womens – Golfing Agency

TV documentary shines a light on women’s experience of golf at all levels of the game

detlef32 — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:43:37 +0000

A TV documentary that examines the hidden histories and untold stories of women in golf is currently airing of Sky Golf, with input from some of the sport’s leading players, including Dame Laura Davies and Georgia Hall.

Dame Laura Davies is one the many players interviewed for the documentary

The 52-minute documentary was produced by filmmaker Sandra ML Mesrine and industry expert Nicole Wheatley and is narrated by Sky Golf presenter Iona Stephen.

Mesrine said: “When we set out to make this documentary we wanted to break down barriers and show people what golf is really like. Having met so many incredible people who share the same passion, to get more women working and playing golf, has been so refreshing. Their stories deserve to be told and I have no doubt that they will surprise, shock and inspire.”

Wheatley added: “Over the course of three years, more than 60 men and women shared their insight and personal experiences of golf. It’s been a fascinating project as we have uncovered stories that have never been told such as the very first steps taken towards what we now know as the LET as told by the women who were there.

“We examine the impact that golf’s heritage continues to have on the sport and look at how the industry, governing bodies, golf clubs and golfers themselves are shaping the future of golf. There are stories that will make you laugh, but there are also important messages that we will inspire and motivate people to continue to champion the women’s game.”

The documentary, which has been supported by The PGA, The British Golf Industry Association and the Cave Golf Resort in Kent, includes interviews with Laura Davies, Keith Pelley, Georgia Hall, Meg MacLaren, Aaron Rai and Inci Mehmet. There are many firsts in the film including a previously untold story of the day 12 women gave up their amateur status to fulfil their lifelong ambitions to play golf for a living, forming what was to become the Ladies European Tour.

Tour players across three generations provide honest insights into the harsh realities of the modern professional game. Dame Laura Davies explains how the female game has been unexpectedly and irretrievably damaged by the phenomenal success of one golfer – Tiger Woods, while IMG’s Vicky Cuming, and Tour stars Meghan McLaren and Inci Mehmet describe how discrepancies in prize money, sponsorship and media exposure are all linked and can determine the fate of so many outstanding players.

The archival element of the film is made up of a mix of personal and press photographs, museum paintings, home-made videos provided from the interviewee’s personal archives, professional videos archives and print documents.

‘Women in Golf: Breaking with Tradition’ is being Sky Golf throughout December and January. Check your TV channel guides for further showings. It can also be viewed on the Sky Sport’s YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/KdH9PMGxCas

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The 8 Best Women’s Golf Bags of 2023 [Cart & Stand Bags]

detlef32 — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:46:20 +0000

A golf bag is more than just a place to store all of your gear. Golf bags help you show off a bit of your personality and style on the golf course.

When I was younger, I had a Ping golf bag that was truly my favorite golf bag ever. The thing that made this bag stand out was the color and design more than the features and tech.

Fast forward to today and it’s hard to not be impressed with the current women’s bags on the market. Let’s look at the best women’s golf bags of this year for both stand and cart bags.

What to Look for in a Good Golf Bag for Women

Before you decide on which golf bags are the best for you, there are some key features and functionality you should be aware of. If you purchase the right bag, you can have it in place for several years; it’s worth doing the research now.

Cart vs. Stand Bag

The first big decision that has to be made is whether you are interested in a cart bag or a stand bag. The cart bag will have the most space and room for things like a full-length apparel pocket or a 14 way divider.

However, cart bags add quite a bit of weight and can make it difficult for those that like to walk the course. The stand bag may only have a few dividers, but it has essential pockets like a ball pocket or accessories and beverage pockets.

Many women golfers ride the course or use a push cart; if that is the case for you, the cart bag is the way to go. If you like to walk and carry, stand bags are the only choice.

Pockets

Pockets help you stay organized on the golf course. Some of my favorite pockets in a golf bag are the water bottle or cooler pockets, the valuables pocket as well as a quick access golf ball pocket.

Having some room for apparel and other gear is also important, but the essentials include the pockets to keep balls and tees organized and to ensure that your valuables have a place to sit while you are on the course.

Straps

Almost all golf bags have at least a large shoulder strap to help lift the bag in and out of a vehicle or the golf cart. Some will also have straps that are more like backpack style straps. These are in place to help golfers with walking the golf course.

If you walk, you need the backpack style shoulder straps. Trust me on this one, I love to walk the course, and I would only do it with a stand bag designed specifically for walking.

Color and Design

There are lots of different color options and designs available for women golfers. However, I caution you to be careful with anything too lightly colored. When the colors are lighter, it can be hard to keep the bag clean.

You may play one or two rounds in the rain or on a course that is sandy or muddy, and your bag may never look the same. Keep this in mind, but if you are a fair-weather golfer, there will likely be no issues with any color you choose.

Individual Dividers

The individual dividers of a women’s golf bag keep the clubs from touching each other as you play. When you have the dividers in place, there is a much less likely chance that your grips will have to be replaced.

In addition, it makes it easier to keep your clubs in place and to ensure you are not missing any of them on the golf course.

One glance over at the bag can tell you that your 9 iron is missing.

Cart bags should have 14 or even 15 dividers; many stand bags only have 4-6. The dividers add some weight to the bags, so you see fewer dividers with the stand bags.

Zippers/Magnets

Golf bags also use zippers and magnets to keep the pockets of the bag closed. If you find a bag with magnetic technology, it can be a great benefit. These are very easy to use and can help you get gear in and out of the bag quickly.

When it comes to zippers, just make sure that the zippers are not going to rust. Golf bags are almost always exposed to harsh weather/humidity at some point, and when the zippers rust, it’s hard to get to all of your gear.

Accessories and Features

Some women’s golf bags have a glove holder or a place to store your rangefinder. Some bags also have an umbrella holder or umbrella sleeve. Remember that many accessories can be added to a golf bag after the fact, so don’t be concerned if some things are not included.

Top 4 Women’s Golf Stand Bags

Stand bags are great for the woman golfer that likes to walk the course. In addition, if you go to the practice facility often and want to just bring the entire bag with you, stand bags are much more convenient.

1. Callaway Fairway Plus Stand Bag

Pros

Long-lasting and durable fabric
Works well on a push cart
Good quality club protection for a stand bag

Cons

Color selection can be a bit limited at times

The Callaway Fairway Plus stand bag is a push cart friendly stand bag with some great new features. The Fairway is a golf bag model that Callaway has had in place for some time. With the new Fairway Plus, we saw some additional features included.

With this model, you will find a new mid sized 4 way top with rubber over mold. The idea here is that you can put the bag on a push cart, and it sits really well without twisting or swaying. In addition, the bag comes with accessories like an alloy towel ring, durable fabric, and metal zip pulls to make access to the pockets considerably easier.

With Callaway, you don’t have to worry about quality or issues that come up. The only thing to be careful of here is choosing a color that will not get too dirty. So many women’s golf bags are white, pink, or light purple, and those colors can get stained.

2. Ogio Fuse 4 Stand Bag

Ogio Fuse 4 Stand Bag

New 4-way full length divider top for traditional organization of your woods and your irons and putter. 6 front facing pockets including a Rapid Access Snap Ball Pocket, and a Rapid Access Snap fleece lined valuables pocket, and water bottle pocket with drainage port.

Check Price on Amazon

Pros

Impressive features for a stand bag
Rapid Access pockets are functional and easy to use
Self balancing strap system

Cons

Some stand bags have more dividers at the top

The Ogio name will come up more than once on our list of the best women’s golf bags. Ogio does a great job of putting together options for golfers with impressive technology and features they need while on the course.

With the Ogio Fuse 4 Stand bag, you get a 4 way full length divider and six front facing pockets. My favorite pocket on the back is the Rapid Access Snap Ball Pocket and also a Rapid Access Snap Valuables Pocket.

The ability to grab the things you use the most is excellent with this bag, and there is even a water bottle pocket to keep you hydrated on the golf course. Ogio is a brand you can trust, and if you like to walk, the molded double shoulder strap is a great solution.

3. Izzo Ultra Lite Stand Bag

Pros

Durable and long-lasting fabric
Very lightweight design
Easy to lift in and out of the car
Really fair price

Cons

Not the best when it comes to club protection
Very minimal accessories and features

The Izzo Ultra Lite Stand Bag for women is an excellent option for those on a budget. If you are new to the game or need something for a fair price, the Izzo is a great solution. In addition, this bag only weighs 3.2 pounds, so you won’t have any trouble loading or unloading it.

Features on the Izzo Ultra Lite are a bit limited. Expect a 4 way top and just 2 full length dividers. This isn’t the best situation for a golfer that plans on putting the golf bag on a cart.

However, the fabric is a 4200 polyester, and it doesn’t fade easily. Overall you get what you pay for when it comes to golf products and gear, but the Izzo Ultra Lite Stand Bag provides good value for what you get.

4. Ogio Woode Hybrid Stand Bag

Ogio Woode Hybrid Stand Bag

8-way top better organizes your woods and your irons with extra room for large putter grips. 9 front facing pockets including a Rapid Access Snap Ball Pocket, and a Rapid Access Snap fleece lined valuables pocket, and water bottle pocket with drainage port.

Check Price on Amazon

Pros

Great combination of cart and stand bag
Club protection is better than most stand bags
Unique color selection
Water bottle pocket with drainage port

Cons

More expensive than some other stand bag options on the market

The Ogio Woode Hybrid Stand bag was an option that had to make it on the list. This is a newer design, and it makes so much sense for the golfers that like to walk the course some days and ride others.

With a hybrid stand bag, you will get an 8 way organizer top to keep your clubs from hitting each other. In addition, the pockets on the bag are front facing so you can access them when using a golf cart. There are a total of 9 front facing pockets, which is more than most.

In addition to the Ogio Woode Hybrid stand bag having tons of room for your clubs and gear, they also incorporated more of those Rapid Access pockets. The magnetic closure makes it so easy to keep track of your stuff and stay organized on the course.

Top 4 Women’s Golf Cart Bags

The best cart bags for women golfers are those that have lots of protection for golf clubs and tons of storage. With cart bags, you have to expect that the bag itself will be a little heavier, and that functionality when walking the course is not good.

1. Callaway Chev Cart Bag

Pros

Plenty of front facing pockets
Lightweight and durable fabric
14 way full-length dividers

Cons

Bag is a little big to maneuver in and out of the cart

The Callaway Chev cart bag is one of the more popular options for women golfers. With 14 way club organization, the shafts of your golf clubs are much less likely to have issues with damage. Most women golfers play with graphite shafts, and they can get damaged considerably easier.

Each of the 14 slots has a full length divider to ensure that the grips are not rubbing against each other and causing issues. There are five front facing pockets on the Callaway Chev cart bag, including the velour lined valuables pocket.

If you like to carry an extra jacket or two with you, the large apparel pocket creates plenty of room.

2. Datrek DG Lite II Cart Bag

Datrek DG Lite II Golf Cart Bag

15-way with full length individual dividers. Soft-grip lift assist handles integrated into bag top. Soft-grip oversized putter well fits a Jumbo grip. Seven total pockets provide ample storage including two oversized Apparel pockets, a large ball pocket and fleece lined valuables pocket. Oversized insulated cooler pocket.

Check Price on Amazon

Pros

Oversized insulated cooler pocket
The putter well can fit a large grip
Seven total pockets
15 way top

Cons

Color selection and overall style options are a bit limited

The Datrek DG Lite II Cart Bag is a nice bag for the price. The top features a 15 way divider. If you want to keep your alignment sticks or your swing trainer in one of the slots, you can easily do that.

At the top of the bag, there are soft grip lift assist handles. These are integrated into the top of the bag and make it much easier to maneuver. As we mentioned, one issue that women golfers have with cart bags is the ability to maneuver them; with the Datrek DG Lite II, that shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

3. Sun Mountain Women’s Stellar

Pros

Great looking golf bag
Incredible storage and organization
Good color selection
Very stable on the golf cart

Cons

Brand new option with premium pricing

Sun Mountain makes some of the most premium golf bag options in the game. The Sun Mountain Stellar is a brand new release that features a 10-way top, tons of storage and protection, and a total weight of under six pounds.

You will really like the full length club dividers and the way that your clubs stay protected in this bag. In addition, Sun Mountain has mastered the cart strap pass through technology. Your bag is going to be centered and stable on the golf cart.

The Stellar also has a total of 11 pockets, including a vented cooler pocket.

One of the things I found most impressive about the bag is that even with all of the added features and cart bumpers for stability, it’s not that heavy!

4. Glove It Ladies Cart Bag

Glove It Ladie’s Golf Cart Bag

14-way golf club bag that is functional and fashionable, with top-quality materials, expert design, and custom signature prints. 9 easy-access pockets, zip-off golf ball pocket, thermal-lined cooler pocket, soft-lined valuables pocket, umbrella sleeve, integrated putter well, and a rain hood all included.

Check Price on Amazon

Pros

One of the best women’s golf bags for the look
Several prints available
Weighs just six pounds
Made with top-quality materials

Cons

Bags do tend to fade after a few years

The Glove It Ladies Cart bag is perfect for the woman golfer that wants to have a golf bag different than anyone else on the course. There are so many colors and patterns you can choose from here that you know you will be unique.

With the Glove It bag, there is a 14-way top to keep clubs separated, a thermal lined cooler pocket, and an umbrella sleeve. The total weight of the bag is right at six pounds, so it’s not difficult to get it on and off the golf cart.

If you are into the way the bag looks, this is going to have an eye-catching design.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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The 5 Key Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs

detlef32 — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 11:07:23 +0000

Most female players choose to use women’s clubs. However, this is often done unknowingly without much consideration for the actual differences between men’s and women’s golf clubs.

Depending on if you have a slower swing speed, more height in your swing, strength, stability in your stance, etc., the type of golf club that you need could be greatly impacted.

Let’s look at the main differences between golf clubs for men and women and help you determine which is best for you.

1. Length

The length of the club is the most significant difference between men’s and women’s golf clubs. Male golfers, on average, are taller than women, so the clubs are typically one inch longer. Sometimes this can vary between manufacturers and could be ½ inch to ¾ inch.

With the length of the club, you can make adjustments based on player height. In fact, most golfers should consider a custom fitting where the exact length of the club they need is measured.

When you play with the length of the club, the lie angle is also changed, something that needs to be considered for better consistency and playability.

2. Shaft Flexibility

The flexibility of the golf shaft will also be different between men’s and women’s golf clubs. Women’s clubs come with a ladies’ shaft, which is more flexible than a men’s shaft. The idea behind a more flexible shaft is that with slower swing speed, women golfers can get more distance and better ball flight.

Men’s golf clubs have various shaft options to choose from based on swing power and whether or not higher swing speed comes into play. Men can choose from a senior shafted golf club to an extra stiff shaft.

Women golfers have much less variety to choose from. If they need something that is a bit less flexible, the men’s shafts become the best option.

Sometimes problems come up for women golfers as they start to age. Unfortunately, no real senior women’s golf shaft can be put in the club to help improve overall ball speed and make up for lost yards.

However, more and more companies are coming up with lighter golf shafts that have a better launch, and this is certainly helping older women golfers find an option that works for them.

Male golfers have a nice progression of golf shafts that they can move through if needed, and when swing speeds are a match, the ladies’ golf shaft will always work as well.

3. Clubhead & Grip Sizing/Shape

Most golf club manufacturers will use the same clubhead for women golfers as they do for men golfers. However, some companies will put a larger clubhead with a bit sweet spot in the golf clubs for women.

It’s often assumed in golf that women need more accuracy in their shots. This comes from the idea that women golfers tend to have slightly less clubhead speed.

Also, as a whole, the handicaps of men, on average, are often lower than women simply because more men play the game than women. You have to remember that golf club manufacturers try to create clubs that work for the largest group of people.

The grip for male golfers is usually a standard or midsize grip. However, for female golfers, the grip is usually undersized. Women golfers have slightly smaller hands, and the undersized grip tends to give their hands an easier time getting on the club properly.

When shopping for ladies’ golf clubs, it is important to look at the club head and see if you are getting something specifically built for the woman golfer or if it is simply a men’s club with a ladies’ shaft in place. There could be impacts on the center of gravity or overall performance that are worth considering.

4. Availability

When you look at LPGA Tour players, they are almost always using men’s golf clubs. The reason behind this is availability.

Unfortunately, there are not as many women’s golf clubs on the market as there are for men. This is simply a sales and marketing issue, as there are not nearly as many women golfers as there are men golfers.

In the game improvement and beginner category of golf clubs, there are plenty of options for women to try. However, when you look at things like blade-style irons or players’ distance irons, there are very few choices.

Today, most golfers go for a complete custom fitting when they are between golf clubs. If you are a female player that is looking for increased feel and accuracy in a set of clubs, a custom fitting for a men’s set of players’ irons is probably the best choice.

Male golfers starting to lose some of their clubhead speed can find that a ladies’ shaft is actually the best option for their game. If the overall height of the player is a problem, it is easy to extend the shaft and ensure that there is enough length for accuracy.

As a whole, there are more men’s golf clubs on the market than women’s, but this is not nearly the problem it once was. Custom club fitting has really changed the way we look at the game of golf.

5. Lofts

Women’s golf clubs tend to have higher lofts than men’s golf clubs. This is particularly seen in something like a driver. Men’s drivers are often going to have between 9 and 10 degrees of loft. With the women’s golf clubs, expect to see between 12 and 15 degrees of loft.

This extra loft is intended to add forgiveness.

However, it can also become problematic for women golfers. As great as the loft is in helping with accuracy and forgiveness, it does nothing for your distance. The higher the loft on your driver, the more you will struggle to hit it far.

Female players that are looking to capitalize on distance will need to be very careful of this feature.

The good news is that for slightly faster swing speed women golfers, there are plenty of options out there. Conversely, for slower-swinging male golfers, the women’s drivers could always be a good choice. Distance may not be the best feature here, but a shot that is 10 yards shorter and in the fairway may be one worth considering!

Although these differences in lofts still impact golf drivers, the fact that so many of them are now adjustable has made this a little less of an issue. The higher lofts are easily adjusted in most clubheads, so you can dial in the exact amount that will work for your game.

Brittany Olizarowicz

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Can You Wear Leggings to Play Golf? (+Women’s Dress Code)

detlef32 — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 13:09:56 +0000

Can you wear leggings to play golf? This is a question I received recently. The golf course dress code is a contentious issue. Many golfers cannot understand why they are forced to wear pants and polos but cannot wear jeans and a t-shirt.

Regarding female golfer’s dressing code, the standard golf attire is a skirt or shorts and a collared shirt. However, in recent years we have seen the rules relaxed to allow players to wear more comfortable golf gear. In this post, I will explain when leggings are permitted and when you need to follow tradition.

Speaking of golf apparel, we also answer the question of using a golf skirt vs tennis skirt to navigate the links.

Can Women Wear Leggings on The Golf Course?

Yes, women can wear leggings on a golf course, although in general it comes with conditions. Golf courses and tournaments determine the relevant dress code. Therefore, you are at their mercy. However, you do find tournaments and courses that allow ladies to wear leggings.

For example, in 2017, the LPGA affirmed that leggings are prohibited unless worn underneath shorts or a skirt. Therefore, professional lady golfers cannot sport leggings on their own.

At a local level, the guidelines are determined by your golf course or the provincial or state golf association.

Why Are Leggings Only Allowed Under Shorts Or A Skort?

Leggings are considered casual wear, a category of clothing that traditionalists have little time for. Using this golf gear on its own may detract from the formal appearance golf courses and golf associations wish to uphold.

Women’s Dress Code at Most Golf Courses

Municipal Golf Courses

Admittedly, there are golf courses with an unbothered approach to your dress sense. These are usually in the form of Municipal golf courses, where the green fees are highly affordable, and everybody is welcome.

Although numerous exceptional golf courses exist worldwide, some are neglected on the maintenance front.

Course conditions aside, municipal layouts may sometimes permit wearing leggings, t-shirts, and denim. As laid back as they are, do not expect to get away with using sandals or flip-flops. They still enforce some respectability. As a result, golf shoes or sneakers are required.

Country Clubs

Country Clubs are sticklers for the rules and demand slacks, skirts or shorts, and polo shirts. The course I grew up playing on had the rule that your socks had to sit above your ankles. Which did not sit well with me in the 95-degree summer heat.

Certain country clubs may permit to wear leggings, but they likely follow the same approach as the LPGA Tour. Therefore, leggings are only allowed when worn underneath skorts or shorts. If you are playing as a guest at a Country Club, check the dress code before selecting your outfit. Each club has the authority to institute local rules and may differ from your home course.

As far as winter great goes, most country clubs frown upon apparel such as hoodies and baseball caps. Therefore a safer bet is a waterproof top or a sweater and a regular cap or visor.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Leggings

Optimal Range Of Motion

Leggings provide optimal stretch, which boosts your range of motion when you swing and walk. This enhances your comfort while navigating the golf course. In addition, the increased freedom enables you to induce maximum lower body rotation during your swing. As a result, you generate increased power and keep your clubhead on path through impact.

Heat Regulation

Adding to their comfortable nature is effective in heat regulation. In layman’s terms, when your body cools down, the fabric of the clothing works to trap the heat underneath the leggings. This keeps your lower body warm in the cold.

Conversely, as you warm up, the regulating qualities cool your body to a comfortable temperature. This occurs before you realize that you are starting to boil.

Overall, leggings look after your legs in cold and warm conditions to keep you comfortable on the golf course. But remember, you will likely need to throw shorts or a skirt over it if you are to wear them at a Country Club.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Cowan’s the heroine at Women’s Indian Open

detlef32 — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 18:09:56 +0000

Germany’s Olivia Cowan produced a brilliant final round 68 to win the Hero Women’s Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club to claim her maiden win on the Ladies European Tour in her 96th event.

With no less than 27 top-10 finishes before this week, Cowan finally entered the winner’s circle after finishing on 13-under-par for the week to win by three shots over home favourite Amandeep Drall and Caroline Hedwall.

Cowan’s previous two visits to India produced finishes of T19 in 2017 and T9 in 2018 and this year her best on the Tour was T4 in her home event, the Amundi German Masters. After starting the final round one shot behind home favourite Drall, she was still one behind at the turn and tied with Hedwall for second. Hedwall birdied the 11th and Cowan birdied the 12th to join Drall at the top. The trio playing together parred the next two holes.

With four holes left and three players tied at 11-under, a play-off looked imminent, before Cowan holed a crucial birdie on the par-5 15th. With Drall dropping a shot on the same hole, Cowan was sole leader at 12 under, while Hedwall was 11-under and Drall fell to 10-under.

From there she did not look back, as her two challengers found it difficult to find a birdie, Cowan almost nailed the title with yet another birdie on the dangerous 17th to move to 13-under, two clear of Hedwall and three ahead of Drall. But the German wasn’t taking anything for granted even with a two-shot lead heading down the last, with the memories of losing a similar lead at the Aramco Team Series – Jeddah last year in her mind: “I was aware of what can happen even on the last hole,” she said.

She needn’t have worried, as a closing par, and a dropped shot from Hedwall saw her cruise to the biggest win of her career, and a her biggest payday – $60,000.

After winning her first LET title since coming on the Tour in 2015, the 26-year-old was very emotional at the prize presentation. She said: “I have come close a few times, but I am so happy to get over the line. I love coming here and this is going to be one of my most memorable moments and I will come back again to try and win this trophy again.”

“I was quite relaxed the whole weekend,” she added. “I wasn’t really thinking of winning this time. I just wanted to go out there and have a good mindset and just play good golf and just see what happens.”

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Spilkova wins Women’s Irish Open

detlef32 — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 11:01:37 +0000

Klara Spilkova won the Women’s Irish Open after a three-way play-off at Dromoland Castle in County Clare.

The 27-year-old from the Czech Republic birdied the par-five 18th to defeat Nicole Broch Estrup and Ursula Wikstrom, both of whom made pars. The trio finished on 14 under par after a dramatic final day.

With a packed leaderboard, multiple players made their way on to the final green with a chance to move into at least a share of the lead. Denmark’s Smilla Soenderby had an eagle putt that would have moved her to 15 under, but she three-putted and did not even get into the play-off. Ireland’s Leona Maguire was one of four players to finish one shot back after a 68, including a birdie on 18 when she needed an eagle to make the play-off.

Before claiming her first win in five years, Spilkova, 27, birdied the last to card a round of 67, while Wikstrom forced her way into the extra holes with four birdies in the final five holes. The 27-year-old came into the day having recorded rounds of 66, 68 and 73 on her opening three days.

And Spilkova had a tough start with two bogeys in her first five holes, but she also made three birdies to make the turn in 34. Back-to-back birdies on 10 and 11 saw the Czech player put herself right in the mix before another birdie on 16. A miraculous par-save from the edge of the water at 17 gave Spilkova the momentum and she finished her day with a birdie on 18 which at the time put her in the lead in the clubhouse.

“I have to admit that yesterday was a bit of a struggle,” said the winner, whose last title victory came at the Lalla Meryem Cup in 2017. “On eight and nine I made some bad swings, and I struggled throughout the back nine, I saved a lot of putts out there. Today it was a totally different approach, I felt much calmer. It has been a while since I’ve won, but I have been playing really well recently, so I knew that I had it in me to win.”

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The 8 Best Women’s Drivers of 2022 (Pros/Cons of Each)

detlef32 — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 01:32:38 +0000

Women’s golf drivers are no longer men’s golf clubs with a ladies’ shaft on them.

I was surprised this year to see how many companies put out drivers specifically built for the woman golfer. The good news is that some of this technology is more advanced than anything we have seen before.

After testing the latest releases, and a few that have been on the market for the last couple of years, here are the top 8 across three different price ranges.

For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:

Budget pick

Mid-range pick

Premium pick

What Kinds of Drivers are Best Suited for Women?

The best golf drivers for women are typically lightweight golf clubs with a slight draw bias.

Most women golfers also benefit from a golf driver with a slightly higher loft. The majority of women golfers need a ladies’ flex golf shaft, but faster swinging women golfers can use a men’s regular golf shaft as well.

Some women’s golf drivers are adjustable, which helps with fine-tuning the proper loft for your golf swing. However, the adjustability in a golf club can add just a bit of weight. If you struggle with swing speed and need every mph that you can get, look for a very lightweight non adjustable golf club.

As we go through each review, I’lll give you a better idea as to who would benefit from of the drivers I recommend.

Best Budget Drivers For Women

Callaway Mavrik

Top pick

Callaway Golf Mavrik 22 Driver

Flash face offers exceptional ball speed and unconventional forgiveness. Cyclone Aero Shape boasts increased head speed, and Jailbreak Technology claims to increase ball speeds.

Buy on Amazon

The Callaway Mavrik is one of the best budget drivers for women. This club has not been on the market for all that long, but the price has already dropped considerably. This happens to be the driver I have had in my bag for the past few years, and I’m quite comfortable and impressed with the performance.

As we have seen in all of the best golf drivers from Callaway in the last few years, you will benefit from the Jailbreak Technology in the club head. Jailbreak increases ball speeds and helps to ensure that the ball jumps off the club face.

Callaway used their carbon crown technology to help get players a bit of a lighter feel and more ball speed. When I tested the Callaway Mavrik, it had the best distance capability and very good dispersion. It’s not the most workable of golf drivers, and it does set up slightly open at impact, but those are the only flaws that I have noticed.

Pros

Has dropped significantly in price
Impressive new Cyclone Aero Shape
High club head and ball speed
Jailbreak technology and AI design

Cons

Sets up a little open
Not all that workable

Cobra Radspeed XD

Cobra Women RADSpeed XD Driver

An infinity edge face design expands the milled area by 95% to increase the zone of maximum ball speed. The Carbon Wrap Crown system features a new carbon fiber material that is 30% thinner which creates another 6 grams of discretionary weight.

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Most of the best Cobra golf drivers end up on a “Best Value” list at some point because of how moderately priced Cobra is with all of its equipment. A new release on a Cobra driver is almost always lower than other golf clubs on the market. The Cobra Radspeed XD has Extreme Draw Weighting to help players that slice the ball.

Many women golfers struggle with a ball flight that goes from left to right. Sometimes a small fade like this is not an issue, but when it turns into a full slice, the shot is really frustrating to recover from. With the XD Draw Driver frame, you get an oversized shape and heel bias; both will lead to a much better chance of hitting a straight shot.

The Cobra Radspeed XD also features the CNC Milled Infinity Face. Not all women golfers will hit the center of the clubface every time, and with the Radspeed XD, you will not have to. Get it close to the middle, and you will benefit from some tremendous distance.

To finalize this driver, Coba added plenty of adjustability, making it a club that will work for players from a 5 HDCP to a 30 HDCP.

Pros

Fair pricing
New Center of gravity placement
Highly forgiving
Extreme draw weighting
Oversized shape

Cons

Draw biased golf drivers are not the best for all players

Best Mid-Range Drivers For Women

Cobra Air X Driver

Top pick

Cobra Women AIR-X Offset Driver

Using a lighter head, shaft and grip makes the club feel significantly lighter and easier to swing compared to a traditional driver. Weight is localized in the back and heel to create stability on off center hits with draw bias for those that need it.

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The Cobra Air X Driver is one of the newest releases to the market for Cobra, and it was built with forgiveness and a lightweight feel in mind. If you want to hit the ball further but struggle with the weight of your current driver, this is the club to consider.

With the Cobra Air X golf driver, you will benefit from a lighter head, lighter golf shaft, and lighter grip. Cobra was one of the first companies that started looking at weight savings across the entire club and not just in the club head, and it has done wonders for their product selection.

The Air X is, without a doubt, a game improvement type golf driver; this is an offset design that will help to eliminate the slice. The club head is not very workable and also has a slightly lighter feel. If you have high swing speeds, you may struggle with the feel and stability of the club head at impact.

The Cobra Air X is an excellent option for senior women golfers or those who need every extra bit of speed they can get.

Pros

Lightweight shaft, head, and grip
Carbon Crown material
Back heel weighting for an increased draw bias
Highly offset design

Cons

Can feel a little flimsy if you have a faster swing speed

Callaway Reva Women’s Driver

Callaway Big Bertha REVA Women’s Driver

The Big Bertha REVA Driver is designed for women to unlock your inner distance. To help eliminate your slice or big miss, Callaway created their first high launch driver with an ultra-low forward CG for low spin. It’s a new formula for distance to give you a more consistent ball flight, and more tee shots that find the fairway.

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The Callaway Reva Women’s Driver was built specifically with the woman golfer in mind.

If you have had more luck with clubs designed specifically for women players, this could be the best match for your game. One of the things that helps the Callaway Reva Women’s Driver stand out is the high launch and the very low and forward center of gravity.

The center of gravity is moved low and forward to help increase overall ball speed and swing speed. In addition, this will be a low spin model that keeps a golf ball rolling for a long time. If you want consistency and a club that is relatively easy to hit, the Reva can do it.

One of the things that I really liked about the Reva is that it features the same premium Flash Face that we see in the more premium golf drivers from Callaway, but it is priced a bit more fair. In addition, some of the draw bias on this driver is considered an internal draw bias. With the internal design, the club does not look nearly as offset as something like the Cobra Air X.

Pros

Specifically built for a woman player
Has internal draw bias not quite as obvious on the exterior
Low spin
Higher launching

Cons

Highly forgiving, but not the highest ball speed of all golf drivers for women

Cleveland Launcher XL Lite

A bonded hosel without the weight-adding adjustability sleeve, together with an ultra-lightweight shaft, makes this driver 12g lighter and 0.25” longer than the adjustable version, so it swings extra quick. That added speed means more distance off the tee.

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The Cleveland Launcher XL Lite is a very lite weight design that is not adjustable. Although no adjustability may seem like a negative, in the case of the Cleveland Launcher XL lite it can be a good thing. This club is built specifically to help increase distance and total ball speed.

One of the things that Cleveland did to make their Cleveland Launcher XL Lite unique is they made it a quarter of an inch longer than other women’s golf drivers. The extra length helps you gain more distance, but the total weight of the driver was dropped by 12g to make it easier to swing fast.

At first, I was a bit worried about the increase in the length of the golf driver because of the difficulty of swinging a longer club. However, the Action Mass CB at the end of the grip really helps you swing the club head through with full power and no trouble squaring things up.

I like that Cleveland went out on a limb and tried something different with this new Launcher; it’s a club well worth considering.

Pros

Options for power or accuracy build
High MOI
Low and deep weight in the club head
High ball speeds

Cons

No adjustability; carefully choose your loft
Not the best choice for fast swing speed players

Best Premium Drivers For Women

Taylormade Women’s Stealth HD

Top pick

TaylorMade Women Stealth HD Driver

The 60X Carbon Twist Face is encased by a polyurethane cover, used to fine tune launch and spin to optimize total distance regardless of playing conditions. Taylormade’s most flexible Speed Pocket design engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low face strikes.

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The TaylorMade Women’s Stealth HD driver is without a doubt the most talked about the release this year.

I’m highly impressed with the technology that TaylorMade put into this club and the way they are trying to once again change the world of golf. Almost all drivers have been made with Titatinum until the release of this new Carbon Twist Face in the Stealth HD.

With the TaylorMade Women’s Stealth 60X Carbon Twist Face, 60 layers of carbon fiber are intertwined to save weight yet offer an increased jump off the club face. Players notice that the spin is lower, the feel is very stable and the ball jumps off the clubface.

Early testing of the TaylorMade Stealth shows that those with the lower swing speeds are benefiting the most from the Carbon Twist Face and Inertia Generator combined. The HD version is a High Draw version that helps to straighten out ball flight for the woman golfer that slices the ball a bit.

The TaylorMade STealth driver comes with a high price tag but it is currently the only carbon face driver on the market. If you like to stay ahead of technology and keep up to date with the latest releases to the market, this is the driver to choose.

Pros

New Nanotexture technology for lower spin
More total distance than other golf drivers on the market
HD version is a bit more forgiving
Most Flexible Speed Pocket design

Cons

High price tag
The carbon face does feel a bit different than a titanium golf driver

Callaway Rogue ST Max

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max Driver

The new Rogue ST MAX Driver is Callaway’s fastest, most stable driver ever. The new Tungsten Speed Cartridge structure places up to 26 grams low and deep in the driver head. This increases speed on off-center hits and provides more forgiveness through high MOI. Callaway has speed tuned the construction, shaping, and positioning to deliver even more speed across the face.

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The Callaway Rogue ST Max is the latest release for this brand and will have a relatively high price tag on it. Callaway claims that the new Rogue ST Max is the fastest most stable driver they have ever created.

When I tried it, I was impressed with the technology that it featured and the extreme improvement from the original Callaway Rogue series.

One of the buzz words this year in golf club manufacturing is tungsten. Golf clubs with more tungsten allow for a better position of the center of gravity and more fine tuned performance. Callaway is leading the way with that CG placement because of their AI technology.

The Callaway Rogue ST Max driver is one of my favorite choices for the golfer that is working on lowering their handicap. As you try to drop your scores, it can be expensive to purchase equipment that will work for your game as you get better.

However, with the Callaway Rogue ST Max being adjustable and having a bit of everything that golfers of all abilities need, this is an excellent long-term investment.

Pros

Tremendous improvement from the original Rogue drivers
The new lower spin formula on the face
Weight savings with the Triaxial Carbon Crown
Slight draw bias

Cons

Great upgrade from the original Rogue, may not be necessary to upgrade from the Mavrik
High price tag will take a while to drop

Cobra LTDx Driver

Cobra Golf 2022 LTDX Max Women’s Driver

Multi material weighting system consisting of steel, titanium and aluminum positions mass low and forward to combine low spin with faster ball speed for maximized distance. An updated CNC Infinity Face design wraps around the leading edge to crease the zone of maximum ball speed while providing a traditional topline for improved visual alignment.

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The Cobra LTDx driver has caught the attention of golfers that are looking for extra speed this year. With the low spin and Pwr Cor Technology, the driver not only flies a long way but it also rolls for quite some time when it hits the ground. The Cobra features technology that created 15 hot zones across the clubface.

The strategic thickness and the placements took into consideration where golfers hit their shots most of the time. If you struggle with a bit of consistency in your shots, the Cobra LTDx driver will help you lower your dispersion in your shots.

As I said about other Cobra golf drivers, the adjustability is always great with these clubs. Both a 10G and 3G weight can be appropriately positioned in the club head to increase the distance, feel, and control of your golf shots.

Cobra doesn’t often get enough credit for the clubs it puts out for the woman golfer. This would be a model I would check for all mid handicappers and even some high handicappers that are set on premium performance from their golf driver.

Pros

New PWR Cor Technology is highly effective
CNC Milled Infinity face
Multi Material club head with steel, titanium, and aluminum
Adjustable weighting

Cons

It can be hard to find tune the adjustability when you first start

Women’s Drivers FAQs

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best golf drivers for women and which one may suit your game the best. The best golf driver is not always the most expensive one but the one that is the best fit for your game.

What is the most popular driver on the LPGA Tour?

The Ping G425 LST is the most popular driver on the LPGA Tour. The LST is the low spin version built for the higher swing speed players looking for both feel and distance in their driver. The Ping G425 LST is a well known golf driver for both amateurs and professionals, and it has some impressive performance.

What degree driver should a woman use?

A woman should typically use a 12 degree driver; however, this needs to be fine tuned to the swing speed and swing path of the woman golfer. When a golfer has higher swing speeds they typically need a golf driver with a slightly lower loft. Something in the 10.5 range. Slower swing speed players should look for the 13 or even 14 degree driver.

What should I set my driver loft to?

Women golfers should start at 12 degrees and see how this impacts performance. If the ball flight is too high, try to lower the loft. If the ball flight is still low and the driver does not feel very forgiving, then you can increase the loft slightly.

What is the best driver for a senior woman golfer?

Our favorite golf drivers for the senior women golfers are the Cobra Air X driver and the Cleveland Launcher XL Lite.

What does high MOI mean in a women’s golf driver?

The high MOI golf driver stands for a moment of inertia which essentially means forgiveness in the golf club head. The more forgiving a golf driver is, the better it is for the higher handicapper. However, even low handicap women golfers like a bit of leeway on those days when the swing is not quite perfect.

Brittany Olizarowicz

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The 11 best women’s golf polo shirts

detlef32 — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:19:39 +0000

Gone are
the days when women would struggle to find a flattering golf shirt. Not so long
ago, there was a real lack of choice in terms of style and colour, which often
meant you’d wear a ‘non-golf’ polo.

Right now,
however, golfers have never had so much choice, and many new brands have also entered
the market, bringing fresh designs and different styles.

Whether you’re searching for a plain or patterned style, safe or standout colours, zip or buttoned placket, or regular or slim-fit, all tastes and preferences are well covered.

It’s all good news for your golf wardrobe. Here are 11 of the best women’s golf polo shirts.

Abacus is a premium brand that combines Swedish design with high-performance fabrics, and the Lily is one of its key styles for 2022. It’s made of a functional dry-cool fabric that is stretchable and breathable. Meanwhile, the contrasting buttoning, rhinestone top button, and decorative pipings give this polo a distinct style.

Constructed with SensorCool moisture moving technology to help remove perspiration from the body and keep you cool and dry, this piece is all about performance. This stretchy, printed polo, available in three different colourways, certainly makes a statement—plus, it’s made from recycled content, making it a sustainable choice.

This lightweight polo, which features a concealed zip placket, collar and a curved hem, has been designed to bring effortless style to your game. The moisture-wicking fabric and mesh details on the chest and shoulders help keep you dry. The 4-way stretch provides ample mobility, too, ensuring you can swing without restriction. In addition, it offers UPF protection for peace of mind as you play.

FootJoy performance golf shirts feature contemporary colours and patterns, and this block lisle is a popular choice. The Colour block styling with single colour engineered chest stripes make for a really attractive piece, and this white/bright coral is particularly eye-catching. Constructed from a lightweight stretch fabric, it’s extremely comfortable, too.

This sporty style has been cut with a regular fit and constructed with a performance stretch to allow you to move freely as you play. The design features a v-neck and low-profile collar, plus a curved hem. The breathable fabric, meanwhile, is made from recycled materials to make a positive impact on the environment.

GOLFINO started as a specialist for knitwear and is now an established premium golf apparel brand. There’s no doubting the quality of this garment. This particular piece is a slim-fit design with several contrasting elements, such as the shapely stand-up collar, the entire shoulder yoke and the zip fastener. A printed logo adds to its athletic style, too.

Röhnisch is a female specialist brand, offering a range of clothing from activewear to golfwear. It’s a brand that’s big on sustainability, too. The material, made from recycled content, is moisture-wicking, quick-dry and features strategically placed ventilation holes to give you better moisture management. This regular-fit design is available in five colours: apricot, black, white, rose and navy.

The regular fit Mila is one of Galvin’s VENTIL8 PLUS garments, which means its fabrics have been engineered to give an extremely high level of breathability. It’s a soft and stretchy sleeveless shirt with a sewn collar and contrasting colours, making it a very attractive piece. The garment is also made with sustainable fabrics and labels.

This is Peter Millar’s go-to sleeveless polo shirt. It features metallic heat seal accents and a special embossed print for a sporty twist on a classic style. With four-way stretch, UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking and easy-care properties, this garment looks fantastic on and off the course, as many Peter Millar polo shirts do.

Lightweight and extremely breathable, the Zinger Point is made with super-stretchy fabric that moves with you, not against you. It features a four-button placket, shaped hem for enhanced coverage and ribbed detailing at the cuffs, adding that little extra style. The garment is available in four colourways: jet grey/vermillion, midnight navy/Neptune, sea mist/Neptune and pinks sands/vermillion, all of which look fantastic.

Ocean Tee’s premium polo shirts are made from sustainably sourced materials. This is the main driver for the brand, and the Reef is a perfect example of how sustainable fabrics and manufacturing processes can be used to produce high-performance golf clothing. It’s made from 52% Merino wool, which, as well as incredibly soft, is naturally thermo-regulating, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Specialist golf insurance from Golf Care

At Golf Care, our golf insurance includes Equipment cover up to £7,500, Public Liability up to £10m and much more. It’s also underpinned by our very own ‘Ripe Guarantee’, which promises great cover and exceptional service at a price you can afford.

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