Improved Scores Aren’t Always in the Bag

Manufacturers of golf equipment are constantly trying to come up with cool, new stuff to help you shoot lower scores.

OK, so what they’re really trying to do is make things you think will help you improve your game so you’ll empty your wallet hoping they’ll do just that.

Chances are, though, if you’re a 20-handicapper you’ll remain a 20-handicapper despite that new oversized titanium driver you bought, those low-profile fairway woods you put in your bag or those extra-distance golf balls you’ve already lost.

What you really need is practice, because only then will you make your slice disappear, will you be able to hit the greens in regulation, will you be able to hit the ball not only farther, but straighter.

And only with practice will you be able to get the most out of all the technological advancements that have come along in recent years, such as the few mentioned above and the many more you’ll come across in the years ahead.

At the recent 1999 PGA Merchandise Show at Orlando, Fla., 1,406 companies showed their wares to more than 50,000 people from 78 countries.

Two long-established golf companies, Cobra and Taylor Made, announced their entry into the already glutted golf ball market, as did one company less involved with golf, Nike, whose company logo, given the proper lie, might plant the seeds of a slice or a hook in your head.

Mizuno introduced its titanium golf glove, and the next thing you know someone will come out with a line of titanium underwear.

Florsheim announced its “Magneforce” shoes, featuring magnet therapy for increased blood flow in the feet. Now you can collect iron particles from the bunkers as well as grass on the bottom of your shows.

There was the Bermuda Triangle putter, featuring an extra-large club face as part of the triangle, designed to make your ball disappear faster into the cup.

And there was much more.

But one of the standout items at the show was not something you wear on your hands or feet, or something you can wrap around a tree.

It was something that actually stands. A bag. The Belding Balance Bag, to be precise. Oxnard-based Belding Sports claims this bag will “lighten your score” if not lower it.

That it will, if you like to walk from hole to hole. The bags weigh only between 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 pounds, depending on the model.

But what sets them apart from other carry bags is the strap. In essence, wearing a Balance bag is like wearing a backpack. The straps feature four small elastic shock absorbers for comfort and distribute the weight equally on each shoulder, instead of the 75%-25% distribution some dual straps offer.

“They gave me one with my name and our club logo on it, and I put it in our golf shop and I’m allowing our members who like to walk to give it a try,” said Steve Vigiano, director of golf at Spanish Hills Golf & Country Club in Camarillo. “And everyone who has gone out and played with it wants one. I pre-ordered 12 at the merchandise show and they’re all spoken for already.”

Tony Caruso, manager of the golf shop at Riviera Country Club, site of this week’s Nissan Open, said a shipment of Balance bags isn’t expected until after the tournament but he expects them to be a big hit with the members.

“We have so many walkers on our course, and when you walk with one of these you don’t have the weight shifting around so this will be a great bag for them,” Caruso said. “Plus, it’s got these pockets that actually pop out much larger than they appear.”

The bags--there are three models ranging in price from $100 and $140--have between five and eight pockets, depending on the model. You can stuff all sorts of things into them, like your titanium gloves, magnetic shoes and Nike golf balls.

And then you can go out and shoot the same score you always shoot, but at least you’ll be comfortable.