Thumbnail sketches of a few wedges and accessories hitting the market:
Wedges
• Ping Tour-W Wedges: With the Tour-W wedges, Ping has created a clubhead that is slightly smaller than previous Ping wedges, yet boasts a higher MOI. A tungsten weight plug in the toe is the active ingredient, allowing the slightly smaller size that the company says improves the versatility of the club (increased playability from varied conditions) while also increasing forgiveness.
The Tour-W wedges have a traditional teardrop shape and a hosel notch to help in precise loft and lie adjustments. They come in lofts of 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees, with lofts 54 through 60 also offering multiple bounce options. A brushed silver chrome finish is available for all lofts; some lofts also come in a black nickel chrome finish.
The MSRP is $125 with steel shaft or $152.50 with graphite shaft. www.pinggolf.com
• Cleveland CG14 Wedges: The CG14 is the latest addition to the Cleveland Golf family of wedges. The CG14 incorporates tour-preferred shaping, sole and offset, along with "ZIP" grooves, the biggest and most precisely milled grooves available from Cleveland. The CG14 wedges have a wider sole and also utilize the vibration-dampening Gelback Technology. The Traction Wedge Shaft is standard; minimum advertised price is $109. Chrome and black pearl finishes are available, as is a W-Series women's mode. www.clevelandgolf.com
• KZG RSS Wedges: The RSS wedges from KZG are built from a proprietary alloy that the company says creates the "feel of forged." They are designed to offer the appearance of a "player's club," but to be versatile enough for golfers of all skill levels. And also to be easily adjustable for loft and lie. KZG RSS wedges retail for KZG RSS Wedge is $79 with steel shafts and $94 with graphite shafts. www.kzg.com
Accessories
• Ecco Shoes Spring/Summer 2008: Several new styles are on the way from Ecco in the company's Spring/Summer 2008 collection. All Ecco shoes feature a direct-injected, PU-constructed midsole/outsole to provide durability, flexibility and cushioning. The 2008 models also boast high-grade leathers treated for weather-resistance; internal stabilizers; and double-layer insoles with more cushioning.
Shoes in the new lineup start at $160 and go up to $400. The high-end model is the World Class City GTX with ultra-high-grade leathers and a snake-skin pattern, plus a Gore-Tex membrane for guaranteed waterproofing. A couple new Hydromax models, Classic Elite, Casual Cool and Flexor models round out the lineup. www.eccousa.com
• Lija Spring 2008: The Spring 2008 collection from Lija by Linda Hipp includes apparel along with accessories. The highlight is the wholly new Life of Leisure collection, which features casual sportswear in crisp styles and fresh colors that suit golfers well off the course as well as at the club. Cotton-based vests, jackets, T-shirts, shorts and capris make up the Life of Leisure line. The Spring 2008 collection has more than 200 pieces total, ranging in price from $20 for boyshorts to $180 for some outerwear. www.lijastyle.com
