Ben Hogan Reenters Driver Market

Most golfers can be excused if they don’t remember Ben Hogan Golf’s drivers since you have to go back to the early years of this century for the last one-wood they sold. That’s all changed now with the GS53 model driver accompanied by companion fairway woods that carry a model name to commemorate Ben Hogan’s three major win year of 1953.

As the company correctly points out the driver business is characterized by hyperbole, high prices and most unfortunately incremental (if any) performance improvements. They want to bring a different approach to the category with factory-direct sales, virtually no advertising and no endorsements by stars on the PGA Tour allowing them to price clubs at the lower end of the price spectrum.

The GS53 has a two-piece body of titanium with a forged 6-4 titanium alloy variable thickness face that are all laser welded. The face design which is called Face Flex helps preserve ball speed when contact is not exactly in the center. Score lines are milled not stamped which speaks volumes about the high-quality methods BHG uses following in the steps of Ben Hogan’s philosophy of club making.

“Ben Hogan was famous for his no-nonsense approach to his game and his business.” said Scott White, President and CEO. “We felt the designs and marketing claims in the driver and fairway woods categories had gotten out of control in recent years.  We’ve been working on the GS53 projects for a long time with the simple goal of delivering exceptionally beautiful drivers and fairways woods that provide industry-leading performance. No ridiculous hype, unnecessary technologies, materials or graphics … and certainly without the crazy price tags.”

They also have slightly different take the adjustable hosel, a feature that has become an industry standard on drivers and fairway woods. BHG calls it Flight Control and it offers ± 1° of loft change plus the lie angle and face angle can be moved from square to open or closed for a total of eight settings.

Brand & Model
Ben Hogan Golf GS53 driver and fairway woods
Key Features
445 cc driver
Traditional head shape
Laser welded titanium head
Price & Availability
Driver $300 – Fairway woods $200
At retail now
Need to Know
Factory direct sales only at BenHoganGolf.com. After market shafts with no upcharge: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black (low trajectory), Tensei CK Blue (mid trajectory), UST Mamiya Helium™ (high trajectory). Free shopping in U.S. and BHG has a no risk demo program.

Aim W10
GolfBuddy has added the aim W10 GPS watch with a 1.3-inch touch screen display that shows green slopes (where available) with a zoom function. Front, back and center green distance plus hazards and pin location change adjustment are standard. Bluetooth connectable with the free GolfBuddy app it comes preloaded with 39,000 courses. Priced at golf shops and online at $304.99. Digital scorecard included. Up to 13 hours of battery life.

Miura Tour HB Wedges

The new Milled Tour Wedge High Bounce (HB) from Miura Golf increases playability while maintaining precision and control.

Miura has added to their Tour Wedge line High Bounce models that have a wider sole tapering from toe to heel to give more effective bounce in the middle of the sole. They are forged from soft carbon steel to give the feel Miura is so well known for,

“We’re extremely excited to expand upon the success of our Tour Wedge product line with the introduction of Tour Wedge High Bounce (HB),” said Miura Executive Vice President, Jason Rutkowski. “The new design elements should appeal to more golfers, specifically those that have a steeper angle of attack on wedges.”

Milled with a C Grind that has added heel and toe relief and camber for front to back relief to increase playability. Lofts are available from 50° to 62° in 2-degree increments and available for $295 at authorized club fitters or on the Miura web site.