In 2022, our team has already put a lot of new gear to the test, ranging from clubs and shoes to clothes and electric trollies. Despite the fact that the year is still new, we’ve already noticed some distinct tendencies for the remainder of the year. So, what can you anticipate in terms of golf equipment in 2022? Matte finished dives and slimmed down irons, as well as portable launch monitors and urethane covered non-Tour golf balls, are some of the upcoming trends. If you’re considering buying new golf equipment this year, this can help you figure out what to look for.
- The mid-high handicap irons are looking great…
The first thing we’ve observed heading into 2022 is that marketers have put a lot of effort into making mid-high handicap golfers’ irons appear better than before. The redesigned irons are somewhat smaller and more compact both behind the ball and in the bag. This doesn’t mean they’ve lost any forgiveness, and we’ve been impressed by how much forgiving technology has been crammed into smaller heads like the Rogue ST Pro irons. If you still want forgiveness and chunkier heads, there are plenty of more traditional high handicap irons available, such as the Cobra LTDx.
- More spikeless athletic shoes
Many of the top spikeless golf shoes produced so far this year have been significantly more athletic and sporty than in previous years. The new FootJoy Fuel shoe is a great example of this, with a sportier style than we’ve seen from the brand in a long time. They’re more athletic, but not overly so, and they should appeal to a wide spectrum of players. The grip on these spikeless shoes has improved with time, and by 2022, there should be even more of these shoes available that can be worn all year.
- Matte black crowns on drivers
When it comes to how good some of the newest and best golf drivers look, we believe the bar has been raised significantly this year. Thanks to a matte black crown, the new Callaway Rogue ST and TaylorMade Stealth drivers have an even more aspirational look in 2022.
- More forceful, duller driver impact noises
Another trend we’ve found with 2022 drivers is duller impact sounds and, as a result, drivers that sound and feel more powerful. The Cobra LTDx and Callaway Rogue ST drivers, in particular, have evolved significantly from the 2021 models. Not all drivers have gone this path, and the Ping G425 Max is still one of the higher-pitch drivers available in 2022.
- Launch monitors on wheels
We believe that golfers wishing to employ portable, easy-to-use golf gadgets at home during the peak of the pandemic in 2020 sparked this latest trend in golf equipment. Since then, a slew of more affordable launch monitors have hit the market, and we’ve been satisfied with their general accuracy and usability. The PRGR Portable Launch Monitor and the Blast Golf Swing Analyzer are two of the technologies we’ve been most impressed with in 2022.
6. In the United States, there are six electric golf caddies
The increased use of golf trolleys (or golf caddies if you’re from the US) on American golf courses is another pandemic-related gear trend for 2022. When we went to the golf course in 2020, ride-on carts were outlawed for much of the year, so there was a significant increase in American golfers walking the course. Manufacturers of electric caddies are developing more than ever before, and the in-built GPS system and simple folding mechanics have made them even more pleasurable to use.
- All-in-one distance measuring gadgets resurface
We’ve seen gadgets like this previously, such as the Bushnell Hybrid, which integrated DMDs into one box. The Shot Scope Pro LX+ and Voice Caddie T8 are two pieces of technology on our radar for 2022. The Shot Scope device is especially intriguing since it combines laser capability with GPS and shot tracking.
- Non-Tour golf balls with urethane covers
Manufacturers have proven a willingness to create a choice for golfers who don’t want to pay for a Tour-level golf ball but still want exceptional performance with the Wilson Triad and Srixon Q-Star Tour golf balls. This group of golf balls are true ‘all-rounders,’ meaning they’ll perform well off the tee as well as on the greens. For golfers wishing to switch up their setup in 2022, these could be a wonderful alternative.
- Long-term viability
The seriousness of the climate crisis seemed to peak in 2021, and we’ve already seen a number of golf manufacturers take steps toward more sustainable operations in 2022. The new adidas Tour 360 22 golf shoes are constructed in part from recycled plastic trash, and we’re seeing firms like Ocean Tee and Reflo emerge with sustainability at the forefront of their manufacturing processes. Expect to see most big golf businesses becoming more open and mindful of the sustainability aspects of their production practices as we go further to 2022.
- Cost
In comparison to last year, prices in 2022 have remained rather stable. Brands have been able to take a blow on the soaring production and transportation expenses in 2022 thanks to the post-Covid participation and sales growth. While we believe prices will remain relatively steady for this reason in 2022, we believe prices will begin to rise slightly in 2023. Obviously, if participation and sales remain as high as they were in 2021 and 2022, pricing across the board should remain stable.
Original article posted on Golf Monthly
