Just For Her: New Technology Advances the Women’s Game

Women’s golf clubs used to be a collective afterthought: Ma   ny companies merely took their men’s models and slapped a lightweight shaft and a coat of pink paint on them. But with the advancement of design technology in recent years, as well as the ability to customize club components, manufacturers now offer clubs that are properly and uniquely weighted and sized for women, designed to work with their swing speed and strength. And it’s not just clubs that have found their feminine side. Other products — even golf balls — are available in unique, female-specific versions.

Callaway’s Women’s XR OS irons ($675/set) are designed for easy distance with forgiveness. They feature 360 face cup technology that helps add ball speed for more distance. The sole is wide, so it glides through any kind of turf with less effort. Each club head has more weight in the low rear, to help shots get up in the air quickly. The set’s progressive loft and length are also carefully configured to maximize carry. And to further help swing speeds, each club has a graphite shaft and lighter swingweight.

The women’s edition of adidas Golf’s Climacross Boost shoe ($130) includes a full-length midsole foam that provides heavenly cushioning that keeps feet energized as the round progresses. The upper is made of a stretch textile mesh that’s breathable and comfortable. Its new “puremotion” rubber outsole has deeper and wider grooves than its predecessor, for enhanced flexibility, comfort and on/off course versatility. A lightweight foam sock liner enhances cushioning and comfort, while an external TPU heel counter adds support and stability.

FootJoy’s Women’s Contour FLX glove ($17) is handcrafted with premium CabrettaSof leather for a supple feel, thanks to a proprietary leather preparation technique. Breathable mesh along the knuckles creates cool comfort while improving fit and flexibility, and material along the back of the hand gives a comfortable wrist elastic for a contoured fit. The closure tab is strategically positioned for a precise fit and stress free comfort. An included ball mark stays magnetically attached to flap.

Cobra Golf’s women’s KING F7 fairway woods ($239) are adjustable, long and forgiving. Progressive rails and adjustable front-to-back center of gravity help maximize distance through an optimized launch and spin. On the 3-wood, the rails are shorter and less pronounced, thus best for a sweeping attack angle, allowing the club to glide easier through any lie. The 5-wood has a medium height rail, to reduce digging into the turf. That helps retain club head speed and distance, regardless of whether the attack angle is shallow or sweeping.

Bridgestone says their wildly popular Lady Precept ($20/dozen) is now the brand’s softest ball. After conducting more than 15,000 live fittings with female golfers, Bridgestone developed this woman-specific model for moderate swing speeds. It’s designed to launch higher and spin lower off the driver for longer distance and carry, while providing soft feel. The soft core enhances distance and feel, while the seamless cover technology optimizes aerodynamics.