New irons from TaylorMade, Titleist

Titleist's new AP1 and AP2 are multi-material, dual-cavity irons that feature what the company calls its "Tuned Feel System," an insert made of molded medallion of soft elastomer and aluminum plate. Titleist says the technology increases speed in the larger AP1 and feel in the smaller-face AP2.

It also thickened the face of the AP1 to provide enhanced heel, toe, and deep weighting to the frame and moved the tungsten nickel material to the sole resulting in increased stability and forgiveness.

Suggested retail for the AP1 is $100/$125 per club for steel or graphite and $142/$167 for AP2.

Stock Shafts and Grip: Stock NS Pro 105T is a high performance lightweight steel shaft with a medium tip for control and softer mid section for feel. Stock graphite shaft is Aldila VS Proto-T 75 exclusively for Titleist. Stock grip is Tour-proven feel and traction of the Titleist Tour Velvet Rubber by Golf Pride. Other shaft, grip, length and lie options are available through Titleist Custom.

TaylorMade releases R9 Irons

TaylorMade's new R9 TP is for better players with compact head with design cues from CBS announcer and major champion Nick Faldo to help make them appeal to the better player.

The set gets progressively thicker to make longer irons easier to hit. The longer irons have a foam-filled chamber behind the head to promote more distance and enhance feel.

The R9 TP irons come equipped with KBS Tour Series steel shafts and retail for $1,125.

The standard R9 ($999 steel/$1,249 graphite) are more the everyday player and are designed for distance. The long and middle irons were designed separately from short irons to optimize performance and have the foam-filled chamber. TaylorMade has also tried to design the irons so they don't look so "fat" to the golfer, to aid with confidence

Custom-fit putter line to debut next month

Nike has gotten a lot of industry buzz around its new Method putter and has decided to give consumers an early peek. It'll go on sale in limited quantities Nov. 2 at 12:01 a.m. online at nikegolf.com The sale will run through Nov. 30, or until the quantities run out.

The putter, available in five models, combines steel and polymer to make the putter generate forward roll almost immediately after impact, and the company says it minimizes bounce and helps keep balls on line.

Nike golfers Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink both used the Method putter to win the 2009 U.S. Open and Open Championship, respectively.

The $499 putters will be custom built at Nike's Research facility in Texas. They will be carved with initials or numerals personal to the consumer, made to desired length and lie angle - and each consumer will get a certificate signed by Tom Stites, Nike Golf’s Director of Club Creation and the actual club builder.