PXG // GEN7 0311 IRONS
The PXG GEN7 0311 P iron is the sleek , forged model for low-to-mid handicap players . Offered in two nice-looking finishes — chrome and extreme dark — it provides a soft feel , workability and forgiveness with its moderate offset and mid-size head . And it ’ s loaded with proprietary technology , such as the extremely lightweight core material that helps reduce the core ’ s mass , enabling more weight to be positioned low and to the perimeter of the backside . Add to that a variable ultra-thin maraging steel face that enhances face deflection and ball speed , and you will find solid distance and tight dispersion that ’ s at least comparable to competitor models , if not better . A U-shaped power channel built into the internal surface of the face helps transfer energy to increase launch angle , trajectory and ball speed . The large center weight on the rear helps optimize swing weight , which can be fine-tuned during an in-person fitting but isn ’ t meant to be adjusted after purchase . You can also expect solid-sounding impact . $ 240 each , pxg . com
CALLAWAY // APEX Ai200 IRONS
The moment you first hit Callaway ’ s Apex Ai200 player ’ s distance iron , you may well be seduced . It looks inviting and powerful as you stand over your shot , feels buttery soft at impact and performs beyond expectations . Of course , your mileage may vary . But it was excellent in our testing . The Ai200 is geared towards mid- and low-handicap golfers who can use a little help with ball flight . It features a hollow body and a forged steel face cup that work in concert to yield a solid click at impact , along with outstanding power across the clubface . Incorporating a thin top line and the brand ’ s highly-touted Ai Smart Face that generates speed and spin consistency with tight dispersion into greens , the iron also optimizes flight and forgiveness via strategically positioned weighting . $ 1,400 for a seven-club set , callawaygolf . com
SCOTTY CAMERON // XPERIMENTAL GOLO 6.2 LTD PUTTER
Here ’ s a high-end tool you can trust on the greens that also makes for a great holiday present . Scotty Cameron ’ s Xperimental GOLO 6.2 LTD putter may be pricey , but it ’ s a special limited release for righties and lefties . Sporting a tour-popular Chromatic Bronze finish with a glare-reducing golden hue , this rounded compact mallet has a new chain-link face milling pattern and custom paddle grip . Delivering a lot of stability and MOI , it ’ s precision-milled from 303 stainless steel . It also features asphalt and dirty white accents , plus a black anodized 6061 aluminum sole plate . “ Players really like the familiar view from address , to help with setup and alignment — as well as the feel of a trusted neck design ,” said Austie Rollinson , senior director of putter research and design at Titleist . “ It ’ s a beautiful putter built to perform at the highest levels .” There are also customizable stainless steel sole weights made to match the available lengths of 33 , 34 and 35 inches . $ 800 , scottycameron . com
TOUR EDGE // EXOTICS E725 DRIVER
Tour Edge ’ s 460cc Exotics E725 driver gives your tee shots maximum forgiveness by greatly boosting stability for less twisting at impact — leading to tighter shot dispersion and more center-of-the-fairway accuracy . An all-new “ flight tuning system ” features an 18-gram weight at the sole ’ s extreme trailing edge , letting you arrange the weights to influence a draw , neutral flight or fade , with a +/ - seven-yard heel and toe bias in directional flight . A titanium 360-degree brace wraps around the perimeter to frame the entire clubhead and help produce more power across the face . Speaking of , behind that face are 61 three-dimensional diamond shapes of variable thickness that aim to add speed and forgiveness to off-center hits . There ’ s also a channel along the sole directly behind the face that increases face flexing for amplified ball speed with less spin and extra forgiveness on shots struck lower on the face — where many amateur golfers make contact . $ 400 , touredge . com
vsga . org N OVEMBER / D ECEMBER 2024 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 39