Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Suzanne Noblett of Noblettgolf.com
Suzanne Noblett was named a Top 50 Golf Instructor by Golf Range Magazine and is recognized as a top LPGA instructor. She provides us with different tips on how to stay focused in the moment and explains how she uses other sports to communicate her methods of teaching. www.noblettgolf.com * What do you think? Should the USGA place restrictions on equipment and balls so as to limit our hitting distance? They create guidelines for manufacturers so that the pros can be kept in check, but it affects all of us. Is this good for golfers, golf fans or the golf industry? Please send me your thoughts. Click on "Hey Fred" at GolfSmarterPodcast.com. * Please check out of our new website, SmarterPodcasts.com. * You can now enter our contests at GolfSmarterPodcast.com and click on "Contest". You'll find out what we're giving away and always be able to keep up to date on each giveaway whether you've heard the current episode or not. * Edwin Watts Golf is giving away a Callaway Fusion Club Carrier Travel Bag. You may also choose to send an email with your name and shipping address to pickme@golfsmarterpodcast.com. Deadline for entries is midnight, April 30, 2007. Random drawing will be held and the winner will be announced on May 1, 2007. Email addresses of entries will be supplied to Edwin Watts Golf. Once you win, we'll get your specs. * "Ask Kenny!" If you have a question on new equipment or how to be a more educated shopper of golf products, click on the "Ask Kenny" button at GolfSmarterPodcast.com. If Kenny Nicholson answers your question on the show, we'll send you a Golf Smarter /Edwin Watts Golf hat. Please include your shipping address. *Click on the Edwin Watts Golf banner at GolfSmarterPodcast.com for details on how to receive 10% off any purchase along with free shipping on EVERY purchase. Some restrictions apply. *When your game deserves the very best personalized instruction, there's only one choice. The Bird Golf Academy is the ultimate Golf learning experience. Golf Smarter listeners receive a 10% discount, so make sure you ask. For all their information, please click on the BirdGolf.com ad at GolfSmarterPodcast.com * Send us your favorite golf quote to use at the end of the program. We'll give you credit, too. Click on "Hey Fred" at GolfSmarterPodcast.com and use "Quote" as your subject. * Let us know what you thought of this program and the content of GOLF SMARTER. We read and respond to your feedback. SmarterPodcasts.com. Delivering Sound Advice.0
Suzanne Noblett of Noblettgolf.com
Suzanne Noblett was named a Top 50 Golf Instructor by Golf Range Magazine and is recognized as a top LPGA instructor. She provides us with different tips on how to stay focused in the moment and explains how she uses other sports to communicate her methods of teaching. www.noblettgolf.com * What do you think? Should the USGA place restrictions on equipment and balls so as to limit our hitting distance? They create guidelines for manufacturers so that the pros can be kept in check, but it affects all of us. Is this good for golfers, golf fans or the golf industry? Please send me your thoughts. Click on "Hey Fred" at GolfSmarterPodcast.com. * Please check out of our new website, SmarterPodcasts.com. * You can now enter our contests at GolfSmarterPodcast.com and click on "Contest". You'll find out what we're giving away and always be able to keep up to date on each giveaway whether you've heard the current episode or not. * Edwin Watts Golf is giving away a Callaway Fusion Club Carrier Travel Bag. You may also choose to send an email with your name and shipping address to pickme@golfsmarterpodcast.com. Deadline for entries is midnight, April 30, 2007. Random drawing will be held and the winner will be announced on May 1, 2007. Email addresses of entries will be supplied to Edwin Watts Golf. Once you win, we'll get your specs. * "Ask Kenny!" If you have a question on new equipment or how to be a more educated shopper of golf products, click on the "Ask Kenny" button at GolfSmarterPodcast.com. If Kenny Nicholson answers your question on the show, we'll send you a Golf Smarter /Edwin Watts Golf hat. Please include your shipping address. *Click on the Edwin Watts Golf banner at GolfSmarterPodcast.com for details on how to receive 10% off any purchase along with free shipping on EVERY purchase. Some restrictions apply. *When your game deserves the very best personalized instruction, there's only one choice. The Bird Golf Academy is the ultimate Golf learning experience. Golf Smarter listeners receive a 10% discount, so make sure you ask. For all their information, please click on the BirdGolf.com ad at GolfSmarterPodcast.com * Send us your favorite golf quote to use at the end of the program. We'll give you credit, too. Click on "Hey Fred" at GolfSmarterPodcast.com and use "Quote" as your subject. * Let us know what you thought of this program and the content of GOLF SMARTER. We read and respond to your feedback. SmarterPodcasts.com. Delivering Sound Advice.0
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Edwin Watts Golf Academy(YouTube)
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Monday, July 7, 2008
Edwin Watts Golf Enrolls with ControlScan
Atlanta, GA and Fort Walton Beach, FL -- In an effort to show their shoppers that they are
taking the necessary steps to secure their information online, Edwin Watts Golf
(http://www.edwinwatts.com) has enrolled with ControlScan, a leading Internet security
company, to increase consumer confidence.
Edwin Watts Golf will utilize ControlScan's Verified Secure services to conduct regular scans
of www.edwinwattsgolf.com for thousands of known vulnerabilities against a knowledge
base which is updated every 12 hours to identify any potential vulnerability. ControlScan
delivers timely reports with recommendations for security breach resolutions.
"It is our goal to help merchants protect their customers from fraudulent activity," says Joan
Herbig, chief executive officer, ControlScan. "Edwin Watts Golf is demonstrating their
commitment to Website security by using ControlScan services."
The Verified Secure offerings (Security and Business Certification seals, PCI Compliance,
SSL Certificates, Search Engine Submissions, Press Release Program, LIVECHAT and
RatePointSM) have become the solution of choice for small- and medium-sized e-commerce
businesses because it offers a comprehensive security and PCI compliance solution with a
personal level of support at a great price.
About Edwin Watts Golf (www.edwinwattsgolf.com)
Headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, FL, Edwin Watts Golf is one of the world's leading golf
retail organizations. Founded in 1968 by brothers Edwin and Ronnie Watts as a small pro
shop at the municipal golf course in Ft. Walton Beach, today there are 60 Edwin Watts Golf
stores across the southern and southeastern United States. For more information on Edwin
Watts Golf visit www.edwinwattsgolf.com or call 1-800-EDWINWATTS.
About ControlScan
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, ControlScan provides security and Payment Card
industry (PCI) compliance solutions designed exclusively for small- to medium-sized ecommerce
businesses. The company's Verified Secure solutions make it easy and costeffective
for these businesses to protect their infrastructure and help keep their Websites
safe so shoppers can purchase with confidence. Verified Secure is the security solution of
choice for smaller e-businesses because it offers security solutions that fit their specific
needs, a personal level of service and the best value. For more information about
ControlScan and its Verified Secure services visit www.controlscan.com or call 1-800-825-
3301.
taking the necessary steps to secure their information online, Edwin Watts Golf
(http://www.edwinwatts.com) has enrolled with ControlScan, a leading Internet security
company, to increase consumer confidence.
Edwin Watts Golf will utilize ControlScan's Verified Secure services to conduct regular scans
of www.edwinwattsgolf.com for thousands of known vulnerabilities against a knowledge
base which is updated every 12 hours to identify any potential vulnerability. ControlScan
delivers timely reports with recommendations for security breach resolutions.
"It is our goal to help merchants protect their customers from fraudulent activity," says Joan
Herbig, chief executive officer, ControlScan. "Edwin Watts Golf is demonstrating their
commitment to Website security by using ControlScan services."
The Verified Secure offerings (Security and Business Certification seals, PCI Compliance,
SSL Certificates, Search Engine Submissions, Press Release Program, LIVECHAT and
RatePointSM) have become the solution of choice for small- and medium-sized e-commerce
businesses because it offers a comprehensive security and PCI compliance solution with a
personal level of support at a great price.
About Edwin Watts Golf (www.edwinwattsgolf.com)
Headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, FL, Edwin Watts Golf is one of the world's leading golf
retail organizations. Founded in 1968 by brothers Edwin and Ronnie Watts as a small pro
shop at the municipal golf course in Ft. Walton Beach, today there are 60 Edwin Watts Golf
stores across the southern and southeastern United States. For more information on Edwin
Watts Golf visit www.edwinwattsgolf.com or call 1-800-EDWINWATTS.
About ControlScan
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, ControlScan provides security and Payment Card
industry (PCI) compliance solutions designed exclusively for small- to medium-sized ecommerce
businesses. The company's Verified Secure solutions make it easy and costeffective
for these businesses to protect their infrastructure and help keep their Websites
safe so shoppers can purchase with confidence. Verified Secure is the security solution of
choice for smaller e-businesses because it offers security solutions that fit their specific
needs, a personal level of service and the best value. For more information about
ControlScan and its Verified Secure services visit www.controlscan.com or call 1-800-825-
3301.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
FiZ signs agreement to be carried by Edwin Watts Golf stores
SALT LAKE CITY -- FiZ, the "scientific spit shine" that has quickly gained acclaim as the preeminent club, ball and grip cleaner in the golf industry, has made a major move in the retail segment by signing with Edwin Watts Golf to have the revolutionary product carried in Edwin Watts Golf stores in six states.
Edwin Watts Golf will feature FiZ in its Florida stores in Naples, Orlando (2 locations), Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville (2 locations), Sarasota, Fort Walton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale (2 locations), Brandon, Kissimmee, Tampa, North Miami Beach, Orange Park and Palm Beach Gardens. Edwin Watts Golf will also sell FiZ at its stores in Marietta, Ga. and Memphis, TN. Texas golfers will remember to buy FiZ at the Watts locations in San Antonio and Round Rock. In North Carolina, FiZ will shine brightly in Concord and Charlotte (2 locations). FiZ will also be available in Edwin Watts stores in Massachusetts in five cities: Hanover, Attleboro, Hyannis, Mashpee and Weymouth.
FiZ will also be available on the Edwin Watts website soon.But why has a major retailer like Edwin Watts Golf made such a big commitment to such a small (5 inches tall, 1 inch in diameter) product? BECAUSE IT WORKS! And, as has been proven many times, big things come in small packages.
"FiZ is the best cleaner in the golf business," says Steve Tillis of the Edwin Watts Golf store in Jacksonville Beach, FL. "It is a super simple design that keeps your gear clean, period. With today's economy, an innovative, exciting, high volume item at $9.99 does great at the register."
That greatness isn't just at the register, of course. It's primarily on the golf course and in the hands of the user. That's why FiZ is on track to do more than $1 million in sales for 2008, its inaugural year. Since its debut this past January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FiZ has already moved onto the shelves of such leading retailers as Golfsmith, Haggin Oaks, Golf Etc. and others, in addition to Edwin Watts Golf. Green grass accounts are flocking to the product daily. International distributors are as wide ranging as the word "International" implies, including those in the U.S., Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, South Korea, Asia and Indonesia. Future expansion plans are expected to be announced in the near future.
"We are exceptionally pleased that a prestigious retailer such as Edwin Watts Golf has realized the value, both in performance and price, of FiZ," says Aaron Heap, Founder and President of FizGOLF, the parent company of FiZ. "This is another important step in our rapidly expanding business. We look forward to a long and prosperous association with Watts Golf, both with our current product and those products in development that we expect to introduce later this summer."
All FiZGOLF products are being marketed under the banner "Clean Up Your Game", which is exactly what Fiz does in delivering maximum results for a golfer's shots. FiZ, which combines a Co2 cartridge ball, grip and club cleaner with a revolutionary design, is scientifically formulated to dissolve dirt and eliminate grass stains.
FiZ, which gets its name from the "fizzing" sound made when its sprayed on surfaces, employs a solution of 98% water and 2% lifting agent that is more efficient in its purpose than any wet golf towel or well-known orally expelled body fluid could ever hope to be. Multiple small polypropylene bristles at the bottom of the cylinder get between clubface grooves and ball dimples to create precision contact and ball flight.
FiZ is self-contained with its own bag clip and cleaning bristles. It lasts for more than 350 sprays or over 100 holes of golf.
FiZ is made from 100% recyclable aluminum and plastic and can easily be hung from golf bags for convenient access and use. FiZ is designed to incorporate logos on each side of the cap, making it an ideal gift bag item or tee prize.
"FiZ will give you a clean ball and a clean club face that will add the distance and accuracy to your game that dirty golf equipment subtracts," says Heap, who invented the patented and revolutionary Seven2 kayak paddle nearly a decade ago. "Grime in the grooves of a club and grass stains and dirt on golf balls can add strokes that no golfer wants to see at the end of a round.
"Golf is a hard enough game, but using FiZ makes it easier," adds Heap. "Everyone wants pristine conditions on the courses they play and the same mindset should apply to their golf equipment. FiZ makes equipment pristine."
FizGolf is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. To become a FIZGOLF dealer or to place an order call 801.355.5300 or email the company at sales@fizgolf.com. You can also go to its web site at www.fizgolf.com. For media contact Mary Deatrick at 407 332-5212.
Edwin Watts Golf will feature FiZ in its Florida stores in Naples, Orlando (2 locations), Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville (2 locations), Sarasota, Fort Walton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale (2 locations), Brandon, Kissimmee, Tampa, North Miami Beach, Orange Park and Palm Beach Gardens. Edwin Watts Golf will also sell FiZ at its stores in Marietta, Ga. and Memphis, TN. Texas golfers will remember to buy FiZ at the Watts locations in San Antonio and Round Rock. In North Carolina, FiZ will shine brightly in Concord and Charlotte (2 locations). FiZ will also be available in Edwin Watts stores in Massachusetts in five cities: Hanover, Attleboro, Hyannis, Mashpee and Weymouth.
FiZ will also be available on the Edwin Watts website soon.But why has a major retailer like Edwin Watts Golf made such a big commitment to such a small (5 inches tall, 1 inch in diameter) product? BECAUSE IT WORKS! And, as has been proven many times, big things come in small packages.
"FiZ is the best cleaner in the golf business," says Steve Tillis of the Edwin Watts Golf store in Jacksonville Beach, FL. "It is a super simple design that keeps your gear clean, period. With today's economy, an innovative, exciting, high volume item at $9.99 does great at the register."
That greatness isn't just at the register, of course. It's primarily on the golf course and in the hands of the user. That's why FiZ is on track to do more than $1 million in sales for 2008, its inaugural year. Since its debut this past January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FiZ has already moved onto the shelves of such leading retailers as Golfsmith, Haggin Oaks, Golf Etc. and others, in addition to Edwin Watts Golf. Green grass accounts are flocking to the product daily. International distributors are as wide ranging as the word "International" implies, including those in the U.S., Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, South Korea, Asia and Indonesia. Future expansion plans are expected to be announced in the near future.
"We are exceptionally pleased that a prestigious retailer such as Edwin Watts Golf has realized the value, both in performance and price, of FiZ," says Aaron Heap, Founder and President of FizGOLF, the parent company of FiZ. "This is another important step in our rapidly expanding business. We look forward to a long and prosperous association with Watts Golf, both with our current product and those products in development that we expect to introduce later this summer."
All FiZGOLF products are being marketed under the banner "Clean Up Your Game", which is exactly what Fiz does in delivering maximum results for a golfer's shots. FiZ, which combines a Co2 cartridge ball, grip and club cleaner with a revolutionary design, is scientifically formulated to dissolve dirt and eliminate grass stains.
FiZ, which gets its name from the "fizzing" sound made when its sprayed on surfaces, employs a solution of 98% water and 2% lifting agent that is more efficient in its purpose than any wet golf towel or well-known orally expelled body fluid could ever hope to be. Multiple small polypropylene bristles at the bottom of the cylinder get between clubface grooves and ball dimples to create precision contact and ball flight.
FiZ is self-contained with its own bag clip and cleaning bristles. It lasts for more than 350 sprays or over 100 holes of golf.
FiZ is made from 100% recyclable aluminum and plastic and can easily be hung from golf bags for convenient access and use. FiZ is designed to incorporate logos on each side of the cap, making it an ideal gift bag item or tee prize.
"FiZ will give you a clean ball and a clean club face that will add the distance and accuracy to your game that dirty golf equipment subtracts," says Heap, who invented the patented and revolutionary Seven2 kayak paddle nearly a decade ago. "Grime in the grooves of a club and grass stains and dirt on golf balls can add strokes that no golfer wants to see at the end of a round.
"Golf is a hard enough game, but using FiZ makes it easier," adds Heap. "Everyone wants pristine conditions on the courses they play and the same mindset should apply to their golf equipment. FiZ makes equipment pristine."
FizGolf is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. To become a FIZGOLF dealer or to place an order call 801.355.5300 or email the company at sales@fizgolf.com. You can also go to its web site at www.fizgolf.com. For media contact Mary Deatrick at 407 332-5212.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
SLI Systems and Edwin Watts Golf to Discuss Elements of Site Search Success at eTail 2007 "Search Day"
Companies to Participate in Interactive Roundtable to Offer Search Best Practices Based on Golf Retailer's Success
CUPERTINO, CA – February 12, 2007 – SLI Systems, Inc. (www.sli-systems.com), a provider of on-demand search services for Internet and e-commerce sites, today announced that its CEO Dr. Shaun Ryan will participate with David Patterson of golf retailer Edwin Watts Golf in an Interactive Roundtable on search during eTail 2007's Search Day event. The Search Day Roundtable takes place on Tuesday, February 13 in Palm Desert, CA. As part of the discussion, Dr. Ryan and Mr. Patterson will provide an overview of how Edwin Watts Golf has used site search and other search engine marketing techniques to increase online sales and traffic, including the use of SLI's Learning Search hosted site search and Site Champion automated SEO offerings.
"There's no better way to discuss the results retailers can expect from our hosted solutions than by having one of our customers talk about their own success," said Dr. Ryan. "Edwin Watts Golf is a perfect example of how our two offerings work together to learn from site visitor behavior to deliver better search results, and ultimately generate higher sales and conversions on an e-commerce site."
"We've worked with SLI Systems for a few years now and have had amazing results – whether it's from search activity on our own site or our site showing up more prominently in Internet searches," said David Patterson, Internet director for Edwin Watts Golf. "I'm always happy to have the opportunity to enlighten others about how they can achieve similar positive results without making heavy investment of time and money. In my book, SLI is a hole in one."
SLI Systems is exhibiting in booth #49 at the conference.
More than 100 online retailers and other companies are using SLI Systems' hosted offerings, including Chiasso, Ulta, Tupperware, Harry and David, Smith & Hawken, NRS (Northwest River Supplies), Mikasa, and eTronics.com, among others.
About SLI Systems
SLI Systems is the developer of learning-based search technology for corporate Internet sites, e-commerce destinations and consumer Internet portals that Searches, Learns and Improves the user experience. SLI Systems' hosted site search, and automated SEO and SEM solutions empower businesses to enhance customer satisfaction while increasing sales, reducing costs and yielding valuable customer information. Unlike traditional search software, SLI Systems' patented technology continuously "learns" from the behavior of visitors over time to deliver more relevant results. Current customers include Etronics.com, NBC, Tupperware, and others. SLI Systems is a privately held company, with offices in Silicon Valley, London, and Christchurch, New Zealand. For more information, visit www.sli-systems.com.
CUPERTINO, CA – February 12, 2007 – SLI Systems, Inc. (www.sli-systems.com), a provider of on-demand search services for Internet and e-commerce sites, today announced that its CEO Dr. Shaun Ryan will participate with David Patterson of golf retailer Edwin Watts Golf in an Interactive Roundtable on search during eTail 2007's Search Day event. The Search Day Roundtable takes place on Tuesday, February 13 in Palm Desert, CA. As part of the discussion, Dr. Ryan and Mr. Patterson will provide an overview of how Edwin Watts Golf has used site search and other search engine marketing techniques to increase online sales and traffic, including the use of SLI's Learning Search hosted site search and Site Champion automated SEO offerings.
"There's no better way to discuss the results retailers can expect from our hosted solutions than by having one of our customers talk about their own success," said Dr. Ryan. "Edwin Watts Golf is a perfect example of how our two offerings work together to learn from site visitor behavior to deliver better search results, and ultimately generate higher sales and conversions on an e-commerce site."
"We've worked with SLI Systems for a few years now and have had amazing results – whether it's from search activity on our own site or our site showing up more prominently in Internet searches," said David Patterson, Internet director for Edwin Watts Golf. "I'm always happy to have the opportunity to enlighten others about how they can achieve similar positive results without making heavy investment of time and money. In my book, SLI is a hole in one."
SLI Systems is exhibiting in booth #49 at the conference.
More than 100 online retailers and other companies are using SLI Systems' hosted offerings, including Chiasso, Ulta, Tupperware, Harry and David, Smith & Hawken, NRS (Northwest River Supplies), Mikasa, and eTronics.com, among others.
About SLI Systems
SLI Systems is the developer of learning-based search technology for corporate Internet sites, e-commerce destinations and consumer Internet portals that Searches, Learns and Improves the user experience. SLI Systems' hosted site search, and automated SEO and SEM solutions empower businesses to enhance customer satisfaction while increasing sales, reducing costs and yielding valuable customer information. Unlike traditional search software, SLI Systems' patented technology continuously "learns" from the behavior of visitors over time to deliver more relevant results. Current customers include Etronics.com, NBC, Tupperware, and others. SLI Systems is a privately held company, with offices in Silicon Valley, London, and Christchurch, New Zealand. For more information, visit www.sli-systems.com.
Friday, July 4, 2008
My Experience Choosing Clubs at Edwin Watts Golf
After Saturday's trip to the golfing simulator at Dick's Sporting Goods I decided to try the Nike Sumo irons as soon as possible. For this experience, I ventured over to Edwin Watts Golf, a national retailer that's been around since 1968. Before leaving the house I called Edwin Watts to make sure they had the Sumo irons in graphite; Jeff was quick to point out they could accommodate me. He was also extremely helpful in trying to work out the best possible route to the store given some traffic snafu's that had occurred recently. I'm a huge proponent of excellent customer service, and Jeff started things off right before I took the first step into the store.
Once getting to the store I found Jeff and we started discussing the fitting and club selection process. I gave Jeff all the pertinent background on my experience as well as what clubs I had already tried. Beginning with the warm-up swings I was overly impressed with their simulator, which was quite a bit better than Dick's. Once warmed up I went through a dozen or so shots with the Callaway X-20, the Nike Sumo, and the TaylorMade R7. I took at least an hour to carefully test each club's feel and the results of hitting a 6 iron down the virtual fairway. Hitting the R7 felt much the same as Saturday; something didn't "click." I hit the X-20 much the same as well, keeping consistent shot patterns between 10-15 yards "off" left/right and the distance right around 135-145 yards. The Sumo graphite results on the other hand were largely different. The feel and weight of the club were excellent and 100% of my shots were within 5-8 yards (again, left/right) of the target. Distance was also consistent. The graphite shafts made a huge difference in how the club felt and performed under my control. With these new results I had nearly settled on the Sumo irons as the next set to enter my bag.
Before making a final decision, I went through the same procedure with what seemed like 15-20 different drivers. The golf pro had me test at least 7 models of drivers in all sorts of degree's, shafts, and offsets. I tried drivers ranging from entry level $129 sticks to the nearly $500 Callaway FT-i. The testing encompassed brands from Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade, Nike, Cobra, and others. After another hour or so I had narrowed my choice to the Nike Sumo Squared or the Nike Sumo. Both clubs, in graphite and stiff shafts, felt incredible in my hands and I hit them both well. I really liked looking down at the square head of the Sumo Squared - it really is a beautiful club and made an amazing sound on impact. After hitting these two selections back and forth in 5 minute intervals for another half-hour, I finally decided to go with the original Sumo driver.
After deciding to go with the Nike Sumo driver, I went back and hit another half-dozen balls with the X-20 and Sumo irons. With the results staying the same as previous testing, I decided to get the Sumo irons.
The fitting process Edwin Watts used took cues from the Ping and Callaway specifications. I hit from a Ping board to test, on average, where the ball was striking the face of the club. I wound up needing a 2 degree offset. To ensure this measurement was accurate I also hit a range ball with the token red marker line on it which transfers to the face of the club each swing. I was consistently swinging within the same range on the club face. My height address to the ball was also measured indicating I needed a 1/4 inch longer club than normal. Incidentally, this adjustment helped me address the ball with a driver by extending the club out from my body forcing the toe of the driver face towards the ground. Once all the information was tallied and confirmed by the computer, I was set to order.
It took a few minutes to write up the order for Nike to be able to build the custom clubs. The driver, 3 wood, and 5 wood were already in stock, so those went home with me the same day. In 7-10 business days I should have the Sumo irons to match the woods. All-in-all my experience with Edwin Watts was fantastic. Since Edwin Watts is only a golf store (not a generic sporting goods store) I was worried of getting a cold shoulder, bad customer service, or simply getting treated poorly by an ego-driven gold pro. The actual results couldn't have been more different. They have a fantastic store, competitive pricing, and the simulator was quite a lot of fun and chock full of swing analysis data.
Lastly, I highly encourage other interested golfers to get fitted for clubs. This ensures you are a) using the best brand/model for your current (and potentially future) swing and b) that the clubs themselves are fit to your size, swing style, swing speed, and more. It's worth the time it takes to get it done. I was slow and methodical during the process, but it could probably be done in half the time I took. When the Nike's come in I'll be sure and post some pics.
Once getting to the store I found Jeff and we started discussing the fitting and club selection process. I gave Jeff all the pertinent background on my experience as well as what clubs I had already tried. Beginning with the warm-up swings I was overly impressed with their simulator, which was quite a bit better than Dick's. Once warmed up I went through a dozen or so shots with the Callaway X-20, the Nike Sumo, and the TaylorMade R7. I took at least an hour to carefully test each club's feel and the results of hitting a 6 iron down the virtual fairway. Hitting the R7 felt much the same as Saturday; something didn't "click." I hit the X-20 much the same as well, keeping consistent shot patterns between 10-15 yards "off" left/right and the distance right around 135-145 yards. The Sumo graphite results on the other hand were largely different. The feel and weight of the club were excellent and 100% of my shots were within 5-8 yards (again, left/right) of the target. Distance was also consistent. The graphite shafts made a huge difference in how the club felt and performed under my control. With these new results I had nearly settled on the Sumo irons as the next set to enter my bag.
Before making a final decision, I went through the same procedure with what seemed like 15-20 different drivers. The golf pro had me test at least 7 models of drivers in all sorts of degree's, shafts, and offsets. I tried drivers ranging from entry level $129 sticks to the nearly $500 Callaway FT-i. The testing encompassed brands from Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade, Nike, Cobra, and others. After another hour or so I had narrowed my choice to the Nike Sumo Squared or the Nike Sumo. Both clubs, in graphite and stiff shafts, felt incredible in my hands and I hit them both well. I really liked looking down at the square head of the Sumo Squared - it really is a beautiful club and made an amazing sound on impact. After hitting these two selections back and forth in 5 minute intervals for another half-hour, I finally decided to go with the original Sumo driver.
After deciding to go with the Nike Sumo driver, I went back and hit another half-dozen balls with the X-20 and Sumo irons. With the results staying the same as previous testing, I decided to get the Sumo irons.
The fitting process Edwin Watts used took cues from the Ping and Callaway specifications. I hit from a Ping board to test, on average, where the ball was striking the face of the club. I wound up needing a 2 degree offset. To ensure this measurement was accurate I also hit a range ball with the token red marker line on it which transfers to the face of the club each swing. I was consistently swinging within the same range on the club face. My height address to the ball was also measured indicating I needed a 1/4 inch longer club than normal. Incidentally, this adjustment helped me address the ball with a driver by extending the club out from my body forcing the toe of the driver face towards the ground. Once all the information was tallied and confirmed by the computer, I was set to order.
It took a few minutes to write up the order for Nike to be able to build the custom clubs. The driver, 3 wood, and 5 wood were already in stock, so those went home with me the same day. In 7-10 business days I should have the Sumo irons to match the woods. All-in-all my experience with Edwin Watts was fantastic. Since Edwin Watts is only a golf store (not a generic sporting goods store) I was worried of getting a cold shoulder, bad customer service, or simply getting treated poorly by an ego-driven gold pro. The actual results couldn't have been more different. They have a fantastic store, competitive pricing, and the simulator was quite a lot of fun and chock full of swing analysis data.
Lastly, I highly encourage other interested golfers to get fitted for clubs. This ensures you are a) using the best brand/model for your current (and potentially future) swing and b) that the clubs themselves are fit to your size, swing style, swing speed, and more. It's worth the time it takes to get it done. I was slow and methodical during the process, but it could probably be done in half the time I took. When the Nike's come in I'll be sure and post some pics.
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