Kikkor Golf Shoe Review - These Kikks Deliver Big Time

Last year I had the chance to test out the first generation of golf shoes from Kikkor Golf and came away impressed. For the last two months I’ve had the chance to test out Kikkor’s 2011 offering the Retro WP in White Polar at various golf courses in the Ottawa area. Here’s my take on Kikkor 2.0.

Looks

This is where Kikkor seems to stand out from the crowd as far as non-traditional golf shoes go. The White Polar Retro WP look is amazing, a running shoe like design with just the right amount of bling. Black Kikkor logo on the side and three black rivets on the heel of the shoe are just the right amount of accents. The Kikkor loop on the back of the shoe is a nice touch as well. The Retro WP comes with both white and black laces to mix it up when you want. The Retro WP also comes in Black Fusion, Black Knight and White Malibu.

Feel

Although they didn’t have as much Kikkor Komfort Foam as the Eppik I reviewed last year. These shoes are a different design and still had the right amount of cushion for a smooth fit right out of the box. Haven’t had any blisters, no wear areas or discomfort at all.

I get many questions on the course about these shoes. People usually wonder if they are heavy being that my Retro WPs are size 12. With all the technology going on in these shoes with high tech foam, insole and midsole. The WPs are extremely lightweight great for those hot Summer rounds. My feet never got tired during a round I can’t say that about the rest of me though. The Retro WPs have Champ Q Lok Scorpion™ spikes with built in Kikkor Grippors which grip the ground amazingly during the golf swing and walking the course. Just make sure you clean them after every round because they can get quite clogged with grass.

Overall

After wearing the Retro WPs for a little over two months I can honestly say these are the real deal. They are a great lightweight alternative to the “norm” when it comes to golf shoes. Kept my feet cool, comfortable and dry. Considering the wet Spring we had here in Ottawa that says a lot. Loved the color combination of the WPs but if white and black isn’t your thing Kikkor has many more colors and designs to choose from, pretty good for a company that just started producing golf shoes two years ago. The Kikkor 2011 line ranges from $95 to $135. The Kikkor Retro WP are price at $115 which is very competitive with similar golf shoes. Sold online at Kikkor.com or at a dealer near you.  Click on my Kikkor Promo Ad for an additional savings on your Kikks. Check them out you won't be disappointed.

Kikkor Retro WP Specs:
// Speed-fit lasting for supportive contouring
// Kikkor Komfort Foam Technology™
// Hyper-light Phylon midsole
// Champ Q Lok Scorpion™ spikes with built in Kikkor Grippors™
// Polyurethane insole for nearly illegal levels of comfort
// Premium action leather
// 1 year limited waterproof warranty

US Open Hangover Recipe - Stacey Lewis, FILA Scripting, LPGA App

What better way to get over a US Open hangover than to watch some LPGA golfers battle it out for the LPGA’s 2nd Major of the Year. The Wegmans LPGA Championship is being playing at Locus Hill Country Club outside of Rochester, NY and scoring conditions should be favorable for a great finish come this weekend. I’ll be following along one of my favorite LPGA golfers, Stacey Lewis with the freshly installed installed new LPGA app for my iPod. (Stay tuned for a review on my other blog iPhone Golfer Apps).

Stacey is gunning for another Major victory and the course would seem to fit her game. Stacey will again be outfitted in some great apparel from her sponsor FILA Golf. For those not familiar with the FILA golf line be sure and check out the FILA apparel review I did earlier in the season. Here’s what Stacey will be wearing this week:

DAY 1

Dresden Striped Polo in Aqua / Techno Green

Calgary Bermuda Shorts in Black

DAY 2

Genova Polo in Heritage Pine

Rimini Golf Skort in White

DAY 3

Athena Polo in Black

Calgary Bermuda Shorts in Viva Red

DAY 4

Lisbon Polo in Lake

Rimini Golf Skort in Black

Rory McIlroy's Major Song and Prize

Rory wins the US Open and now we have the Corrigan Brothers to thank for a song written to pay homage to the 22 year old from Holywood Northern Ireland. I just can't wait to see the video to go along with this little ditty.

Rory McIlroy- US Open Champion Song- words and music- Corrigan Brothers 

US open champion Rory Mcilroy
It's magic , historic, oh it's a joy
US open champion Rory Mcilroy 
It's magic , historic, oh it's a joy 

Forget the masters
It's all in the past
In congressional
Rory gave it a blast
And all of his fans
Have been wishin and hopin
To see the great Rory
Win this great Open

From Hollywood
In the County of Down
He gave it his all
For the open crown
A record two rounds
Of one thirty one
Three cheers for Rory
He got the job done

This Irish golf legend he's a wonder boy
US OPEN CHAMPION RORY MCILROY 

HE drives a golf ball
With the greatest of ease
From fairways to bunkers
From greens and on tees
In sunshine in wind
In hail or in rain
Rory has every
Shot in the game

It's magic , historic, oh it's a joy
US open champion Rory Mcilroy 

And when he comes home
To the county of Down
They'll line every street
In Hollywood Town
They'll cheer for the Hero
For the local boy
US OPEN CHAMPION
RORY MCILROY

It's magic , historic, oh it's a joy
US open champion Rory Mcilroy
It's magic , historic, oh it's a joy
US open champion Rory Mcilroy 

Corrigan Brothers- the Irish band who brought you the seven million you tube hit “There’s no one as Irish as Barack Obama” and had the honor of being mention in President Obama’s speech in Dublin recently are back celebrating the achievements of legendary Irish US open Winner Rory McIlroy with – Rory McIlroy- US OPEN CHAMPION song

On the same note I love this photo posted by one of my followers on Twitter of Rory with his first Major Trophy. Thanks you Westport Golf Club.


Rory with his first Major....the Irish Close in '05, Westport

And now his latest Major Prize:

Oakley Sponsored Rory McIlroy One Step Closer To #1

Searching today for Rory McIlroy videos on YouTube, this Oakley sponsored video was one of my favorites. Rory's sees himself not far off from being the #1 Golfer in the World, with a win today he's one step closer.

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy shouts out to Oakley fans across the Globe before the 2011 Honda Classic.

Eyebrow Dance Kid Makes Appearance At US Open

Move over Cigar Guy, Eyebrow Dance Kid is in the house. During a post round interview at the US Open a kid decides to do a little eyebrow dance for about 15 secs during Rory's interview. Camera man didn't pull away from the shot, bet he was impressed. I am to!

Puma Golf Performance Polo Review - Johan And I

We won't be seeing Rickie Fowler's trademark Sunday Puma Orange this weekend as he was one of many golfers who found the setup not to their liking and failed to make the cut at Congressional CC. Johan Edfors on the other hand made it to the weekend with rounds of 70 and 72. So we'll be able to see the distinct colors of his Puma apparel gracing the fairways at Congressional this weekend.



Golf Performance Polo Review

On Thursday Johan was wearing the Golf Performance Polo in orange. This is one polo I have in my closet and one that I like to wear when it's hot and muggy here in Ottawa. Wicks away moisture keeping me cool on the golf course. Puma strategically places mesh inserts at the underarm and the back of the neck as well as a contrast collar stand and side vent binding to make this polo the ultimate warm weather shirt.

Gotta love the color to! It goes great with a pair of white shorts topped off with Puma Golf's Orange-White Enamel Belt Wide.

This 100% polyester polo is another solid offering from Puma Golf. You may even be able to find this one on sale for under $50 at your local Golf Town. So check it out.

Polo Specs:

Double Knit

Moisture Wicking Finish

UV Protection UPF 40+

Raglan Sleeves

Pointelle Face

Mesh Inserts

100% Polyester Microfiber, 200 g/m²

PURE Anti-Microbial Finish

Two Canadians Make Cut At US Open

Nice to see two Canadians make the cut at the US Open after so many big names faltering during the first two days at Congressional Golf Club. Adam Hadwin from Abbotsford, BC birdied his final hole this morning to make the cut at +4. Wes Heffernan from Calgary will join him for the final two days.  Although they're 15 shots off the lead and really have no chance at contending. At least they can say they made the cut at a US Open where the likes of Paul Casey, Nick Watney, Ernie Els, Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler failed to play the weekend. Plus they'll get a pay cheque, not bad for two Canadian lads. 

Testing Out MuscleCare

MuscleCare Product Review
I’ve been lucky enough in my 43 years to never had any major injury to my body even though I’ve always been very active. Whether it was playing basketball competitively back in my youth to planting trees in the wilds of B.C. during my twenties to taking up the great game of golf in the last ten years. But having had no major injuries doesn’t mean I’m not prone to the occasional aches and pain especially chasing around my three kids and a little white ball on occasion.

So how do I combat these aches and pains. Well most of the time it’s been Ibuprofen but lately it’s been MuscleCare a new natural topical pain reliever that MuscleCare’s PR Team sent me over to review.

They can call it natural because it doesn’t contain any parabens, wax, petroleum or colouring agent. The active ingredient in MuscleCare is Magnesium, which elicits the relaxation of arterial smooth muscle and aids in enabling skeletal muscle to relax. For me I like the fact it’s natural but when it boils down to it I just want it to work and not limit my major pastime right now which is “golf” and chasing my three kids.

Here’s the companies scoop on the product:

Professional Therapy Muscle Care by Dr. Chris Oswald helps tissues heal unlike many existing topical pain relievers which act by temporarily blocking the pain receptors to the brain rather than relieving the cause of the pain.

Muscle Care contains Holly Berry oil, or the botanical name Ilex aiding in the absorption of Muscle Care’s other ingredients allowing a 25 to 30 sec absorption with no residue or staining of clothing. The majority of gels and ointments on the market today are made in a wax or petroleum base that prevents the absorption of the active ingredient.

Muscle Care is the strongest, fastest acting, longest lasting topical pain reliever and the only one developed by a doctor to reduce muscle strain, tension and spasm as well as pain and inflammation.

Muscle Care is all-natural, safe and free of suspected carcinogens(methyl-and propyl-parabens and coloring agents) that are commonly used in leading pain relief topicals.

Muscle Care contains more active ingredients than any other gel or ointment on the market due to its unique patented proprietary formulation; the active ingredients are buffered creating a soothing yet significant effect free of any burning sensation.

Muscle Care roll-on gel has 10 active ingredients and the ointment has 12.

Testing It Out 
At the beginning of the season like most golfers I’m out there flailing away at the driving range trying to get the kinks out of my long dormant Winter swing. So of course I’m going to have a few aches and pains. Initially when applied the MuscleCare Roll-On Gel feels cool to the skin but within a minute or so the areas of discomfort (mainly my lower back and elbow joints) feel warm. The MuscleCare gel seemed to relax the sore muscles and provided soothing comfort so I could do other things after practicing or playing golf.

Now that the season is in full swing I really like using MuscleCare before a round to loosen up any sore muscle/areas. I usually just apply some gel an hour before my round and I find it warms up the area so I can swing freely during my round. Most of the time I don’t need to reapply after my round which is great. Of course stretching before and after a round is real important to and Dr. Oswald stresses that as well with his website and literature.

Conclusion 
While I’m not one that has any major problems with their joints/muscles etc. I really liked the way MuscleCare worked soothing away my everyday aches and pains relating to golf. I also like the fact it is natural and was developed by a Doctor as well as tested out thoroughly. If you have any pain associated with golfing I’d highly recommend trying it.

MuscleCare can now be found at Golf Town which is great considering how many people golf in Canada and you know we all have aches and pains. The retail price for MuscleCare Roll-On Gel is $19.99 while the Ointment sells for $25.99. It can also be purchased at Rexall, Guardian and IDA Pharmacies and online at Dr. Oswald’s website.

U.S. Open Staff Bag Giveaway - Canadians Only

Nice to see CobraGolf.ca run a contest for Canadians only for this weeks US Open. One lucky winner will have a chance to win the exact bag that both Ian Poulter and Johan Edfors will be using at this year's U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.  To enter, all one needs to do is go to cobragolf.ca Contest ends Sunday.

US Open Limited Edition Shoes - For All Tastes

I love the fact that companies release Special Edition golf shoes at the time of the Majors. This week's US Open doesn't disappoint with something for just about any taste. Limited Edition US Open Shoes I'm sure will be popular with our neighbors South of the border. I've got a pile of golf shoes already but a few of these looked quite interesting. Which one is your favorite? Comments.

Sunday Orange Cell Fusion 2 shoes that Rickie Fowler will be wearing this US Open Sunday can be purchased exclusively at Trendy Golf. This shoe is not going to be repeated and is a US Open one-off. Yours for $249 USD.


Limited Edition US Open TRUE Tours are now available for purchase at truelinkswear.com.

The Limited Edition TRUE tours have a Blue Upper with White Saddle and Red Sole - they come with Red and White laces.

Only 250 have been made and will retail for $159, just like TRUEs other shoes, they are available in size 8 through 13.



Nike Lunar Control, U.S. Open Special Edition

This special edition colorway will go on sale to the general public June 13, 2011, at nikestore.com. They will also be available in the Nike Golf shop at the U.S. Open if your attending. MSRP is US$190.00.

Gabicci A Stylish Fit With Graeme McDowell

Like most golfers out there you might not be familiar with the British clothing brand Gabicci. If you watch any of the U.S. Open this week from the Congressional Country Club you'll see Gabicci designs in action. Graeme McDowell the reigning U.S. Open Champ has been wearing Gabicci for over two years now, his vintage look on the golf course is nothing short of classic. Check out what Gabicci has in store for G-MAC later this year.

Vintage clothing brand Gabicci, are to raise the profile of their long running relationship with current US Open champion, Graeme McDowell this season.  In an upcoming campaign with the tag line “That’s why I wear Gabicci.” – G-MAC, Gabicci will use promotional shots of the golfer in adverts and on display material, together with the following quote from Graeme:   “In order to play well, I have to be totally comfortable on the course.   It’s not just about the way my clothes fit and feel, but the way I look too.  That’s why I wear Gabicci.”  -  G-MAC

Gabicci MD Jeff Keogh, states “We have supplied Graeme with golf shirts and knitwear for over two years now, but this Autumn we are including some limited edition designs produced specifically for the British Open.  I’m delighted that Graeme is enjoying such fantastic success and of course especially pleased that he chooses to endorse the Gabicci brand.”


Current designs pay homage to key original knitted styles complete with mock suede trims, together with jersey tops and polos inspired by our extensive archive photographs and original samples, all bearing the iconic gold "G". The look is "slim" with quality yarns and fabrics used throughout the collection in colours which are both rich and bright. Polo shirts are 100% cotton, whilst the knitwear is finely knitted cotton with a cashmere-like finish or high quality merino wool blends.

Graeme is wearing the Z05 jersey shirt and a 21g merino cardigan 

About Gabicci: 
First launched in 1973, Gabicci fast became an underground style leader and embodied a look adopted by the "Northern Soul" scene. In the 80's the brand appeared in the early "casuals" look and was also very popular with West London's "lovers rock" community. Teamed with hopsack trouser, Gabicci and the icinic metal G quickly became the brand mark of the day.

Lately, several key music artists, style leaders and sportsmen have been spotted wearing Gabicci Vintage. The brand featured heavily in Nick Love's re-make of the 80's film "The Firm". Through this continued association with  movies, TV and music, Gabicci Vintage is again the brand to be seen in.

Rickie Fowler Is Everywhere Now GQ

Rickie Fowler has been a busy boy heading into his third U.S. Open of his young career.  Between interviews with Golf.com and GQ.com (see below) making art with some paint and wedges a la Puma Golf and hitting hole in ones with his sponsor Red Bull in D.C.  He's been on a bit of a media blitz lately to say the least. Will he be fresh for this weeks U.S. Open at Congressional Golf Club in Bethesda, Maryland. From every indications Fowler will be. He seems pretty grounded for a 22 year old. Taking time out for fans and signing autographs after his rounds to hanging with his motocross friends.  His first win should come very soon. The question is could it be a Major?





**Rickie Fowler in July GQ**

The 22 year-old golf sensation poses with cheerleaders and discusses his popularity with the ladies in the July issue of GQ, telling the magazine:

"I draw a younger crowd who can relate to me... Some of the girl fans will message me online, saying, 'You're the reason I watch golf.' "

(Credit: Danielle Levitt/ GQ)**

"But look, I've got a girlfriend," he goes on. "So I'm not calling them back. But it's flattering. Plus, the guys I'm paired with seem to like it: 'Hey, Rickie, I hope there's some girls out following you today.…'

Fowler also addresses the incident at Augusta when a member flipped his backwards hat around, the way a schoolmaster might with a misbehaving child:

"I think the older fans got the wrong impression," he says. "The story got turned to make me look like a punk kid."

To read more about Fowler, go to GQ.com:
http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/201107/rickie-fowler-interview-gq-july-2011

Also, be sure to check out the 25 Greatest Style Moments if US Open History:
http://www.gq.com/sports/lists/201106/best-mens-golf-style-us-open#slide=1

A Little Pink Turnberry - Dirty Saxon Polo Review

You have to like an apparel company that uses the names of famous courses in the British Open rotation for their line of golf shirts. Dirty Saxon has done just that using Turnberry, Troon, and Carnoustie for their fledgling golf shirt line.

The Turnberry Polo which I had a chance to wear and test out this Spring really me impressed especially being Dirty Saxon's inaugural offering. Named after the famous course in Scotland (Turnberry  has a rich history being used as an airbase during World Wars I and II). The DirtySaxon Turnberry Polo is designed to give a vintage golf polo fit a military feel. 

The Turnberry in white would not be my first choice of a golf shirt. Mainly because of the pink accents but hey the Pros are wearing pink just look at World #1 Luke Donald, young star Rickie Fowler and Brian Gay. I've never worn a pink shirt before but after a few times wearing the Turnberry the comfort and feel won me over.  The combination of cotton and rayon is amazingly comfortable and you know what the pink is pretty subtle. Dirty Saxon uses the pink in a good way on the logo embroidery on back neck, the epaulettes on shoulder and sleeve of the shirt and the chest pocket.  There is plenty of room in both the body and sleeves so I'd order a size smaller than what your use to ordering.

Dirty Saxon Polos will run you about $45 which is very reasonable for the quality of the shirt. They ship to Canada which is always important to me. Also if your a fan of the Masters be sure and pick up one of their MasterSaxon t-shirts. Would be a great gift for the Fathers out there at only $20.

Earlier in the year we had a chance to ask Jenna and Axel some questions regarding their start-up apparel company from Chicago. Here's what they had to say:


How did Dirty Saxon start out?
DS began in November 2009. Axel and I were sitting discussing golf apparel. It was not a serious idea to begin with, but the more we talked about it, the more exciting and plausible the idea became. As for the name, Axel was rooming with two other golfers - one from England and one from Scotland - and got into the habit of calling them "dirty saxons". They, in turn, would refer to him as "dirty gaucho" as he's from Buenos Aires, Argentina. When Axel and I were brainstorming, I threw out the suggestion of calling the brand DirtySaxon. We both agreed on the name and the logo. The British flag is a strong symbol that supports our premiere line of shirts which are modeled after courses on the British Open rotation. "Saxon" also ties heavily into the history and traditions of golf which are standards DS adheres to in our design.

Where do the design ideas come for your shirts?
Axel is the designer for DS. His inspirations range from his father's and grandfather's vintage soft polos with four-button plackets to the bright, bold colors and constant movement of Buenos Aires. As far as style icons: Payne Stewart & Jack Nicklaus and brands we relate to: Fairway & Greene, Nicklaus, and Peter Millar. Also, Axel takes a lot of his inspiration from the clothing of the late 70s and 80s in general.

What makes Dirty Saxon shirts different from all the other golf shirts out there?
Our combination of contemporary colors with vintage detail and fit. It takes confidence to wear a DS shirt and we hope that reflects on our consumers' character.

Any chance of seeing a player on the PGA Tour or maybe the Nationwide Tour decked out in Dirty Saxon?
No news yet - we have a couple of friends playing on the Hooters tour, but we're not to that point yet.

What are the plans for 2011 for Dirty Saxon?
To become more established. We're still getting our feel set and everything is a learning lesson! DS will release some t-shirts and, hopefully, some new designs for fall. We're just trying to remain focused on establishing ourselves, which is difficult as a start-up. In the future, we are hoping that we will have an opportunity to work with an investor(s) so that DS can expand into a full line.

Kikkor Golf's Lepp Ditches Office For Some Fairway Action

When you only play in one tournament a year you better make it good. Seems like Kikkor Golf's founder James Lepp is doing just that at the Times Colonist Island Savings Open at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria this week. With rounds of 70 and 69 he's only 4 shots off the lead held by fellow Canadian Wes Heffernan. Lepp has plenty of skill with an outstanding amateur record plus he's also had some success at Uplands, where he lost in a playoff in 2008 to Daniel Im. But even though he's in contention in Victoria, Kikkor Golf is his full time gig. With sales of the high performance street inspired golf shoes doing great he has no aspirations of playing more even though the game is there.

From Vancouver Sun:
"I doubt I'll play in Kamloops," he said. "I just don't have time to. Even if I was to win I don't think I would play. But if I win maybe that will get me into the Canadian Open [at Vancouver's Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club] and I'll be sure to play that one."

He also plans on showing his spirit Saturday with some sort of homage to the Vancouver Canucks his favorite team. We just hope someone gets some footage of James in his Canuck attire.

From Vancouver Sun:
"Hopefully I don't have to play too late on Saturday because I want to watch the game," he said. "I don't know if they'll allow me to wear a jersey but I'll find something to wear."

The affable James Lepp discusses his opening round at the Times Colonist Island Savings Open & Kikkor Golf Shoes.


I've been testing out Kikkor Golf's Retro WP golf shoes lately. Stay tuned for my review. Great golf shoes that may be even better than last years models.

Justin Bieber The Golfer

I never thought I'd mention Justin Bieber on my golf blog but apparently Justin plays a bit of golf. According to Elizabeth Cooper at i on Stratford Bieber has come back home to Stratford to relax and hang out. Some of that relaxing was done yesterday on the links at Stratford Country Club, a beautiful looking course with a rich history. Here's more from Elizabeth's article:

Mega pop star Justin Bieber is back home in Stratford this week and i on Stratford caught up with him at the Stratford Country Club while he hit the links this morning. Club Pro David Lee said Bieber requested privacy so he could relax and golf with who Lee believed to be his father. He played 9 holes and then stopped to sign a few autographs for about half a dozen little girls who were waiting near the green. He also allowed their mothers to take his photo with them. As the Biebs parked his golf cart, he got back out and gave one lucky fan his red towel he had been using during the game. Bieber and his golf mate then packed up the clubs and made a quick retreat in a black BMW.

My girls will love to here Justin Bieber plays golf as they are both fans and saw him in Ottawa when Bieber was here. I may even become cool as they know how much Dad "loves golf".

Now I might recommend to Justin we get him some better golf apparel. By the looks of it he likes a more casual theme (note** white t-shirt/sneakers/ baggy shorts).  We could easily remedy Bieber's golf apparel by hooking him up with some of our friends here at Ottawa Golf Blog. We'd start off with some of Kikkor Golf's Tenny Clayburn golf shoes would would fit Bieber's taste. Shorts and a polo shirt from Quagmire Golf's new 2011 line would also fit Bieber to a tee. Note both of these companies are Canadian so Justin would feel right at home.

Limited Edition 2011 "U.S. Open Polo" Unveiled By Travis Mathew - Definitely Underwhelmed

Back a few months ago Travis Mathew had a great contest to design a polo shirt for Bubba Watson for the U.S. Open this year at Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Maryland. While the design I submitted had a definite military-inspired theme (using colors from a WWII plane) I didn't win. Here's what I submitted:

That goes to the winning entry from Clay Duerson. Travis Mathew felt his military-inspired design best represented the theme of the U.S. Open. What do you think?

I'm definitely not a fan of the color or the design. To me it's just basically a redesigned Army issued shirt. At $99 a bit steep of an asking price too but that seems to be the way TM roles. Opinions?

Description: bubba watson's polo designed specifically for the u.s. open through our "design bubba's u.s. open polo" contest. two epilets on each shoulder, "4 star" embroidery on right chest, "b. watson" patch on left chest, patch pockets with flap, "icon flag" print on back neck.

Bubba will wear the polo during the US Open and TM will be flying the contest winner to Maryland to see his design in person which is pretty cool. Another is that Travis Mathew will be donating $10 of every "U.S. Open Polo" sold to Birdies for the Brave, the Military outreach Initiative proudly supported by the PGA Tour.