Gifts for EveryGolfing TasteThe search for luxury presents to brighten the lives of discerning golfers isn’t confined to the festive season—it goes on all year. Kingdom tracks down some products worth considering

E-Z-GO IntrOducEs thE 2FIvE E-Z-GO introduces the 2Five, its first street-legal vehicle designed for neighborhood road errands. The 2Five travels at speeds up to 25mph and its standard features include a 48-volt AC electric powertrain, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, three-point seat belts and an on-board charger. “The 2Five is a convenient, fun and environmentally sound transportation alternative,” said E-Z-GO president Kevin P. Holleran. The vehicles are issued with an identification number, like any automobile, and can be operated by licensed drivers on most public roads with a speed limit of 35mph. ezgo.com/2Five

AdIdAs tOur360 4.0 GOlF shOEEngineered with ThiNTech, a technology that brings golfers closer to the ground, this shoe has a low center of gravity. The resulting stability and balance promotes more consistent ball striking.adidasgolf.com

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Musty PuttErsWhen pioneer golfers first played the game, clubs had heads shaped from either wood or iron while shafts were made of wood. Eventually steel replaced wood, then graphite replaced steel, and now titanium is King—or was…

Feel was the one thing steel never really offered while titanium delivers the sound of an empty oil can. But wood? Well, wood always sounded and felt great.

David Musty of Musty Putters has combined that great feel with superior performance to create the world’s only high-tech wooden putter. By raising the entire weighting system to the equator of the golf ball, Musty has also eliminated face hop and back spin, which was impossible to achieve with steel.

The center of the putter head, a super-light beater bar with aiming line, facilitates a separation of the weighting system and ensures that off-center putts still roll straight and the same distance as full-center putts.

Thanks to Musty Putters’ specialization in laser engraving, each putter can be individually tailored to the owner, making them ideal, and long-lasting, gifts.

Six styles and six hardwoods are available—see them all at mustyputters.net

rOssA GhOst PuttErThe Rossa Ghost Putter from TaylorMade has three black alignment lines running from just above the face to a centered, circular vent through the back of the head. The two outer lines are a ball’s width apart to further aid alignment and promote a solid contact. On the face, an AGSI+ insert promotes a smooth and consistent forward roll. The white appearance complements the color of the ball and stands out against green grass, thus taking the strain off your eyes. “The easiest putter to see is the easiest to align,” says former PGA champion and Ryder Cup captain Dave Stockton. taylormadegolf.com

tAylOrMAdE Xd bAllsTaylorMade has produced a forgiving golf ball with a sweet spot that is considerably expanded due to its blend of dimple sizes, edges and depths. The XD ball’s LDP technology, combined with a low spin zone, promotes added lift on off-centre hits by most brands of driver to keep the ball airborne for longer. The result should be improved distance and a livelier feel off the clubface for golfers of all levels of ability.taylormadegolf.com

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cAllAwAy X sErIEs JAws wEdGEsDesigned by Callaway Golf’s chief designer Roger Cleveland and named by Callaway staff professional Phil Mickelson, the X Series Jaws wedges produce maximum spin and versatility for the short game results you’ve always dreamed of. Plus, the forged carbon steel provides Tour-level feel. Each wedge is available in either the Soft Milky Chrome or Dark Vintage finish. Also choose from steel or graphite shafts to match your irons. callawaygolf.com

MArIus GOlFMarius Filmalter, instructor to 40-plus PGA Tour pros, has researched the biomechanics of the putting stroke for more than two decades. His data, gathered from over 50,000 golfers, including 34 major champions, has enabled him to identify ten characteristics he believes are shared by all the great putters. His scientific conclusions have been distilled into the Automatic Putting Package, a three-disc DVD set containing almost 80 minutes of HD-quality, simple-to follow-instruction. Also featured in the DVD set is former Ryder Cup player Brad Faxon, who demonstrates the drills that helped earn him the reputation as one of the game’s finest putters.mariusgolf.com

thE lIttlEst GOlFEr FIrst sEt clubsThe earlier you can get your kids and grandkids to have fun with golf the more they will enjoy the game as they grow up. The Littlest Golfer’s First Set clubs are perfect for preschoolers who want to play “big kid” golf but don’t have the arm strength to swing a junior club. TLG’s unique clubs are scaled and weighted especially for 3 to 5 year olds. The driver and 7-iron have forced grips that guide small hands into a proper grip. These ultra-light clubs are made with composite shafts and high-impact, plastic clubheads that enable young children to develop a proper golf swing (no more hands-apart hockey grips!).

TLG’s First Set comes with a driver, 7-iron, putter, Sunday bag, and foam practice golf balls. The set features the company’s signature golfing turtles, Putter and Sandy, who also adorn a full line of infant and children’s golf apparel, accessories, toys and books. thelittlestgolfer.com

cOntE OF FlOrEncEThis quintessential Italian brand’s coat of arms—a C within the Florentine lily—is a worldwide emblem for elegance and excellence. Conte of Florence was founded in the 1950s when the Cavaliere del Lavoro Romano Boretti, still the chairman, acquired the CON.T.E. shop, a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio. The company’s first sportswear venture was to sponsor the Italian national ski team, followed by those of other countries including the U.S. The company later moved into golf, then yachting to de-seasonalize its range. As this rain jacket demonstrates, its simple and harmonious lines are always allied to high-quality materials and production techniques. conteofflorence.com

bIOnIc PrO GlOvEMade from a special, micro-thin, super-premium cabretta leather, the Bionic Pro Glove provides the fit and flexibility that low-handicap players seek along with amazing durability and breathability. The pre-rotated finger design promotes a relaxed grip, increased clubhead speed and precise club control. New from the company in 2011 is a magnetic ball marker that can be customized by high-end clients. bionicgloves.com

trAIn rEActIOn luGGAGEPerfect for the frequent flyer, durable Club Glove Train Reaction luggage by West Coast Trends easily locks together, allowing for effortless maneuverability of all your bags through busy airports. And for you golfers, there’s the Last Bag golf bag, used by more golf pros than any other travel bag. Its lightweight yet durable construction makes for easy handling and provides exceptional protection for your clubs. And since both products are made with ultra-tough CORDURA fabric, they’ll keep going strong trip after trip. clubglove.com

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nIckEl PuttEr usANickel Putter, the highly engineered putter producer, adds a little something to every golfer’s main club for the greens with its Ball Pick-Up. Far superior to suction pickups, the Nickel Putter Ball Pick-Up fits any putter grip, attaches easily with no drilling required and enables ball retrieval following a putt without bending over. Like all good design, simple and effective. Marvelous. nickelputter-usa.com

sEEMOrE PuttErsFrom SeeMore’s private reserve collection of exclusive, ultra-premium, handcrafted putters, the Black m3 has a midsize mallet-style with two small vents cut into the back flange. Its alignment benefits derive from RifleScope Technology. The toe hangs 60 degrees down, best for golfers who prefer small offset mallets. It is made from 395 series milled stainless steel with a bimetal aluminum back-cavity insert behind the face for enhanced feel, an enlarged sweet spot and copper-face insert for ultimate feel, and a Black Ox finish for optimal visual feedback in all light conditions. Extremely limited, special run, right-hand only. seemore.com

PAOlO scAFOrA GOlF shOEsBased in Naples, Italy, Paolo Scafora have been making handcrafted shoes from premium leather for more than half a century. The company’s elegant golf collection, which also

includes bags as well as these shoes, are custom-made from a selection of precious leathers.

paoloscafora.com

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POlO rAlPh lAurEnWhat began 43 years ago as a collection of ties has grown into an innovative, world renowned, high-end casual/semi-formal style for men, women, children and homes. Ralph Lauren’s quality apparel and accessories can be found in stores that invite customers to participate in its lifestyle and dream. Being transported into Ralph Lauren’s world is an adventure in style and culture, a home for unique vintage pieces and exquisite gifts. Pictured right are four newish luggage pieces, spanning a range of prices. These are (from the top): a Tartan attaché case, a small Cooper bag, a Tartan canvas ‘suiter’ bag and, where price is no obstacle, an alligator Boston bag that retails at a cool $24,000.ralphlauren.com

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rOlEX EXPlOrErOne of golf’s most enduring relationships began in 1967 when Rolex presented Arnold Palmer with a gold Oyster Perpetual to honor his achievements. The design of the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer imparts a fresh élan to the sober, elegant lines that are Rolex’s hallmark. Crafted from 904L steel with exceptional anti-corrosion properties, its 39mm case offers added comfort. Other key features include a polished bezel, black dial with luminescent Chromalight hands and hour markers, a bracelet with Oysterlock clasp, and a Parachrom hairspring that is ten times more resistant to magnetic fields and other shocks. Waterproof to 330 feet. rolex.com

PAOlO scAFOrAThe Scafora family has been designing and creating bespoke artisan shoes since 1956. Wearing a pair of Paolo Scafora shoes is a unique experience—one that combines elegance and tradition with the highest standards of craftsmanship.

All shoes are hand-made following the traditional Goodyear and Norwegian constructions that add that extra touch of style.

The company’s workshop is dedicated to caring for your comfort while ensuring your footwear has durability and strength.

Besides the ready-to-wear collection, Paolo Scafora also makes customized men’s dress shoes for its most discerning customers, under direct personal supervision. The leathers are skillfully hand-dyed to suit your taste so you can select nuances you will not see on anyone else’s shoes.

Paolo Scafora also offers a superb golf collection (see Page 151) and elegant leather accessories. Beautifully crafted and perfectly fitting, bespoke Paolo Scafora shoes provide a truly life-changing experience and are a big favorite of everyone at Kingdom. paoloscafora.com

GlEnMOrAnGIE sIGnEtA unique fusion of rare elements, Signet is a blend of Glenmorangie’s oldest whisky—dating back more than thirty years when malting still took place at its distillery in the Scottish Highlands—and spirit matured in a selection of fine sherry casks. A double gold winner at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this deep amber whisky crackles with sizzling spices and bitter mocha.glenmorangie.com

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AvO hErItAGECenturies of tradition, knowledge and passion are waiting to be discovered in each AVO Heritage cigar. Derived from the original creation of Master Cigar Composer Avo Uvezian, aided by Master of Tobacco Hendrik Kelner and an extensive cast of talented farmers, blenders and rollers, the new AVO Heritage cigar is the result of an incredible and unique collaboration. Medium to full in body and strength with deep spicy undertones, rich complexity and balance from beginning to end, the AVO Heritage bears the unmistakable signature of these cigar masters. davidoff.com

bEn hOGAn wInEsIt is widely believed Ben Hogan had the purest swing in golf. His peerless swing sequence, photographed before the advent of high-speed cameras and enshrined in his best-selling instruction book Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, has been reproduced on the labels of a collectible set of 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The seven-bottle Swing Set depicts the entire sequence from address to follow-through. The 2008 grape harvest had a low yield that resulted in wines with an exceptional robust, fruity flavor. This Cabernet is full-bodied with rich, ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, balanced with spicy oak and firm finish. Limited to 500 sets.benhoganwine.com

swIss ArMy GOlFtOOl This piece of golfing gadgetry combines tools like a pitchmark repairer, ball marker and groove cleaner with more familiar components of a Swiss Army knife: Blade, scissors, nail file, bottle opener, tweezers, toothpick and lifetime warranty. swissarmy.com

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nOkA chOcOlAtENoka Chocolate is called the ‘food of the Gods’ for good reason: A mouthful of this dark, velvety confection delivers the most divine experience. The life’s passion of NOKA chocolatier, Katrina Merrem, has been to return chocolate to its purest, most luxurious state by handcrafting these succulent truffles and chocolates. Orders for this most desirable of gifts can be placed online where you will receive exceptional service and attention to detail. Boxes are ribbon-wrapped and customizable in more than 100 colors with complimentary handwritten messages.nokachocolate.com

bAMFOrd & sOnsTime to kill with a companion on your weekend trip away? Fill it in this most modern representation of the Mesopatomian master game by the classic fashion house Bamford & Sons.

This backgammon collectors editon set comes in in a lockable calfskin case with the signature perforation detail on the leather and metal hardware.

Themed after the Concours d’Elegance it takes from the world of sports cars and racing with a finishing in colors of black and Ferrari red. bamfordandsons.com

GErshOn wInE OPEnErIn this writer’s humble opinion, neither short overnight trip nor epic world adventure should ever be contemplated without the reassuring presence of a trusted corkscrew. Thus, should you find yourself far from home with spiralled-metal-in-hand pursuing cork to entwist, the selection of a high-quality hand companion was simply a sensible traveler’s strategy. We like this vintage-inspired offering from Gershon with warthog tusk handle and sterling silver endcap. It comes packaged in a fine black leather pouch, but is best seen out and in motion, exiting bottle with wine-bloodied cork impaled. gershonlimited.com

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sublIME sOundTop audio company Bowers & Wilkins brings all its expertise to bear in the 800 Series Diamond, part of its reference loudspeaker range. More than just a name, diamond is the secret ingredient in the flagship series’ tweeter, which is “on top,” as the company has it, helping to increase clarity. In addition to being simply gorgeous, the Sphere/Tube Enclosure is functional, absorbing reward energy from the driver and allowing precise imaging for all kinds of music. There are more than a few speakers in the range, meaning there’s something to fit your needs, and there’s an awful lot of technology here to explore. All basic audiophiles need to know is that the 800 Series is used in the likes of Abbey Road Studios, which makes them more than good enough for us.bowers-wilkins.com

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McPhErsOn GuItArsBased in Sparta, Wisconsin, McPherson Guitars handcrafts instruments from the highest quality tone woods and some of the highest-tech materials anywhere. Featuring a number of innovations, including an offset soundhole and cantilevered neck that allow the top of the guitar to resonate uninterrupted, these guitars are simultaneously “new school” and Old World. The company’s quality standards are intense, evident in the sound of their instruments, which is sublime. Sustain is unbelievable, and clarity exquisite. Even if you don’t play, McPherson guitars are simply gorgeous to look at—though honestly, it would be a shame to leave one on the wall. mcphersonguitars.com

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drOMArtIDromarti have revived the spirit of cycling itself with their beautiful, handmade Italian leather cycling shoes. They may look old world, but these shoes provide a fit and finish lost to consumers of today’s mass-market, yielding a tailor-made ride all around. The Classic Race shoes seen here employ the standard three-point fixingsystem, meaning your cleats of choice can be used. And if you want to stick with toe clips, there’s a small cleat to facilitate that as well. At a price near that of today’s commercial offerings, these are not to be missed.dromarti.com

rAPhA wAXEd cAPWhen it comes to modern cycling wear, Rapha is at the front of the peloton. This Portland, Oregon-based company sits at the heart of the modern cycling movement, and it shows. Working with the likes of designer Paul Smith, Rapha products blend style with optimum performance. The company’s passion for performance and cycling is evident in everything they make, including this waxed cap—sure to keep you covered in fine style.rapha.cc

rIchArd sAchsRichard Sachs is one of the foremost frame-builders in the world today, and his bicycles are legend among racers and enthusiasts alike. A longtime racer and racing team sponsor himself, Sachs was trained in London in the early 1970s. He still makes bikes the old fashioned way—namely: by hand and out of steel—but his creations are as modern as they come, built from the latest and best steel available, withincredible attention to detail.richardsachs.com

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