in with unique golf gloves for a few years now but I have not seen any that have these types of patterns. Because the top is lycra they are able to create intricate designs that are not possible with a full leather glove. NOTE: these gloves are supposed to fit tight but I would recommend ordering a full size up as they also run a bit small.

Don’t settle, get some Mettle. The Mettle Golf gloves are $20 – $24 and can be purchased on the Mettle website.

3 Up Golf Balls

The one thing that is in every golf bag is of course golf balls. 3 Up golf balls are a premium golf ball that perform extremely well. While I will not claim they are the best ball on the planet, they are pretty darn good, especially if you like a lot of feel around the green. Plus 3 Up Golf does something really unique…they give back. Yep, they have actually built the cost of charity into the price of the ball. That way every ball that you purchase will send $3.00 to charity. To date, 3 Up has donated thousands of dollars to groups like “Golfers Against Cancer”. Another cool thing about 3 Up is that when you buy a dozen balls they come in a pouch that includes a few branded goodies like tees and ball markers. Get the point? . . . these guys want to show you the love. Check them out, buy a dozen and if you don’t like them you can rest easy that you still made a charitable donation…but my bet is you will dig the balls too.

You can order sleeves or dozens of the 3 Up Golf Balls on the 3 Up website.

GolferAid

Now normally my ‘golfer aide’ is a few cold beers, but every now and then we all need some real hydration. Where GolferAid is different than most sports drinks is that is is loaded with supplements that are directly related to the game of golf. So not only do you get the electrolytes that help replenish, but you also get supplements that help with everything from vision to mental focus. What it does not have is a ton of sugar, which is basically the primary ingredient in most sports drinks, and it has zero caffeine. Plus they give 5% of the profits to golf-centric charities. In other words, while most energy drinks are casting a big targeting net, Golferaid is made specifically for golfers who have special requirements.

You can find GolferAid in many pro shops or you can order directly from the Golferaid website.

Snap Hookz

Are you one of those guys who likes to carry three towels, a club brush and still have a place for 5 gloves to hang? Problem is, most golf bags only have one hook or loop. Good news, hoarders… Snap Hookz is here to rescue you. Snap Hookz is a super easy and cheap way to add additional loops and connectors to virtually any bag. Just use the snaps from your rain hood to attach Snap Hookz. You can put it on either side or front of your golf bag depending on your preference. You then can hang, clip or loop all the essential gear. Oh Snap(!), this gizmo is pretty darn useful and the guys who I have given the Snap Hookz to absolutely love it.

Snap Hookz run $15.00 and can be purchased on their website.

Swiftwick Socks

Socks? Yeah socks, and they are not all created equal. I am a huge fan of Kentwool socks and they have pretty much been a staple on my foot for the past three years, but since getting Swiftwick I am now a two brand guy. What gives? Well, for starters, Swiftwick offers compression socks which really provide some extra comfort. Additionally, they offer a ton of styles from super thin to a thicker wool so you can have a pair for any occasion. And, for guys like me who have too many pairs of shoes, I sometimes need a thick or thin sock depending on the particular shoe (or even the season as feet swell in the heat). As for durability, I have been wearing the Swiftwick regularly for the past 3 months and they show no signs of breaking down.

They are your feet dammit! Get some decent socks. Check out the Swiftwick website.

Kingmade  Jerky

No golf bag is complete unless it stocked full of tasty jerky. Being a bit of a jerky snob, I can tell you this stuff is legit. Plus, it was created by Tour Caddie, Jeff King. After years of tinkering in his kitchen, Jeff grew weary of having to fix up batches for guys on the PGA so he has graciously made it available for everyone (even non-golfers). Kingmade Jerky comes in three flavors, Buffalo, Sweet Chili and Classic (which I am eating as I type). Seriously, don’t be a dope, get some Jerky!

You can buy these direct from the Kingmade website.

BONUS: Pig Whistle Barbecue Sauce

Ok, you can’t put this in your golf bag but take it from me this is some of the best sauce ever. You know how every time you take a $5.00 shot and try some cool looking new BBQ sauce at the store, only to find out that it tastes exactly like the dumb Kraft sauce that costs $1.00/gallon? This is not that sauce.

Yes, he is a buddy of mine (introduced by fellow blogger Matt). Not only has Wyatt won numerous awards for his barbecue sauce but he cooks one hell of a pig. Seriously, the dude is a bit crazy with how much time he spends preparing the pig. True story: My wife made a chicken dinner that looked kinda lame, but being the good husband I did not say anything. I was stunned when in fact the boring chix tasted amazing! When I asked her what was on the chicken she said “I just put some of Wyatt’s sauce on it”. Damn, and that was chicken.

Do yourself a favor and check out the Pig Whistle website.

That’s it for this year, but you can also check out our 2013 Golf Bag Essentials post as well.

My father was many things, but a car lover was not one of them. Hence I grew up believing the Nash Rambler was a fine automobile and was quite pleased with my first car purchase, a 1975 Toyota Corolla that cost $500. That car was followed by a Datsun B210, Ponitac Catalina and Subura DL . When I finally got a job that paid reasonably well I decided it was time to step up my game. Despite knowing it was a poor investment I happily slapped down cash for a 6 year old BMW 535i. Black exterior with black leather, yup, it was beautiful. I loved that car, but fidgety German engineering made it the “ultimate maintenance machine”, so after 4 years I gave up and sold my dream car. Since that time, I have forgone leather seats and while I tell myself I don’t really care about leather, the fact that is that is a lie.

From the dawn of man (well somewhere in early man time), leather has been a premium substance. Leather coats, leather shoes, leather gloves and of course leather seats all represent the finest of quality. Beyond the finer things, if you look at sports equipment in general, what do you find? Leather. Leather footballs, leather soccer balls, leather baseballs, basically any ball that you need “feel” is made from leather. Why then do we put rubber grips on our golf clubs? Sure, rubber is cheap, sticky, and holds up well, but in the end it is still rubber. Maybe it is time to take some advice from Tom Haverford.

Best Grips was founded by a Albert Sewell, who at the tender age of 13 realized he preferred leather grips over conventional rubber. Not satisfied with just any leather grip, Albert started to tinker with different textures and treatments (I am presumably skipping ahead a few years as I would hope he had better things to do with his teenage years). In 2008 he founded Best Grips and since that time the company has expanded their product line.

Best Grips currently offers six different grips for irons. What I find interesting is that each one is very unique not just in texture but in concept. Specifically, Best Grips borrows from familiar sporting goods to create such grips as the Grid Iron and Hard Court grip which share the characteristics of a football and basketball respectively. To me this makes perfect sense; both of those balls provide excellent feel.

In addition to the unique textures offered by Best Grips, they also treat many of them with ProTac which makes them tacky when they get wet. Actually, I have found the grips to be fairly tacky regardless of moisture but they do recommend wiping the grips with a wet towel every few weeks. With that said, I have been using the Best Grips for nearly 3 months and I can tell you with certainty that the grips have retained nearly all of the original tackiness despite my less than perfect maintenance record. To be honest, I have cleaned them only twice so I don’t think you have to worry about being a super clean freak.

The grips I installed are MicoPerf but are part of a special collection called Augusta Club Grip that will be available April 1st 2014. While these are special edition, nearly all of the Best Grips, come in a number of colors and can be customized with contrasting stitching. It just so happens that mine are Masters Green and kinda money!

From a feel standpoint, I noticed the difference right away when compared to rubber grips. For one thing, the lacing on the underside of the grip fits perfectly in your fingers to give you a sense of connection to the club. The other difference between the Best Grips and most other leather grips is the fact that they are not wound around the club which can lead to separation between the seams.  Rather, the Best Grips are a single piece of leather that stitched together down the length of the grip which helps with durability.

Beyond the leather, this was the first time I ever played with grips that had stitching. For me, I instantly loved the look and the feel. Specifically, I found that when I set up for a shot, especially a tricky one, it helped me to get a feel for the club. Sensing the stitches in my grip brought consciousness to my hands and allowed me to feel “locked in” to the impending shot. Yea, it sounds hokey but I have never really thought much about the grip at address until recently.

Price and installation are not much different than standard grips. The cost is maybe $4 or $5 more per grip, but I never understood the concept of cheaping out on anything involved with irons or putters. Face it, they are your babies, they are what you keep for years . . . why not get exactly what you want even if it costs a little more?

Grip installation is done with an air gun and it is not particularly difficult. I did mine in about 30 minutes with the help of a friend. NOTE: you will need to use double sided tape and solvent. The only cautionary tale is to be a little gentle but honestly we did not have any issues. If you prefer to have your grips installed professionally, just make sure the shop has experience with leather grips and uses an air gun.

In addition to leather grips, Best Grips has recently branched out to putter shoes and headcovers. I assume it seemed like a fairly obvious way to expand since they owned much or the required skill and machinery. Because Best Grips is expanding their capabilities at a very rapid rate, it is hard to give you an exhaustive list of what they can do. To date, I have seen a few different headcover designs and models. Each one is made from genuine leather which can be embroidered, over-stiched or even laser engraved.

While the embroidery was cool, it was something I have seen before. However, the laser engraving was a process I have yet to see in person. As an example, Best Grips sent us a Three Guys Golf logo driver cover that included my signature. Holy cow, I would have never thought this to be possible but all I had to do was to scan a piece of paper that included my John Handcock (no I did not practice 20 times…only 12). The results are pretty cool even if my chicken stratch signature leaves much to be desired.

Bottom line is that the guys at Best Grips can pretty much create anything you can dream up. Being a small shop they are willing to work with you to find your ideal grips and headcovers. These guys, specifically Albert, are incredibly passionate about their product. Whether you want exotic skin grips, pink stitching, or a picture of your cat engraved on your headcover, Albert will make it happen.

You can check out all their products on the Best Grip website but I would also encourage you to reach out via email or twitter with any questions – they are super responsive.

Remember back in 2005 when everyone’s go-to jacket was made from rich black leather? Don’t lie, I know you still keep it in the closet hoping for the inevitable comeback. Damn, I miss wearing it! Super warm, indestructible, and agelessly cool.

While I may not be able to pull off my motorcycle jacket in 2014, I get a little solace now thanks to Rose & Fire. Mike Buchfuhrer, the man behind the brand, has been creating unique headcovers for about a year now. Using materials like denim and ballistic nylon, Rose & Fire has a look that quite frankly I have never seen before.

I had the opportunity to meet with Mike at the 2014 PGA show and get a first-hand look at the entire line. One feature that is common across most all of the designs is a large solid zipper and small pocket. Despite having limited use (insert SNL joke), it definitey adds to the overall vibe.

The other common feature is the brass ring on the end of each headcover, which can be used to remove them from your club, but mostly it just looks cool.

Perhaps because I am not military, the ballistic nylon did not speak to me and the denim was just not my thing but the leather . . . oh yeah, 100% money. I think what got me was that this is not your basic leather headcover. It is almost as if Mike reused all of the discarded 2005 motorcycle/pilot jackets to create these gems. You may note that many of these pictures are taken with my leather jacket as a backdrop and it is virtually impossible to differntiate the headcovers from my sweet Wilson jacket (ahh, no it is not a Wilson jacket).

To set the record straight, I have owned numerous leather headcovers but I have never seen one that is this rich. Most leather headcovers are made from some type of cowhide and are typically fairly thin. In the case of Rose & Fire I am convinced if you sewed enough of them together you would have a legitimate coat worthy of a New Jersey winter.

From a functionality standpoint, this may be the best headcover I have ever owned (and I have a bunch). Easy to put on, never slips off, rugged as road, they are just a beast which is exactly the vibe I want for my big stick. This goes for the putter cover as well. The thing is big, well padded, easy to slip on and off but securely fastened with velcro.

As regular readers know, I have a soft spot for small companies in part because I know how hard it is to build a business. Moreover, I inherently trust the quality that comes from folks who are passionate about creating a brand. I know how important every detail becomes and how hard they work towards perfection. Spending an hour with Mike as he explained each and every detail, it became clear to me that he is absolutely focused creating his perfect headcover. In part this means local manufacturing in California and using only the best hand-picked materials. This is the type of product I want in my bag.

So will they go in my bag? Will they replace one or more of the other headcovers I have and genuinely love? The answer is yes, I am absolutely putting the driver headcover in my bag. Fortunately, I was only sent the driver and putter cover so I don’t have to kick out any other woods. Even still, I think I prefer having a single leather headcover because it stands in such stark contrast from my other softer headcovers.

As for the putter cover, alas, I have a rule that if I am using a boutique putter that was hand crafted I will always use that company’s cover. I guess it is my way of acknowledging the work they put into creating the flatstick. However, big brand putters . . . see ya. The Rose & Fire definitely wins that match.

Rose & Fire headcovers run about $40-$60, with the leather version on the high end. You can see more of the Rose & Fire collection and purchase them on their website.

As anyone who has gone glove shopping knows, there are a bazzillion types of golf gloves so finding a niche can be quite the marketing dilemma. While some companies accentuate style, Bionic Gloves have made fitting and design their primary focus.

Bionic gloves were actually designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon. The design is based on the anatomy of your hand. We all have peaks and valleys on our hands and these peaks and valleys are the reasons we develop calluses and blisters when we use instruments like golf clubs and tennis rackets. The higher points on your hands rub against the equipment causing those calluses and blisters. Bionic gloves eliminate the peaks and valleys on the surface of your hands by creating a smooth surface with padding. This helps improve your grip strength while eliminating the friction that causes your discomfort.

Next, the design of the Bionic glove rotates your forefinger and pinky inward towards your hand’s center. Why? Because this is how your fingers fall naturally on your hand. Other gloves are straight cut, not allowing for the natural rotation of your fingers. This allows your gloved hand to be more comfortable and feel more natural than other golf gloves.

The Bionic glove also provides you with fantastic flexibility. Bionic gloves are made from Lycra material to help keep your hand dry and cool. There are added “motion zones” over the knuckles and in between the fingers to provide the maximum flexibility and range of motion.

I’ve been wearing my Bionic glove for quite a while now and I can honestly say that I highly recommend it. I wear the Performance Grip and Sue wears the Stable Grip. Bionic gloves can be purchased at just about any major sporting or golf store starting at around $15. And by the way, I shot one of my best rounds wearing it so it is here to stay for a while.

You can learn more about Bionic Gloves on their website.

If you are a golf purist and think there is no place for a phone while on the links, then go ahead and stop reading. However, if you play golf on the weekday you are either: 1) independently wealthy, 2) retired, 3) out of work, or 4) in a sales/other flex job. Not to mention, some of us are just phone junkies. The fact is, phones on the golf course are here to stay and for some people a necessary evil that goes along with playing golf on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, a 5 hour round when you are “roaming” can kill your battery and leave you in a bad way when you have to pretend to be on a conference call.

Hold on one second I need to close my office door.

In the never-ending pursuit to find the ultimate gadget for your golf outing, we came across what I believe is an outstanding product you’re going to want to have in your bag. The folks at Gimme Charge have found a remedy for our dilemma and have solved the problem in such a way you’ll beat yourself up for not thinking of it. The Golf Cart Charger is easily one of the neatest gadgets I’ve reviewed, and the few times I’ve taken it out in the course with me I’ve been greeted with reactions like; “I’ll buy it off you right now” and “that’s the coolest thing ever!”

It’s really a no brainer. The Golf Cart Charger uses the battery power from the golf cart, utilizing a handy adapter that plugs right into the charging port of the cart, to send you a limitless supply of “juice” to keep your phone charged while you drive around the course.

The Golf Cart Charger comes with three different adapters that are a perfect fit for the three major brands of golf carts (Club Car, EZ Go and Yamaha). The three adapters and the main power converter that attaches to each adapter all fit nicely in the pull string bag that Gimme Charge supplies with each unit. It was an easy addition to my bag and now wherever I go, be it the local Muni course or the remote locations like Death Valley, I have an endless supply of power.

A few notes about the The Golf Cart Charger. The EZ Go version plugs in directly below the driver’s seat and when the charging cord is attached it can be a little bit of a nuisance. Nothing compared to a dead battery and not being able to use your phone, but nevertheless it’s a minor inconvenience. The only other issue I came across was the cord that was supplied with the The Golf Cart Charger was not a certified Apple product so I got an error message when my phone (iPhone 5) was plugged in and most of the phones features were not accessible. This was easily remedy by using my own cord, which I honestly have too many of, so yes it was a small problem but it was easily fixed.

UPDATE: The error message I received when using the supplied cable was due to the latest iOS7 update for the iPhone and had nothing to do with the The Cart Charger. As always Apple prefers its customers to use an Apple Certified Cable when charging and connecting to a computer so if you’re running iOS7 on either and iPhone4 or iPhone5 make sure you’re using a cable from Apple.

That being said I think Gimme Charge has on their hands an amazing little gadget that is going to bring a lot of joy to the tech-craving golfers out there, and furthermore annoy the pants off of those of you who hate the fact that a cell phone is a fixture in the modern game of golf.

The Gimme Charge Golf Cart Charger is offered in several versions. The first is $79.90 and will include a USB cable to plug in your device. Types to choose from include Android, SkyCaddie, Blackberry, iPhone4 & iPhone 5 and Windows based phone. Another version sells for $69.95 and does not include the cable, so if you’re like me with a countless supply of USB cords then this would be the wiser choice. Lastly, if you happen to own your own cart or play at one particular course, you can buy the adapter of your choice for $39.95 and not be cluttered with the other adapters you’ll never need. All the options can be purchased directly from their site.

Club Crown Review: One of the great things about golf is that no two swings are the same, and each player, no matter their skill level, has the opportunity to showcase their unique style. Think back to all of the greats. Whether it was Greg Norman’s hat or Payne Stewart’s knickers, these men were not afraid to show their individuality and neither should you.

Today, golfers have lots of options to stand out from the crowd. Some go big with the likes of Loudmouth Golf, others prefer the gentlemanly look of Vesti Ascendi Golf, but what about the idea of dressing up your driver? Well that is exactly the idea behind Club Crown who gives golfers the chance to customize drivers and fairway woods with a huge selection of patterns and colors.

Club Crown simply put is a decal that is installed on the top of any Driver, fairway wood or Hybrid that comes in an amazing variety of options. The process is rather simple; go online to their website and choose the Club Crown you’d like. Order it up and have it installed at one their certified installers across the United States.

The choices, like I said, are rather outstanding. You’re not limited the basic color wheel selection you might be thinking of as you read this. As new licenses are obtained, the ever expanding catalog of designs gets larger and larger.

Animal Prints, Argyles, Camo, Collegiate, Flags, Mossy Oak and Plaids . . . the list goes on and on.

For this review we received three Club Crowns; two that came in the Black Carbon Fiber pattern for a TaylorMade Rocketballz Driver and Rocketballz 3Wood and one in the Black Skull Diamond pattern for a Ping G25 Driver.

As I watched the tech install the Club Crowns it was easy to see that this wasn’t just a peel and stick type of cover. There was a lot that went into getting the Club Crown aligned properly, installed without any bubbles or creases and sealed to prevent any peeling or accidental removal.

Overall the process takes anywhere from 15-20 minutes per club with a little extra time added for the carbon-fiber style. The uniqueness of the carbon-fiber pattern requires a lot more attention to detail while installing, hence the additional install time.

The Black Skull Diamond design came out flawlessly on the Ping G25. Holding the club like you would at address there is now way you can tell there is a Club Crown on the club, the install is that nice. It blends in great with the rest of the club and really adds a custom look. Depending on the aesthetics of your club (the G25 we used wasn’t exactly brand new off the shelf), dents, cuts, scratches or missing paint chips will show through. The Club Crown is applied very tight to the head of the driver so do not be surprised if the chips you’re trying to cover up still have a bit of a presence.

The Black Carbon Fibers patterns are flat out sick, although I’m kicking myself for not choosing the white ones. I made a big error and mistook the white Club Crown on the site for silver. Had I paid a little bit more attention and chose the White Carbon Fiber Design, it would have been an amazing look! Even with my error the black Club Crowns on the white heads of the TaylorMade clubs still came out looking fantastic, which says a lot about the product.

Because Club Crown needs to be installed by a certified installer, a process I highly recommend, you can choose one based on your location and Club Crown will ship it directly to them. Once your order arrives they will contact you and let you know it’s ok to come in and get it installed. There is no charge for this service which is another reason I recommend it.

With Club Crown you can add a little bit of flare to your game without breaking the bank on a complete wardrobe makeover.

Club Crowns sell for $39.99 plus shipping and are available for right or left handed clubs. You can see all the options here on their site.

Last spring I reviewed the Asher Gloves which included their One Glove and Deathgrip. Both of these models are incredibly unique in that they are anything but a plain white glove. While I personally dig someof the bold styling of the original Asher Gloves, they clearly are not for everyone. However, with the release of the Premium Collection, Asher now offers a superior glove that, while still very unique, is more traditional in looks.

For this review, I actually held off testing until June because I wanted to see how it performed in the heat and humidly (our last review was during colder months). The Premium Collection gloves are made from precision cut AA Premium Cabretta-Leather, which basically means it is super soft. For me, the Asher Gloves fit perfectly and never seem to show signs of wear even after heavy use.

I literally wore this glove all of June and July (probably 30 rounds). Additionally, most of these rounds were during extreme heat and humidity. While other guys were rotating through muliple gloves, the Asher glove never gave me any problems with grip. Sure, it had some discoloration near the end of July, but frankly, I could still be wearing this glove as it still has not worn through and has remained soft (hint, keep your glove in the packaging during off-days to extend the life).

The Asher Premium Collection currently includes four models: The American, Grayscale, One, and Sandstone. With the exception of the One glove, all of these models are reasonably tame in styling so you won’t feel like you are making a crazy fashion statement. With that said, the Asher Glove is way cooler than 99% of other gloves on the market.

Asher Premium Collection runs $20 which is slightly higher than your basic glove but less than super premium gloves. In my opinion, a real sweet spot for pricing. Not too much that you feel like it is an extravagant purchase but so much better than the junk you find in most golf stores that it is worth the few extra dollars.

So if you have held off on the Asher because you could not see yourself wearing the more outrageous pattern, now is the time to check out the Premium Collection. Crazy soft, super durable and just enough style to let everyone know that “you’ve got game”.

You can see the whole line of Asher Gloves on their website.

Earlier this year we reviewed the MacWet rain gloves and realized our only question was: “why does anyone NOT have a pair”. However, our testing was limited to rain and cold so now that we are in the middle of a humid summer we wanted to see how they did in terms of dealing with slippery sweaty hands.

We actually never planned on this review but one day when I was in the middle of a round in which the humidity was crazy high, I decided to break out the MacWet gloves to see if they would help with my grip. As you know, leather golf gloves can become very slick after just a few holes if you tend to sweat a lot.

Now, I am here to tell you– as much as I liked these gloves in the winter/early spring, I am stunned with how much I like MacWet for summer golf. First off, the more I sweat, the better they performed – the grip just get better with more sweat. Not only was the grip rock solid, but they were actually bone dry after 18 holes.

Here’s the kicker– they are machine washable, so I can either rinse them out in the sink, or toss them in the washer at the end of the round so they look brand new and ready to go. Both of the pictures are of my gloves that I have worn for about 20 rounds.

The bonus, of course, is that if it actually does rain you will not think twice about grabbing any club in your bag and giving it a full rip. NOTE: although they come in pairs I typically just wear one in the summer but two when it is raining. They also come in a couple of different variations so you can get a pair that has a mesh back which breaths well.

As for durability, I find that I am gripping the club the lightest I have ever gripped it during summer weather which means that my MacWet gloves are lasting longer than any other gloves I’ve used, period.  So, if you’re willing to take a look on Amazon, or Amazon UK, and get a product that the Scots (true masters of foul weather golf) are already all over, you will not be sorry!

More information about MacWet can be found on their website.

NOTICE: If you use a ball marker that snaps onto your glove or a plastic divot repair tool that says “Joe’s Body Shop”, it is time to upgrade your golf accessories. Not to fear, Three Guys Golf has scoured the Internet and found five unique divot repair tools and two hand made ball markers that are guaranteed to shave 5 strokes off of your game, stop that receding hair line and make you the envy of your foursome. Well, maybe just the last part, but you get the idea.

THE GENTLEMAN’S VICE MULIT-TOOL

If you’re looking to WOW someone with a divot tool that will not only take care of those divots but also has the cigar aficionado at heart, you’re going to love the Gentleman’s Vice. With its retractable divot repairer one thing you’ll never worry about is getting a surprise jab in the leg from this tool. Light weight for its size and very ergonomic, the Gentleman’s Vice takes care of divots with ease. And with the restricted depth the GV provides, you won’t be “that guy” that does more harm than good to the greens.

On the pocket clip the Gentleman’s Vice has a cleverly placed spot for a personalized ball marker that is magnetic and quickly accessible.

You’ll notice on the top of the Gentleman’s Vice there is a “half-moon” cutout that serves two purposes. The first is a quick and easy club holder when you playing in wet conditions and the other is a holder for your cigar to keep it off the grass as well.

I love a good cigar on the course and I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been handed one and I’m without a cutter. I’m not old school, I prefer my cigars cut. With the Gentleman’s Vice the added feature of a spring loaded guillotine cutter make enjoying a cigar that much easier. The blades are super sharp and lock in nicely when not in use.

The five features; divot tool, cigar cutter, cigar holder, club holder and ball marker make this an great choice for a yourself if you like partaking in the occasional smoke, or even better, a Birthday gift for the special someone that plays and enjoys a good cigar.

Personalized engraving is available. The Gentleman’s Vice come in two different metal variants and a multitude of colors and sell from $19.95 to $29.95

Visit Gentleman’ Service  for more details

LIFE IS ROSEY BALL MARKER

To some a ball marker can be the magical element to a successful round. Don’t think so, I beg to differ. I carried the quarter I used as a ball marker with me for months after I broke 90 for the first time. Others find a stick or a penny or one of those cheap neon see-through plastic things as a suitable marker (don’t be that guy). Look, if you can spend $3.00 on a golf ball, why not give it the respect of marking it with something classy.

Life Is Rosey is the handwork of Sarah Jane Nelson and she has a great little product with her sterling silver ball marker.

All of Sarah’s work is handcrafted using sterling silver, copper, bronze and gold. Sarah custom hand stamps each piece with names, phrases and meaningful words that inspire. Her dedication to her craft shines through in not only the sterling silver ball marker but in the craft and care that goes into each piece from packaging to a hand written personal letter that came included with our marker.

The marker is very lightweight and looks fantastic when it’s sitting on the green awaiting your ball. The custom stamped Three Guys Golf text came out great and looks again like a piece of art more than a ball marker thanks to the hammered effect you can select.

You’ll also receive a polishing cloth along with a leather carrying case for the marker. Those two added touches show just how much care and heart goes into each piece that Sarah makes.

Whether you’re looking to add that perfect piece to make a magical round or you’re looking for the perfect gift, be it for a birthday or a wedding party, the Life Is Rosey ball marker will be an excellent choice.

The Life is Rosey ball makers sell for $48.00 plus S&H. You can view all the different variations and other products that Sarah offers on her site at Life Is Rosey

WOOD U LIKE ENGRAVED BALL MARKER & DIVOT TOOL

Who said a ball marker has to be round? Not Wood U Like that’s for sure. At first glance you would never realize that this is more than just a divot tool. The sharp lines and aggressive look had me excited to put this in my hands for the first time. Yes, I said excited about a divot tool. It wasn’t until I was feeling all those harsh lines that I realized that the plate the logo was engraved on was actually a ball marker too.

This is certainly not your Grandfather’s divot tool; it fits tightly in your hand so well that you might be more inclined to take out your playing partner in an assassin type move than repair a silly divot. OK, I went too far, but if you don’t somehow feel like a Ninja when you hold this bad boy in your hand your inner child has died.

The ball marker is a fantastic feature on this divot tool. It’s available in wood or metal and you can even get your logo or a name, hint hint, of that special someone in your life engraved for no extra charge (up to 7 characters).

With a unique look, feel, and some creative packaging to go with it, the Wood U Like ball marker and divot tool would make a great gift or stylish choice for someone looking to make a statement about their game when it doesn’t involve hitting a golf ball.

The version we received sells for $24.99

You can see this divot tool and many other wonderful items that Tim Earling offers at Wood U Like. 

EXOTIC WOOD DIVOT TOOL

One of the things that makes golf so unique is its relationship with nature. No two courses are the same and are in a constant state of change as they are inherently married to the ground, grass, trees, wind and water. This notion is at the heart of Bob DeFont’s Exotic Wood Divot Tools. Hand made with no two exactly the same, these simple yet stunning repair tools are perfect for not the job at hand with a warm subtlety.

We received a hand crafted divot tool made from Bubinga which is often referred to as “African Rosewood” The wood showcases gorgeous grain patterns and a myriad of reddish brown tones with purple veining.

Lightweight and very sturdy you’ll be making a statement when you pull this divot tool out of your pocket. With laser engraving of a company or club logo and also the choice to add custom engraved initials to the divot tool makes adding a personal touch to the divot tool very simple.

Starting at $24.00 and going up based on customization this divot tool is a wonderful gift idea for the player that likes to show off more than just their golf game.

You can see this along with all the other styles and wood choices at Mr. DeFonts website: Exotic Wood Divot Tools

J LYNN CREATIONS BALL MARKER

Crafted from Sterling Silver, then hammered and given a brushed finish, these ball markers from J Lynn Creations make not only a perfect gift for the golfer in your life but the perfect gift for yourself if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd a make a statement as you mark your ball.

For $24.00 you receive two (one to keep one to share) sterling silver ball markers that will be hand stamped with whatever you choose. You can see from our Three Guys marker the quality of the stamping is top notch and the hammered effect is a classy touch that gives it that rugged manly look.

Visit J Lynncreations to see all the products she offers. This specific item can be purchased here.

METAL PRESSIONS DIVOT TOOL

Despite the standard shape, the Metal Pressions Divot tool is far from standard. As they say, “the secret is in the sauce”. Utilizing various metals, Elisha Argentinis crafts her wares with everything from copper to solid gold.

Ranging from the $3,500 14K solid Golf divot tool to the $99.99 Sterling Silver and the $29.99 Copper version Metal Pressions makes a divot repair tool for every budget.

Fully customizable to fit a large variety of text and in several different fonts these divot tools make not only a statement with the metals they are made of but also the effectiveness of how well they perform at their intended purpose, fixing divots.

You can visit Metal Pressions to see all the personalized jewelry that is offered and more. This item can be purchased here.

SAWDUST MARKET TITANIUM DIVOT TOOL

That’s right, Titanium. At 40% lighter than steel you’ll hardly know that this divot tool is resting in your pocket as you make your way around the course.

What makes this divot tool stand out from other is the unique characteristics it obtains from getting blasted by a welding torch. That process makes each tool so unique in that no two are alike.

The colors are magnificent and it looks more like an art piece than a tool you would use to repair a green. Don’t think that the look hampers its function though, as far as divot tools go this Titanium masterpiece is just as function at repairing divots as the top tools on the market.

At $7.00 plus shipping and handling you can afford to give these to friends and clients and still have enough left over to keep one for yourself.  A personal favorite of mine, I will have this in my bag for many years to come and because it is made of titanium I know it will be just as strong years into the future.

You can see all the products that the Sawdust Market has to offer on their website: Sawdust Market

That’s the list. You now have no excuse to not carry a cool looking, hand crafted divot repair and ball marker!