LIGHT & ACCURATE
Bushnell’s most compact and lightweight measuring device yet, the Medalist laser rangefinder ($299) is ready to be used right out of the box, allowing it to be played at courses around the world without the need for reflectors. Powered by a 9-volt battery, the 9-ounce device features a 4x magnification and is equipped with PinSeeker technology that enables the user to range up to 300 yards +/- one yard to the flag. www.bushnellgolf.com
TEQUILA’S NEW STANDARD
Tequila just got a lot more luxe. Dos Lunas Grand Reserve, the first commercially available tequila to be aged more than 10 years (in sherry oak casks), is the only tequila to be bottled in hand-blown, individually numbered Baccarat decanters. Each decanter (only 1,000 were crafted) comes in a rich, ebonized wood box, accompanied with a crystal stopper and sterling silver key and necklace. This remarkable, exquisitely presented Extra Añejo tequila retails for $2,500. www.doslunasgrandreserve.com
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS
Do you dream of Africa? African expert Ralph Iantosca, owner of Iantosca Travel and a member of Las Colinas Country Club near Dallas, is offering members of the ClubCorp family of clubs and their friends an exclusive group departure to Southern Africa in style. Iantosca Travel is a concierge-style travel boutique that offers customized “Spafaris” with a dedicated focus on luxury and adventure. This exclusive, 14-day trip will depart with only 10 couples in April 2009 (exact dates to be determined), so reserve your spot now. Guests will visit Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, Winelands, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), and safari into the best game-viewing areas of Botswana. They also will stay in the “best of the best” accommodations and enjoy insights from top naturalists and guides. This personalized trip includes options for golf, spa, wine tasting, a cultural visit to Soweto, and a safari in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. Space is limited. For more information, call 214-549-0112 or e-mail Ralph@Iantosca.travel.
CLASSIC CREATION
In celebration of its 25th year, Helen Kaminski Australia is reissuing a limited edition of the company’s first, and most famous, creation — the wide raffia braid “Classic” hat, adorned with a ribbon just like the original. Only 250 of the hats are available ($160), each with a commemorative label sewn inside and a certificate of authenticity signed by Helen Kaminski. www.helenkaminski.com
SOLID DESIGN
New from Greg Norman, the Luxury Ultimate 80s Polo series features a revolutionary fade-, wrinkle-, pill-, and shrink-resistant fabric, as well as an anti-curl collar. This tough shirt blends extra-fine, double-mercerized Egyptian cotton with an innovative stretch fiber that comfortably moves with you on the course and off without permanently stretching out the material. Available in six colors ($87 each). www.gregnormancollection.com
IN THE PINK
One look at the rosy hue of Pinky Vodka and you’ll see why it’s billed as the “world’s most beautiful vodka.” But what’s in the bottle is just as unique as the beautiful packaging. Pinky ($34.99 per bottle) is distilled five times from pure glacial water and Swedish winter wheat, then hand-blended with violets, rose petals, and 10 other botanicals. A subtle and fragrant addition to traditional vodka cocktails. Visit Pinky’s Web site for drink recipes. www.pinkyvodka.com
STRIKING DISTANCE
Danish shoemaker Ecco updates its most technologically advanced golf shoe for 2008. Created for golf’s most discerning consumers, the World Class City GTX ($400) features distinctive ultra-high-grade leather embossed with a snakeskin pattern. Not to worry — it’s not at all style over substance; it features all of Ecco’s signature performance and stability features, as well as a Gore-Tex membrane for complete and breathable waterproof comfort. www.eccousa.com
TRAVEL NOTES
• British Airways launches a new era in air travel on March 27 for passengers traveling through London’s Heathrow Airport with the opening of its new, high-tech £4.3 billion Terminal 5. Listed as the largest freestanding building in the U.K., Terminal 5 promises smoother check-in processes, a state-of-the-art baggage management system, and the world’s largest lounge complex — featuring a wide range of cafes, bars, and restaurants (including Gordon Ramsay’s new Plane Food restaurant) and high-end shopping (including Harrods, Coach, and Prada).
• For its 2008 Western and Northern Europe cruises, Crystal Cruises has expanded its air/sea program with two air upgrade options. A partnership with Eos Airlines provides a corporate jet-like experience, while Premium Economy service through British Airways and Scandinavian Airways offers more leg room and comfort than coach.
BOOKSHELF
Planet Golf: The Definitive Reference to Great Golf Courses Outside the United States of America by Darius Oliver is a visually breathtaking tour of more than 130 of the world’s finest golf courses. Oliver visited more than 650 courses before selecting those featured. The oversized, full-color book, which is photographed by David Scaletti, includes insights from leading golf course designers, including Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Doak, Gary Player, and Tom Weiskopf. www.abramsbooks.com
TRAIN REACTION
Create your own rolling luggage train with Club Glove’s collection of travel bags. Start with the Piggy Back II ($289) or Carry-On ($279), attach to the Rolling Duffle ($239) or other travel bag, and toss a Shoulder Bag ($169) around the retractable handle. You’re ready to roll. www.clubglove.com
NO MORE RE-GIFTING
Give your family and friends the gift of experience. Excitations, an experiential gift-giving company, provides memorable gift packages such as flying alongside a Top Gun fighter pilot, diving with sharks, cooking at one of the top culinary schools, and learning new tricks on the course with a private lesson from a PGA pro. From relaxing at a spa to the adrenaline rush of Formula race car driving, Excitations has an experience for everyone. www.excitations.com
WITH THE SPA IN MIND
Made in Italy, Sensi Sandals are the ultimate spa shoe. Lightweight, waterproof, and machine washable (just air-dry them), the sandals provide a patented drainage system that allows water and sand to drain away from the feet and cool air to flow in underfoot. Perfect for the pool, beach, locker room shower, gardening, and, of course, the spa. Available in men’s and women’s styles ($30). www.sensi.com
FORE!
Engineered with a cast body and fully machined face from high-grade 6-4 titanium, the 460cc G10 driver ($350) from PING features a larger profile with a taller face and deeper crown. Benefits: higher moment of inertia for greater forgiveness and increased ball velocity. www.ping.com