Around here we are dreaming of warmer clients and swinging our clubs, but even more on our minds is the PGA Show that takes place at the end of January. We are excited to show off what we have been working on for our customers.  If you are planning on attending the show, make sure you stop by and see the super booth we will be a part of with Performance Sports Marketing. We are also looking forward to seeing what everyone else is unveiling in Orlando. It’s an exciting time of year for the golf industry, stay tuned for more info about the show from us!

We also wanted to take a minute to wish you a very happy remainder of the holiday season.  The time between Christmas and New Year’s is special, the world seems to run at a slower pace. Take time to enjoy it.

The Good, the bad, and the ugly are all caught for golf's best of 2012 lists

Back in November on the blog we shared an article about golf’s best moments in 2012 from the PGA Tour website. At this time of year everyone is doing a “best of” something list. As I was reading industry news this week, several articles at the bottom of my screen caught my attention. Golf Channel has looked backed on the year and put together multiple  ”Best of” lists. Some celebrate the good,  ”Best Shots,” “Best Rory Moments,” and “Best Tournaments.”  Others celebrate the not so good, “Worst Shots”  and “Top Meltdowns.”

In a world where we catch everything on camera it seems players bad days will live on just as long as their good days. Maybe longer.  Most players learn from those bad days and go on to play even better than before. It’s tough though when they know long after they have learned from the mistake  the images are out on the internet in perpetuity.

Obviously there were many positive notable moments in 2012.  One best of article that I enjoyed reading was the “Best Shots of 2012,” these were some great moments that will live on in everyone’s mind. Ernie Els making a 15 foot putt at the Open, Tiger Woods chipping in on the 16th hole at the Memorial, and no one will forget Bubba Watson’s hook shot at the Master’s during sudden death.  These were all moments that every golfer understands. They are moments that just happen and change your game. Golf is a sport where a great golfer can still have a bad day and where that same golfer is always just one swing away from what may be the best shot of their career. It is what keeps us playing. 

For all the best of articles on Golf Channel’s website click here.

Bob Renegar Talks Anchored Putters

With all the talk surrounding the upcoming vote on anchored putters by USGA, I wanted to share by thoughts on the matter.  Anchored putters whether LONG putters or BELLY putters (they are a little different) accomplish the same purpose. I have used a belly putter myself for probably more than 8 years – I have considerable experience with this technique and in experimenting with these designs – they do make a difference.

The new rule comes after a long time and significant deliberation by the governing bodies, but it is now being driven by the putters success on the PGA Tour by younger players and its widespread usage.

The first wins I remember, using one of these putters, were by Jim Ferree and Orville Moody in senior golf in the late 80’s. The USGA thought about it then, but they were ultimately handed a political “hot potato”, as the PGA Tour was trying at that same time to popularize senior Tour golf, and the USGA just chose  to not broach the topic. I was leading Palmer R&D at the time and I talked people with the USGA about doing something.

The long putters and belly putters absolutely mitigates the problem of right hand dominance/release through impact that tends to complicate speed/distance control, which is essential on any breaking putt. It also impacts direction control/consistency to a lesser degree.

These putters certainly takes the “yips” away (flipping the club head/releasing through impact with the right hand) which destroys distance control.

Many in the equipment community are clamoring for “statistical evidence” that there is a scoring advantage to anchored putters. It is possible that the increased difficulties associated with “lag” putting might offset the certain advantages of the anti-yip no-release aspect of this design/putting technique, but it is more likely there is a real scoring advantage – particularly inside 10 feet and with straighter putts.

Interestingly, there are many younger/newer players who have never putted any other way which will cause a real adjustment for some of us

Noteworthy also here, is the continued cooperation between the USGA and R&A, which was not always the case – good to see them working together and on the same page.

I just wish they would roll back the “overall distance standard” on golf balls by about 10% – it is very doable. It would restore many great old golf courses to their original glory. Courses have been made obsolete with the distance gains of the last 20 years.  That would make a bigger difference than practically anything else they could do.

Bottom line – protecting the integrity of the game is the charter of the USGA, and they are doing that here in the case of anchored putters.

Gift ideas for golfers on your Christmas list

It is most certainly that time of year. Some ideas come easier than others when you are shopping for those on your Christmas list.  A Groupon that showed up in my inbox today started me thinking about presents for the golfers on my list.  Of course if a golfer  on your list doesn’t have a Renegar Wedge, NOW is the perfect time to get them one!

After you buy them a new wedge, maybe you would want to add a little more to it. What about a gift card to the course they have wanted to play all year? Lessons for someone who has always wanted to play is a great idea. Or if you are also a golfer, plan a golf weekend for both of you? There are great golf accessories on the market too. The Garmin Approach S1 Watch is one of the easiest GPS devices to use on the golf course. And really, who couldn’t use a new bag?

Buying for a golfer is easier than you think. There are many options to choose from and you can’t go wrong!

On Friday check back on the blog to read Bob’s thoughts on the anchoring ban discussions.

The 58 degree wedge from Renegar

Gary from Tulsa, OK wrote us a couple of weeks ago with a review of our wedges. He obviously put a lot of thought into his letter and puts a lot of thought into his game.  We wanted to share it with you.  

I am a 9 handicap and have played golf for over 30 years but didn’t really get serious about my wedge game until about 12 years ago, when I purchased a matched set of Cleveland 588 wedges. After about 7 years, I switched over to a set of Vokey spin milled wedges. Although I felt comfortable with both of these wedge sets, I never felt any special connection with them. They performed well enough and were gapped right to match my irons, so I was happy.

I first learned of your wedges via a commercial on the Golf Channel this past spring, and checked out your website. About the same time, I was transitioning to a new set of irons that would require me to buy a new set of wedges to preserve the loft gapping (since I do use my sand/lob wedges as 12 and 13 irons on full shots). I really appreciated the detail provided by your website regarding the technologies and design incorporated into your wedges, and long story short, I bought 54 and 58 Renegar wedges to match my new irons instead of the new Vokeys I was planning on getting.

I wanted to play with the wedges for awhile in order to fully evaluate them, and so here we are about 5-6 months post purchase, and I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with them. I appreciate everything about them–the unique sole design, the black oxide finish, the graphite shaft, the unique grip—they all work together very well. I think the graphite shaft really helps with the feel of the club and the ball flight is great. They are a pleasure out of the sand and they perform very well on full shots as well. Distance and accuracy are very consistent as well.

I would have to say, if someone took away my Renegar wedges and lined up a new set of Cleveland, Vokey and Renegar (wedges), and then asked me to pick one set—free of charge—I would pick the Renegar wedges all over again. I really think you have a fantastic wedge here, and if someone can look past the marketing hype of the big names and give yours a try, I think they would be pleased as well. Thanks again for a great product—I look forward to using these for quite a while.

Thanks Gary! We certainly feel the same way at Renegar. Keep spreading the word to your friends and let us know how your short game continues to improve!

Happy Thanksgiving from Renegar Golf

Just a quick note this week to wish all our the golfers and their families a Happy Thanksgiving. Most of you will embark on journeys to visit family and friends today that will last through Sunday.You will indulge in all sorts of culinary delights and family activities.

Is there a golf game in your weekend plans? Do you watch football? Are you a brave soul that does all your shopping on Black Friday? If you have a golfer in your family we can save you a trip by just ordering a Renegar Wedge online and having it shipped straight to you.  We know they will love it!

Enjoy your holiday whatever your plans are. Just make sure you take a minute to slow down and be thankful those around you!

What are your best golfing moments in 2012 photo credit © kevron2001 - Fotolia.com

There is a great article on the PGATour website today, about the tours greatest moments for the 2012.  It seems only natural that as the year comes to a close everyone is a bit nostalgic. We all like to look back over various aspects of our life and analyze the events, our golf game is certainly not safe from the scrutiny. Hopefully you can pick out some highlights, some moments that will live on forever in your memory.

Did you play a course you had only dreamed of playing? One such as TPC Sawgrass.

Did you attend the PGA Merchandise Show and get  first hand look at golf’s new products?

What about a hole in one? Was this your year?

Maybe you played in a ProAm and got to rub shoulders with one of your idols.

Did you buy Renegar Wedge and that has made all the difference in our game?

Or maybe it was just that perfect golf game with your normal crowd on Saturday morning at your golf club.

Whatever the moments, they are emblazoned in your memory. They will live on and maybe even become part of a bigger “fish tail”  That’s okay if they do, we all do it from time-to-time.  Do you have one that is coming to mind now? Comment on this post and tell us about it.

Children's Miracle Network Hospital Classic at Walt Disney World

We all love playing golf, watching golf and doing something that makes a difference in the world.  Isn’t it nice when those things collide? The final stop on the PGA Tour each year makes that happen, The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. Not only does it bring things we enjoy doing together, it makes it happen at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”  That’s right, Walt Disney World.

The tournament is hosted by the Magnolia Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, FL. You can enjoy golf, the parks, and donating to a worthy charity all in the same week.

It is also a Pro-Am event and there are many opportunities to rub shoulders with the some golfing’s greats. Currently Charlie Wi is leading with 2 under (leader board). Historically Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III and Luke Donald have all won the event.

If you are in the Orlando area this weekend, tickets are on $20 for the day or $30 for the full weekend. Children under 17 are free. Spend a little bit of time this weekend showing others you can do something you enjoy and make a difference.

Vista Vallarta Golf Course in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico picture from www.vistavallartagolf.com

It’s the time of year where most golfers start dreaming of someplace warmer. Everyone at Renegar Golf certainly is. The Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays are upon us and while for many it is a time to gather with family, for others it is a great time to take a vacation. How many of you pack up and head to a sunny location to eat turkey somewhere where coats are not required?

Thinking about this got me daydreaming about great golf vacation spots for this time of year.  The Caribbean and Mexico never disappoint. The sunshine paired with gorgeous golf courses makes for a great holiday vacation.  Have you been contemplating  a trip? Well think about it no longer, start making plans today and check out Golfweek’s 2013 list of best courses in the Caribbean and Mexico, it will help you choose the perfect place for your escape.  Below are the top five they named in October, but you can get a complete list by jumping over the article on Golfweek’s website.