In these unprecedented times, it probably feels like it might be months until you next get chance to tee it up on the golf course on a Saturday morning.
That doesn't stop us from hoping and praying that the season will be here sooner rather than later, however. So when it does arrive, you want to make sure that you're suitably equipped to make a fast start.
With that in mind we've compiled a list of the best golf gear we have tested in 2020 so far and we've even split them into sections for you, to make it even easier to decide which section of your bag needs upgrading before you next get out on to the course.
Do you think we've missed anything out? Let us know below!
DRIVERS
Released: 23/01/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £469
Quick Hit: Callaway's AI super-computer creates a new trio of Flash Faces for three new models: Mavrik, Max and Sub Zero. These unique faces are said to keep ball speeds up, with the Mavrik head in particular featuring an aerodynamic shape providing optimal speed and performance.
Golfalot Says: "I would certainly put the Sub Zero into my bag. It suits all my needs in terms of a consistent spin rate in the mid 2500s and it flies higher and longer than my current driver."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 06/01/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £479
Quick Hit: The eye-catching new Inertia Generator sole shape is said to reduce drag during the golf swing for more clubhead speed, whilst you also benefit from TaylorMade's Speed Injection and Twist Face technology for better forgiveness and more ball speed.
Golfalot Says: "I'd put the SIM Max driver in my bag tomorrow, it's gorgeous looks are matched with its forgiveness, low spin distance and this is all backed up by the numbers. "
Read the FULL REVIEW
FAIRWAY WOODS
Released: 07/02/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £369
Quick Hit: TaylorMade's classic V-Steel sole has been reincarnated, to help with versatility and turf interaction. There is also Twist Face technology and a Speed Pocket specifically aimed at helping with strikes lower on the face - a common issue for many golfers with their fairway woods.
Golfalot Says: "It's a very good looking 3 wood which performs well off the tee and ground and does go that little bit higher. I think I’d choose to game this club above the SIM due to its accuracy and stunning looks."
Read the FULL REVIEW
Released: 23/01/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £269
Quick Hit: The largest and most forgiving head in the Mavrik range, the Max promotes a higher launch and draw bias, with a 30% higher MOI than the previous Epic Flash mode.
Golfalot Says: "This is a very good game-improvement club as long as you aren’t put off with the size of the head and the clear draw-bias. The larger footprint here equals greater forgiveness though, which in my opinion is what a higher-handicap golfer should be looking for over looks."
Read the FULL REVIEW
IRONS
Released: 20.01.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £1183
Quick Hit: Ping's longest, most forgiving iron features a maraging steel face with 5% more MOI than the G700 Iron. The stealth hydropearl finish, with black PVD coating, gives this a distinctive look which has already been a hit among golfers.
Golfalot Says: "The G710 is the best looking true game-improvement iron I have tried. It's long and offers great forgiveness."
Read the FULL REVIEW
Released: 07.02.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £899
Quick Hit: The longest iron in TaylorMade's lineup, the SIM Max OS features many of the same technolgies as the Max iron but in an oversized head shape, with a taller face and a wider sole for better stability and forgiveness.
Golfalot Says: "If you need ultimate distance and forgiveness, then look no further than the SIM Max OS."
Read the FULL REVIEW
Released: 06.02.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £849
Quick Hit: The use of Artificial Intelligence allows Callaway to produce a unique Flash Face Cup for every single iron in the set, providing better consistency and results. Urethane microspheres also help with sound and feel, creating the 'player's-distance' iron.
Golfalot Says: "The one word that kept springing to mind whilst hitting these clubs was 'pure'. They were pure feeling, pure sounding and pure looking."
Read the FULL REVIEW
WEDGES
Released: 06.03.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £160
Quick Hit: There are three main improvements from the SM7 range: a new centre of gravity placement which makes it much easier to square the face, refined sole and grind options, and 100% inspected spin milled grooves on the face.
Golfalot Says: "They look, feel and perform great and with the added grind and bounce there are so many options to suit your swing and conditions."
Read the FULL REVIEW
Released: 01.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £109
Quick Hit: A buttery feel is produced via a soft-forged 8620 Carbon Steel construction, while machine-engraved score lines in the precision-milled face are said to have a higher density pattern, which provides more consistent contact with the ball and generates better spin and control
Golfalot Says: "It looks great and performs very consistently, whilst also providing a little more forgiveness than you'd expect from a compact shape."
Read the FULL REVIEW
PUTTERS
Released: 20.01.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £275
Quick Hit: A new machined face creates a firmer feel and sound at impact than previous Ping putters, whilst their revolutionary adjustment technology allows you to change the length of the putter between 32 and 36 inches.
Golfalot Says: "The two main things for me with putters is looking good and giving you the confidence to make putts. With nine models available in the Ping Heppler range, I'm sure you can find a model which you'll enjoy."
Read the FULL REVIEW
Released: 31.01.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £269
Quick Hit: Designed and shaped specifically to provide high MOI for greater forgiveness, the putters also feature Odyssey's Stroke Lab shaft which helps to improve the consistency of the putting stroke. The new Microhinge Star insert also provides a slightly firmer feel than previous Odyssey faces.
Golfalot Says: "This is no doubt a good performing putter. We love Stroke Lab at Golfalot and I like the combination of the hard feeling face, stroke lab shaft and standout sight line."
Read the FULL REVIEW
GOLF SHOES
Released: April 2020
RRP As Reviewed: £180
Quick Hit: The main technology comes in the form of a Zonal Fluidform injection, which is applied into the shoe's midsole to create three different zones of softness. This is said to provide the right levels of cushioning and stability in the areas of the foot where you'll need it most.
Golfalot Says: "The S-Three is, without doubt, the most comfortable out-of-the-box golf shoe I have ever worn."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 22.01.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £149.99/£179.99
Quick Hit: The Pro|SL now features an infinity outsole which provides 189 traction points for superior ground contact and grip, along with a dual density midsole for extra comfort. The Pro|SL Carbon comes with a carbon-fibre midsole insert with Ortholite impressions insole, along with a few other extra touches such as moulded 3D heel collar and stretch tongue.
Golfalot Says: "I could see keen golfers buying both shoes. The Pro|SL would be a golfer's summer shoe - it's a little more breathable and lightweight whereas you really could play in the Pro|SL Carbon in any conditions. It just offers that little more warmth, comfort, support and looks a little meatier."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
TECHNOLOGY
Released: 29.01.2020
RRP As Reviewed: £359
Quick Hit: Bushnell has added some of the most popular features from the top-of-the-range Pro XE rangefinder into their 'Tour V' series this year, including the BITE Magnetic mount and PinSeeker with Visual Jolt technology.
Golfalot Says: "The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is everything you'd expect from a Bushnell rangefinder. Lightning fast, extremely accurate and really easy to use."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Golf Organisations Announce Revised 2020 Schedule
Best Drivers Of 2019
Best Irons Of 2019