A SMALLER SPIDER

If the golfer in your family watches professional golf there is a good chance they have commented on the TaylorMade Spider Tour putter used by Jason Day and Jon Rahm. The new Spider Mini combines the technologies that have made the Spider one of the most used putter models on Tour with characteristics of a traditional blade putter to allow a wider variety of players to benefit from the design.

Fifteen percent smaller, primarily through its wingless design, the Spider Mini maintains high moment of inertia (MOI) for stability. And in addition to releasing more like a blade, features a T-sightline for alignment and ‘Pure Roll’ insert for improved forward roll.

RRP: $449.

Contact: For more information, including where to buy, visit www.taylormadegolf.com.au

TIGER DAD

Tiger Woods is back on the PGA Tour, and now your Dad can use the same golf ball as the 14-time major champion when he steps out on course.

Bridgestone Golf has released a limited edition version of its top of the line Tour B XS ball that features the exact markings of Tiger’s own golf ball he plays on Tour.

In addition to the Tiger stamp and special edition box, the ball offers softer feel through its ‘SlipRes’ cover technology as well as increased ball speed and distance from the gradation core construction.

RRP: $69.99 (dozen).

Contact: To find out more about Bridgestone Tour B golf balls and to locate your nearest stockist, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.au

GET DAD MOTORING

Part of Australian company MGI’s popular Zip series of motorised buggies, the Zip X1 offers Dad an easy walk around the course thanks to its quiet 230 watt motor, which takes the push out of push buggy and allows complete focus on his play.

Like all Zip series models, of which the remote control Zip Navigator is the top of the range, the Zip X1 features a lithium battery and an ultra-light frame that is compact when folded down. The ergonomic T-bar handle houses the variable speed control, while a foldable fourth wheel offers added stability.

RRP: $1029.

Contact: To learn more about the entire MGI Zip series and to find your nearest stockist, visit www.mgigolf.com or call (03) 8872 6700.

ADD SOME ZIP

There is nothing worse than a non-working zipper on one of the pockets of your golf bag. Or the embarrassment of a zipper mishap on your favourite pair of golf pants mid round.

The FixnZip offers the perfect solution in such situations, sliding over the top of the broken zipper, instantly replacing it with no tools or sewing required.

Available in a range of sizes and capable of working on a variety of zipper materials, FixnZip is part of tactical kits carried by Navy Seals and can be reused again and again on anything from clothing to luggage.

RRP: $20.95.

Contact: To see the FixnZip in action visit www.fixnzip.com or to see the list of Australian stockists go to www.probioticpower.com.au/Stockistsf.html

WHAT A RELIEF

There is a good chance if Dad is a golfer, he will have some sort of golf-related ache or pain. Relievamed is a natural plant based formula offering relief from joint tension, arthritic joints, lower back issues and soreness caused by the overuse of muscles and joints.

Australian made and owned, Relievamed was co-founded by Dr Donna Marcal, PhD and uses a range of anti-inflammatory ingredients including curcuma xanthorrhiza, boswellia serrata, comfrey, rosemary and capsicum frutescens.

Relievamed goes to work instantly to help get Dad ready for the first tee and in addition to containing no harsh chemicals and drugs, the formula is non-greasy.

RRP: $28 +GST (75g).

Contact: To learn more about Relievamed and to purchase, visit www.relievamed.com

FOR THE BOOKSHELF ...

A LIFE IN GOLF

Peter Thomson with Steve Perkin

If you missed out getting the first edition of this wonderful book, make sure you get this second edition.

With a foreword by Geoff Ogilvy, A Life In Golf presents Thomson’s insights across a range of golfing topics from his career, to the golf swing, current players and course architecture.

The five-time Open Champion was one of the game’s greatest players and observers, which makes this book a must for any golfer’s library.

RRP: $23.75 www.booktopia.com.au

TIGER WOODS

Jeff Benedict & Armen Keteyian

If there is one word that best describes this latest Tiger Woods biography it is ‘detailed’.

This is not surprising given investigative journalists Benedict and Keteyian spent nearly three years researching the rise and fall of the world’s first billion dollar athlete.

While some old ground is covered by the writers, there is also plenty of detailed information drawn from more than four hundred interviews including members of Woods’ inner circle.

Once you get started you will find this one hard to put down.

RRP: $27.35 www.booktopia.com.au

GREAT GOLF DOWN UNDER (VOLUME 3)

Gary Lisbon

Gary Lisbon has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading golf course photographers … and he’s based right here in Australia.

This latest coffee table book from Lisbon features spectacular images and information covering 136 courses across Australia and New Zealand. From NZ’s Cape Kidnappers to Western Australia’s Kennedy Bay and all points between, Lisbon’s imagery is striking.

RRP: $69.95 (standard edition); $199.95 (leather bound limited edition) plus postage. www.greatgolfdownunder.com.au

PREFERRED LIES

Charles Happell & Mike Clayton

Veteran journalist Charles Happell and long-time Golf Australia magazine columnist, former Tour pro and course designer Mike Clayton take you inside the ropes with this great selection of golf yarns.

A host of contributors – including career caddie Steve Williams, award-winning writer John Huggan, the late Peter Thomson and comedian Rob Sitch – add to the wide range of topics and voices telling stories about the great game.

RRP: $29.99 (all good book stores).