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The Perfect “Non-Golf” Gift for Golfers

December 15, 2015 | By Greg D'Andrea | 1 Comment

With the gift-giving season upon us, I thought I’d post about something you could give to that golfer in your life. The one caveat? It has nothing (specifically) to do with golf.

We golfers tend to enjoy the finer things in life. Perhaps a mid-round cigar or 19th-hole libation to complement our stroll around the landscaped forest we play this great game in.

And while some of us golfers prefer our libation be something rather hoppy, there are just as many who enjoy a good spirit every now and again – especially this time of year. But to really become a connoisseur of fine spirits, you have to taste a lot of liquor. And, let’s face it, that can get rather expensive.

To that end, we here at GolfStinks would like to introduce you to Flaviar – a company that’s committed to helping you find your favorite libation without wasting your hard-earned money in the process.

The idea behind Flaviar is brilliant: To provide sample boxes of spirits on a monthly basis, curated specifically for you. This works great for folks like me, who are interested in exploring what’s out there without having to spend $50 or more on a bottle they may or may not be particularly fond of. Not to mention, once you find the spirit you love, you can order the full-size bottle directly from Flaviar.

But spirit tasting is all about sharing, and this is where Flaviar excels. I recently received a sample box of 5 different Scotch whiskeys from Flaviar. Packed neatly in a small box and complete with tasting instructions and history/flavor profiles for each spirit, I promptly invited my golfing buddies together for Monday Night Football…and a little Scotch.

GolfStinks' Flaviar tasting box - Scotch and the Islands — GolfStinks’ Flaviar tasting box – Scotch and the Islands

During the pregame, we opened our Flaviar sample pack and read through the tasting instructions – organized glassware, arranged our snacks and learned the proper order of tasting: Appearance; Smell; Taste; and Finish.

Once the game got underway, we opened the first sample and the fun began. What was happening on the gridiron soon became secondary to what we were learning about each Scotch in the tasting box.

We took our time, really tried to consider the smells and tastes of each particular brand and took time to cleanse our palates (with water and snacks) in between. In fact, it took most of the game (2+ hours) for us to go through and evaluate all 5 samples…and we had a blast doing so!

Afterwards, we all agreed we’d do this again in a heartbeat. Plus, we each were looking forward to other Flaviar sample boxes like rum, tequila, cognac and bourbon.

We could totally see how receiving one of these sample boxes monthly would not only help you build your home bar, but also provide an excuse to get your friends together – especially during the winter when you don’t see each other on the golf course!

So this year, instead of telling you about new clubs or golf shoes you can gift to that golfer in your life, maybe instead, gift a sample box of fine spirits for 2- or 6-months (or more). As they say on the Flaviar website: Santa brings toys; We bring whiskey.

Happy Holidays Stinky Golfers!

Want To Make Golf More Enjoyable?

September 9, 2015 | By Chris Chirico | 1 Comment

The SILO golf club carrier from Rival and Revel

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am somewhat of a creature of convenience. I’m the type who will gladly pay a little bit extra for something if it saves me the time and effort of driving farther or going into a crowded store. I don’t like making more than one trip to accomplish a task. And I hate having to carry anything I don’t really need. This all translates to golf as well.

If I’m headed out to the course and I realize I’m short on balls, I’ll pay the extra to just buy the balls at the course rather than make a stop along the way. If I have to chip onto the green, I make sure to bring every club I need with me (PW, putter, and SW just in case….) in order to keep from having to walk back to the cart or to my bag. And carrying things I don’t need? I can’t tell you the last time I purchased tees. I mean, why buy tees when every tee box is littered with them?

That whole “carrying things I don’t need” thing brings me to a little golf-gadget with which I’ve had the opportunity to spend a little time. The good people at Rival and Revel were nice enough to send over their SILO Golf Club Carrier, and I have to say, I’m pretty excited about this little bad boy. The idea behind the club carrier is simply to leave behind what you don’t need.

The SILO holds up to six of your clubs snuggly together along with three tees and a ball marker (included). Heading to the range? Do you really need to bring all of your clubs? Wouldn’t six suffice? You sure don’t need to lug your entire bag, do you? Or maybe you’re playing an executive or par-3 course. Again…what’s the point in carrying twice as many clubs as you’re going to use? Once again…convenience.

Now, nothing is perfect and I always like to hear the bad news before the good…so I’ll start with just two complaints: Though the SILO comes with a handy and attractive metal ball marker, the first thing I noticed when I began playing with the club carrier was the ball marker missing. I found it down at my feet, and attached to it was the magnet supposed to be holding it in place. Maybe this was held in by glue? If so, might I recommend a stronger glue. Or maybe a magnet which is more secure to the carrier, possibly by a screw or something overlapping.

In addition, getting your fingers between the club shafts to reach the ball marker (or the three tees on the opposite end) was a bit of a tight squeeze. Obviously, you would reach these by having at least one club removed from the SILO, but it was still a little awkward nonetheless. However, that’s the extent of my complaints.

Now let me tell you why this thing is great…

What I like most is the simple fact that it exists at all. Anytime I head out to the range, I don’t have to bring all of my clubs and my bag with me. I can just select the six I want to work on, and with one hand carry them to the car and range. Also, many of the rounds I’ve been playing lately have been nine-hole rounds on a short course. I find myself not using half the clubs in my bag. With the SILO, I can carry only the clubs I need, along with the ball marker and a few tees attached. All I need to do is throw a few balls in my pockets, and I’m ready to go.

A couple of great features about the club carrier are how it uses it’s design to create a feeling of light-weight balance in-hand as well as balance when you pull a club from the carrier. Firstly, when positioned properly on the club shafts, the amazing balance of the SILO and clubs in-hand, makes you forget you are carrying any more than a club or two. Yes, it truly feels that light. Also, when pointing the club heads in the right direction, provided there are at least three clubs in the holder, the clubs will stand upright where you leave them, just as a bag would.

Further, the relatively small size of the SILO allows the holder, with several clubs attached, to fit right into your bag! This is convenient if you are playing an eighteen-hole round. Land your ball within chipping distance of the green? As mentioned earlier, if you keep your on- and around-the-green clubs attached to the SILO and placed in your bag, you can carry all of them over to the green at once.

All around, this is a convenient little tool for most of us golfers who like to head to the range on occasion or squeeze in a nine-hole round but are looking to do it quicker and easier than lugging your bag over your shoulder or strapping it to your back. And seriously, how can you go wrong for only $25? But before you go and purchase one of your own, as usual, we here at GolfStinks don’t keep all the good stuff for ourselves. Head over to the Golfstinks Facebook page tomorrow to enter a drawing to win a SILO Golf Club Carrier for yourself! But win one or buy one, you’re bound to see how Rival and Revel is making the game a little easier for all of us.

Bringing The Rukket Back To The Hood.

August 27, 2015 | By Pete Girotto | 1 Comment

Haack Net — Your hack golf days might be soon behind you with this practice net…

A couple months back we took a look at Rukket Sports’ Chipping Net & Range Marker Target. This time around I got to break out the big dog and smash it into their Rukket Haack Golf Net.

We can thank Rukket Sports and college golf coach Chris Haack for spawning this wonderful creation. A portable, lightweight, very well made (wouldn’t expect anything less) golf net perfect for a little backyard swing session.

Whether you grip n’ rip like a pro or like you got two left hands, this ball catcher is key to keeping you loose and moving when you’re off the course. Don’t let the picture fool you. This net weighs in at 10ft H x 7ft W x 3ft D. Couple that with a quick set up and break down and it’s a no-brainer.

I know what you’re thinking, a golf coach named Haack. Let me tell you, this guy has turned out some Tour winners like, oh I don’t know, Bubba Watson. He must be doing something right and so should you.

Head on over to Rukket Sports and get yourself one of these and you’ll be breaking 80 in no time…80 windows, 80 clubs. All jokes aside, this is a great addition to helping improve your golf game.

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

A Belt Brings It All Together

July 31, 2015 | By Pete Girotto | 1 Comment

Trakline-Belts — This belt from Kore Essentials can be worn on and off the golf course

From fashion to athletics something as simple as a belt can spark the competitive spirit. In the eyes of a boxer, a belt defines their career and potentially seats them in the annals of sports history. In the fashion sense, a belt can make or break your ensemble. With that in mind, the reality is that you just have to go for it.

That’s the key. Going for it and being a little different. Taking risks and putting yourself outside of your comfort zone. Now, speaking of being different, going for it and referring back to the belt thing, Kore Essentials has quite the innovative accessory with their Trakline belts.

Let me just say it’s probably the best belt I’ve ever worn and thank you Kore Essentials for supplying the belt! In fact, I have taken it off the course and implemented it into daily rotation. The combination of great design and high quality craftsmanship has me sold. The hidden track system sewn into the inside of the belt works flawlessly. Also, it gives about 40 or so 1/4″ increments of sizing in comparison to the handful of holes found on standard belts. Confused? Click on the pic above for a video (after reading the rest of this post of course).

As a bonus, all the belt buckles and belts can easily be swapped with each other. Plus, you can use the undercarriage of the belt buckle to pop the top on your favorite frosty libation. Seriously, I’m not kidding. It even says so on the website. Can I say bonus? Now, head on over to Kore Essentials and treat yourself.

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

To Hell with the Rulebook: We Test Polara Golf Equipment

July 15, 2015 | By Greg D'Andrea | 4 Comments

You’re a weekend golfer. Of course you want to play better, but you don’t have the time or money to invest in all the lessons and practice necessary. After all, you have a life; commitments; and family that take precedence over your “hobby.”

You’re not looking to be a pro, but wouldn’t hitting a few more fairways and greens in regulation boost your enjoyment out on the course? Well, we kind of agree. And on that note, GolfStinks decided to test some equipment that can do just that: Let you spend more time in the fairway and less time being frustrated.

Of course said equipment doesn’t conform to the USGA rulebook, but you have to ask yourself: Does that really matter? If you were a pro golfer it would, but that’s like 1% of the golf population. As for the rest of us, it shouldn’t matter…not even in local tournaments (more on that in a moment).

In the meantime let’s look at the equipment: Polara Golf (in full disclosure, GolfStinks received several dozen Polara golf balls and three different Polara drivers free to test-out over the past several months).

First, let me say that aesthetically, Polara equipment looks no different than what you’ve got in your bag currently – there’s nothing strange or wacky about the way they look or feel (in fact, they may look and feel better than what you’re using now).

As for performance: Separately, the balls and driver can limit slices to help keep you in (or at least closer to) the fairway. But use ball and club together and weekend golfers are in for a treat. I average 93 strokes for 18 holes. When I play the with the Polara ball/driver combo, my average drops to 87. My short game hasn’t improved, but I’m shaving strokes by staying in-play off the tee, which is what Polara equipment has been created for.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard to always know when the Polara gear is working (on occasion, you’ll have a sense the shot ended up better than expected). For the most part, the performance enhancing abilities are subtle. But after a few rounds, you’ll notice your scores have improved. And you’ll realize you’re not only in (or near) the fairway more often, but you’re also having more fun because of it.

Elaine with the Polara Ladies Advantage driver

To offer another perspective: One of the Polara clubs we received was a woman’s senior flex. As such, I was able (through a mutual friend) have “Elaine” test the club/ball combo out. Elaine reported that “using the club and ball resulted in straighter shots” and “increased my distance off the tee by about 20 yards.” Elaine also stated she will continue to use her Polara club and purchase Polara balls, despite the equipment not conforming to USGA rules.

Let’s get back to the USGA rule thing for a second. Unless you’re playing on a pro tour or in amateur competition, using non-conforming equipment really shouldn’t matter. I realize that not following the rules doesn’t sit well with most people, but remember – the USGA rulebook was really written to identify the best golfers in the world. If you’re not one of (or trying to be one of) the best in the world, then what you need is a basic set of guidelines and etiquette to follow instead (see the USRGA.org rulebook). Trust me, it will make your golf life so much easier than trying to remember crazy rulings.

Now, if you’re playing for money, that’s a bit different. You should be upfront – let your opponents know about your equipment. Give them the opportunity to use it too or simply adjust the amount of strokes being given based on how you score with Polara gear.

And if you’re playing in a local tournament, tell the officials what you’ve got in your bag. Give them an option – your handicap using the Polara equipment or your higher handicap without using it. The CEO of Polara says he uses this approach at every tournament he plays…and most of the time they take his lower handicap and let him use the Polara stuff!

Like Elaine, I’ll continue to use the driver I received because it really works. And the balls work too, but once my supply runs out, we’ll have to see – I’m partial to using refurbished balls and I don’t think I will find refurbished Polara balls anywhere.

But the truth is, I am having fun spending more time in the fairway – it really does make my round that much more enjoyable (less time in the woods or in the adjacent fairway, etc.). And for me (as well as so many other weekend golfers), having fun is really what golf comes down to, isn’t it?

Check out the Polara Golf site HERE.

The Perfect “Non-Golf” Gift for Golfers

Want To Make Golf More Enjoyable?

Bringing The Rukket Back To The Hood.

A Belt Brings It All Together

To Hell with the Rulebook: We Test Polara Golf Equipment

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