Equipment
The Summer
Round-Up by
SCOTT KRAMER
HERE WE ARE ACCELERATING INTO THE GOLF SEASON , and you ’ re now discovering a few missing pieces in your armor , or some things that just need replacing . We ’ ve got you covered with several solid candidates , in various categories , because it ’ s time to ramp up and move forward with your game .
L . A . B . GOLF // DF3 PUTTER
L . A . B . Golf ’ s DF3 mallet putter is billed as forgiving , stable and fully automatic — meaning it feels as if it ’ s guiding itself on the correct path on the way back and through your stroke , returning to square at impact . Its “ Lie Angle Balance ” helps it stay that way . The center-shafted head is unique , with a flat bottom model with an oddly shaped ring that ’ s hollow in the middle . That hole is referred to as a “ Gimme Getter ” as it ’ s a golf ball-shaped cutout designed to scoop a ball when you press it onto the ball . You can get the DF3 in a stock or custom model — with the latter , you can choose from standard-length or counterbalanced models in eight different colors , with a wide range of grip and upgraded shaft options . And you can also choose the length , 33 different alignment markings , as well as standard , heavy , or light head weights . labgolf . com , $ 559 / custom , $ 449 / stock
MIZUNO // ST-MAX 230 DRIVER
Mizuno ’ s ST-Max 230 driver is a low-profile , wide-footprint model with 54 grams of back weight for extra stability . A proprietary new CORTECH Chamber and forged Beta-Ti clubface result in extra ball speed . What exactly does this marketing terminology mean ? It ’ s powerful — comparable in distance to literally any driver on the market this year . The sound and feel are spectacularly solid , and tee shots will carry seemingly forever before landing with a lively catapult forward . At address , this looks more than capable with its more rounded , deeper profile and shiny black crown . It has weight located closer to the hosel — meaning it ’ s slightly higher spinning and draw-biased for most golfers playing the higher lofts , and more workable for elite amateurs who play lower lofts . Those who naturally draw the ball will notice a super-energized landing and likely get a few extra yards with it . mizunogolf . com , $ 500
38 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY / J UNE 2024 vsga . org