After years of declining participation, golf has experienced a rejuvenation, largely due to the pandemic. After all, it provided a chance to get outdoors, play a sport and still socially distance from other players. Whether it was regular golfers playing more often, former golfers returning to the game, or beginners trying the sport for the first time, golf courses and driving ranges have seen a massive boost they hope will continue into 2021.
From June through December 2020, golf rounds increased by 75 million nationwide (a 27% gain over the previous period in 2019), pumping life back into a sport and industry badly in need of a boost.
Drivers – Let the Big Dog Eat
TaylorMade SIM2 (Standard, Max, Max•D)
Improving on their popular Sim driver, TaylorMade has incorporated what they’ve learned in recent years into their newest offering. With a full carbon crown and sole, and available in a range of eye-catching colors, the Sim2 features the Speed Injection Twist Face technology that provides forgiveness on non-perfect drives by enlarging the sweet spot.
The SIM2 is the standard model, giving golfers the chance to bomb their drive with optimal launch angle and low spin. The SIM2 Max focuses on increased forgiveness and speed, ideal for an older player or less experienced golfer, delivering a mid-to-high launch and relatively low spin. The SIM2 Max•D is similar to the Max, but does everything in its power to help the user draw the ball (a big help for slicers). $529.99 at
Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select
Many golfers swear by their Scotty Cameron putter, and the newest offerings span the range of shapes, sizes, etc. Solid milled designs feature sleeker head profiles, thinner and flatter toplines, and performance balanced weighting. Three blade styles join five mid-mallet options, so testing out different models is highly advised as the differences may appear miniscule, but could have outsized impact on your score. They’re pricy, but well worth the money if you can use it for a decade or two.
$399
