BRIDGESTONE // ELECTRON BALL
Junior golf is booming, with youth participation up nearly 50 percent since 2019. That’ s why Bridgestone teamed up with the national youth golf program First Tee to create the Electron ball, designed specifically for young players. This two-piece ball features a low-compression core for easy launch and maximum distance, plus a soft feel for improved short game performance. Its shallow dimple design helps promote faster lift and higher peak trajectory.“ It’ s designed to help younger players launch the ball more easily and have more fun playing golf,” said Dan Murphy, president of Bridgestone Golf. Available only at Dick’ s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, each dozen includes balls in four facemark colors and First Tee-inspired messaging. $ 22 / dozen; bridgestonegolf. com
TITLEIST // GT280 MINI-DRIVER
Offering the best of both worlds, Titleist’ s GT280 mini-driver features a 280cc clubhead, 13 degrees of loft and a 43.5-inch shaft for longer, more forgiving shots than a fairway wood with more control than a driver.“ We heard from more and more players who were looking for a club that gapped between their driver and 3-wood,” said Josh Talge, Titleist’ s Vice President of Golf Club Marketing. Tour pros like Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris use it as a go-to off the tee and off the deck. It has a lightweight polymer crown for solid impact sound and feel, forward / aft adjustable weighting with 11- and 3-gram weights, a forged L-Cup face to maximize performance on contact made low on the face, and a lower leading edge to improve turf playability. Expect near-driver distance with better accuracy. $ 499; titleist. com
TOUR EDGE // XTREME STAND LUX BAG
Tour Edge is known for quality clubs at low prices, but it also offers gear like the new Xtreme Stand Lux bag. Available in black, dark gray, navy, white / black and light gray, it combines sharp looks with smart function, designed for comfort, convenience and style. Made from matte-finished synthetic leather with a smooth texture and water-resistant zippers, it has an integrated top-cuff handle for easy carrying. The bag features a 5-way top with two full-length dividers, a premium double strap and a matching rain hood. Bonus: the ball pocket is customizable. Weighing just 5.5 pounds, it offers eight external pockets— five waterproof, two magnetic and an insulated cooler sleeve. A quick-release stand system with a low-profile base makes opening and closing the legs breezy. $ 200; touredge. com
vsga. org J U LY / A UGUST 2025 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 39