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our business Home About Us Contact Us Products Services Testimonials Associates TVG Member Login our technology Why Custom Fit? Junior Golfers Lady Golfers Advanced Golfers Shaft Selection Shaft Alignment Launch Monitor AGT News	News Applied Golf Technology's Informative Newsletter Issue#4 December 2004 Editorial: As 2004 Comes To An End - Here's To An Even Better 2005 2004 has been another good year for Applied Golf Technology. The decision to focus on KZG clubs was a wise one. Unlike many other premium brand club manufacturers, KZG's worldwide sales have grown significantly in the last year as more and more golfers are exposed to KZG's superb quality and performance. 2004 started off with a bang for KZG, winning the prestigious ING Award at the Orlando PGA Trade Show for their range of forgings. Then in August of this year the KZG Gemini was voted No. 1 driver by Golftest USA and in November the Gemini twin face technology was voted Best Face Design by Golf Tips Magazine in their 2004 Tech Awards. Stay tuned for more innovative KZG products in the coming year. As announced in our last newsletter we have now added the world famous Miura brand of forged irons to our product range. These will appeal to players who simply want the best forgings in the world, irrespective of price. Once seen, never forgotten. Take a look at our new Miura products page. For some time now, AGT has been providing equipment support to the Scottish Institute of Sport Golf Programme and the Under 18 / Under 21 Scottish Golf Union (SGU) International Squads. In 2004 this was extended to the SGU's Under 14 and Under 16 squads. We are delighted to be working with Scotland's future generation of golf champions. Incidently, if you are a category one amateur golfer or a golf pro, and are interested in receiving the same level of equipment support as the squad players, check out our Tour Van Gold service for advanced players. In the meantime we wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and we look forward to helping you achieve much golfing success in 2005. Feature Article: State-Of-The-Art Golf Shaft Fitting at Applied Golf Technology In Search of the Perfect Shaft To many golfers, finding the perfect golf shaft has become golf's equivalent of the search for the Holy Grail. Many live in hope that there is a shaft out there which will totally revolutionise their game, eradicating all of their swing faults overnight. This of course is unlikely ever to happen, but for sure there are some shafts out there that you will hit much better than others. The aim of our shaft-fitting process is to identify these shafts so that you can play to the best of your ability, whilst you continue on your life-long quest of finding that ever-elusive magic wand. The Challenge Although shaft technology and shaft-fitting has improved over the years, there is still an air of mystery surrounding the subject. It is by no means an exact science. From robotic testing we know a bit more about flex, torque, bend point, spine alignment, etc. but there is still much to be discovered in relation to shaft dynamics and how this interacts with the human golf swing. We are told that the shaft manufacturers are studying shaft dynamics as part of their ongoing research, but little if any of this information ever reaches the golfing public. This is perhaps not surprising as the shaft manufacturers are in the business of selling new products, which does not necessarily mean finding you the perfect shaft. It would not be in their best interests to do so as you would then be one less customer for their new model of shaft which is already on the drawing board for next year. Cynical I know, but very likely true nevertheless. Another barrier to progress in shaft-fitting is the unreliability of current shaft specifications and the lack of shaft performance data being provided by the manufacturers. Most manufacturers publish values for shaft weight, flex, torque, bend point, etc., together with a recommended clubhead speed rating for each flex. However, since each company has their own methods for measuring these parameters, one must be careful when using this type of data to make shaft comparisons. It is a sad reflection on the golf industry that there is more reliable information on a 50p can of beans than there is on a £200 golf shaft. There is a desperate need for a set of industry measurement standards for golf shafts. If the manufacturers can't agree on this then there is a need for an independent company to test all the various shafts out there so that we have reliable shaft data that allows us to compare static parameters and dynamic performance. One company in the States has started doing this but access to their database right now is very expensive and one would have to be sure of the benefits before signing up to this service. AGT is currently monitoring this option but before we would contemplate using such a shaft database we would need to satisfy ourselves that the data was accurate and precise and that their sampling method for each type of shaft was reliable. Our New Shaft-Fitting Tool In the meantime we shall continue with our current shaft selection process which has been proven very successful to date. The latest addition to our shaft-fitting service is a neat system of screw connectors which allow us to rapidly change shafts in our test Gemini driver clubheads. You simply unscrew one shaft and screw in another one. Knowing how important it is to test shafts in their optimum aligned position, we have made sure that the shafts are positioned in the screw connector so that once tightened up they are properly aligned in the clubhead. So far we have a collection of 30 of the best known premium shafts in various flexes from Fujikura, Aldila, UST, Grafalloy, Harmon and Graphite Design. We shall be continuously adding to this collection as new models appear on the market. The key purpose for introducing this rapid shaft replacement system is to allow the international squad players to test hit all the top shafts under controlled conditions. However this special service will also be made available to the Scottish golfing public. If you wish to take advantage of our unique shaft-fitting service then you should contact us to make an appointment. The shaft-fitting session will consist of an indoor session on the launch monitor, followed by an outdoor session on the range. In addition to helping you find the ideal shaft, it also gives you the opportunity to experience one of the most accurate and forgiving driver clubheads on the market .... the KZG Gemini. However to take full advantage of this specialized service you really need to be able to drive the ball with a certain degree of consistency. If your driving is pretty erratic right now then you would be better advised to sort out your swing faults first with a visit to your local teaching pro. Failing that, a quick call to Harry Potter may help you find that elusive magic wand ;-) Product News : Utility Clubs Are Well Worth Considering During the 2004 Open Championship, Todd Hamilton demonstrated the value of having a utility club in the bag. Who can forget how he tamed Troon with his Sonartec MD? Extremely accurate from the tee, great off the fairway and from light rough, and ideally suited to little pitch and run shots around the green. As a result of this, the utility club has never been more popular. If you find long irons difficult to hit and don't feel comfortable with very lofted fairway woods, then a utility club is well worth considering. The KZG "U" Series utility clubs combine the distance of a fairway wood with the accuracy of an iron. They are available in 18°, 22° and 26° versions. For more information check out our KZG products page. If on the other hand you would rather purchase a Sonartec MD we can help you out there as well. Just contact us to discuss your personal requirements. 2004 Tech Award for the KZG Gemini Face Technologyr The accolades for the KZG Gemini driver just keep on coming. This time it is the turn of Golf Tips, the game's most in-depth instruction & equipment magazine. At the end of each season Golf Tips publishes their Annual GT Tech Awards for "clubs and teaching tools that define today's game". These are listed in the November / December issue. We are delighted that Golf Tips has chosen the Gemini's titanium double face technology for their 2004 Face Design Award. Quote: "Since the popularization of multi-piece titanium drivers, the clubface has become a component of its own, and the most noteworthy face design in 2004 was undoubtedly that of the Gemini Driver from KZG. It features a forged and heat-treated titanium face, as well as a second plate behind it, which is designed to add rigidity and stability. Because the face of the Gemini is exceptionally forgiving, the club tends to produce enhanced accuracy and outstanding driving distance. The four-piece Gemini clubhead comes in 355cc and 395cc models and is definitely worth a look." Even better news is that the Gemini is now available in a 460cc version. The extra face depth ensures that the clubhead does not look much bigger than the 395cc version in the address position. The larger head should provide even better performance on off-centre strikes. For more information on the Gemini driver, check out our KZG products page or contact us in the usual way. Footnote : Back Issues The two previous back issues will be kept on-line for reference purposes (see links below) and, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future subject material, then please don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail. Reader input / feedback will always be most welcome. Home Page \| Contact Us \| AGT News Issue#2 \| AGT News Issue#3

Applied Golf Technology's Informative Newsletter Issue#4 December 2004

Editorial:
As 2004 Comes To An End - Here's To An Even Better 2005

2004 has been another good year for Applied Golf Technology. The decision to focus on KZG clubs was a wise one. Unlike many other premium brand club manufacturers, KZG's worldwide sales have grown significantly in the last year as more and more golfers are exposed to KZG's superb quality and performance. 2004 started off with a bang for KZG, winning the prestigious ING Award at the Orlando PGA Trade Show for their range of forgings. Then in August of this year the KZG Gemini was voted No. 1 driver by Golftest USA and in November the Gemini twin face technology was voted Best Face Design by Golf Tips Magazine in their 2004 Tech Awards. Stay tuned for more innovative KZG products in the coming year.

As announced in our last newsletter we have now added the world famous Miura brand of forged irons to our product range. These will appeal to players who simply want the best forgings in the world, irrespective of price. Once seen, never forgotten. Take a look at our new Miura products page.

For some time now, AGT has been providing equipment support to the Scottish Institute of Sport Golf Programme and the Under 18 / Under 21 Scottish Golf Union (SGU) International Squads. In 2004 this was extended to the SGU's Under 14 and Under 16 squads. We are delighted to be working with Scotland's future generation of golf champions. Incidently, if you are a category one amateur golfer or a golf pro, and are interested in receiving the same level of equipment support as the squad players, check out our Tour Van Gold service for advanced players.

In the meantime we wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and we look forward to helping you achieve much golfing success in 2005.

Feature Article:
State-Of-The-Art Golf Shaft Fitting at Applied Golf Technology
In Search of the Perfect Shaft

To many golfers, finding the perfect golf shaft has become golf's equivalent of the search for the Holy Grail. Many live in hope that there is a shaft out there which will totally revolutionise their game, eradicating all of their swing faults overnight. This of course is unlikely ever to happen, but for sure there are some shafts out there that you will hit much better than others. The aim of our shaft-fitting process is to identify these shafts so that you can play to the best of your ability, whilst you continue on your life-long quest of finding that ever-elusive magic wand.

The Challenge

Although shaft technology and shaft-fitting has improved over the years, there is still an air of mystery surrounding the subject. It is by no means an exact science. From robotic testing we know a bit more about flex, torque, bend point, spine alignment, etc. but there is still much to be discovered in relation to shaft dynamics and how this interacts with the human golf swing. We are told that the shaft manufacturers are studying shaft dynamics as part of their ongoing research, but little if any of this information ever reaches the golfing public. This is perhaps not surprising as the shaft manufacturers are in the business of selling new products, which does not necessarily mean finding you the perfect shaft. It would not be in their best interests to do so as you would then be one less customer for their new model of shaft which is already on the drawing board for next year. Cynical I know, but very likely true nevertheless.

Another barrier to progress in shaft-fitting is the unreliability of current shaft specifications and the lack of shaft performance data being provided by the manufacturers. Most manufacturers publish values for shaft weight, flex, torque, bend point, etc., together with a recommended clubhead speed rating for each flex. However, since each company has their own methods for measuring these parameters, one must be careful when using this type of data to make shaft comparisons. It is a sad reflection on the golf industry that there is more reliable information on a 50p can of beans than there is on a £200 golf shaft. There is a desperate need for a set of industry measurement standards for golf shafts. If the manufacturers can't agree on this then there is a need for an independent company to test all the various shafts out there so that we have reliable shaft data that allows us to compare static parameters and dynamic performance. One company in the States has started doing this but access to their database right now is very expensive and one would have to be sure of the benefits before signing up to this service. AGT is currently monitoring this option but before we would contemplate using such a shaft database we would need to satisfy ourselves that the data was accurate and precise and that their sampling method for each type of shaft was reliable.

Our New Shaft-Fitting Tool

In the meantime we shall continue with our current shaft selection process which has been proven very successful to date. The latest addition to our shaft-fitting service is a neat system of screw connectors which allow us to rapidly change shafts in our test Gemini driver clubheads. You simply unscrew one shaft and screw in another one. Knowing how important it is to test shafts in their optimum aligned position, we have made sure that the shafts are positioned in the screw connector so that once tightened up they are properly aligned in the clubhead. So far we have a collection of 30 of the best known premium shafts in various flexes from Fujikura, Aldila, UST, Grafalloy, Harmon and Graphite Design. We shall be continuously adding to this collection as new models appear on the market. The key purpose for introducing this rapid shaft replacement system is to allow the international squad players to test hit all the top shafts under controlled conditions. However this special service will also be made available to the Scottish golfing public. If you wish to take advantage of our unique shaft-fitting service then you should contact us to make an appointment. The shaft-fitting session will consist of an indoor session on the launch monitor, followed by an outdoor session on the range. In addition to helping you find the ideal shaft, it also gives you the opportunity to experience one of the most accurate and forgiving driver clubheads on the market .... the KZG Gemini. However to take full advantage of this specialized service you really need to be able to drive the ball with a certain degree of consistency. If your driving is pretty erratic right now then you would be better advised to sort out your swing faults first with a visit to your local teaching pro. Failing that, a quick call to Harry Potter may help you find that elusive magic wand ;-)

Product News :
Utility Clubs Are Well Worth Considering

During the 2004 Open Championship, Todd Hamilton demonstrated the value of having a utility club in the bag. Who can forget how he tamed Troon with his Sonartec MD? Extremely accurate from the tee, great off the fairway and from light rough, and ideally suited to little pitch and run shots around the green. As a result of this, the utility club has never been more popular.

If you find long irons difficult to hit and don't feel comfortable with very lofted fairway woods, then a utility club is well worth considering. The KZG "U" Series utility clubs combine the distance of a fairway wood with the accuracy of an iron. They are available in 18°, 22° and 26° versions. For more information check out our KZG products page.

If on the other hand you would rather purchase a Sonartec MD we can help you out there as well. Just contact us to discuss your personal requirements.

2004 Tech Award for the KZG Gemini Face Technologyr

The accolades for the KZG Gemini driver just keep on coming. This time it is the turn of Golf Tips, the game's most in-depth instruction & equipment magazine. At the end of each season Golf Tips publishes their Annual GT Tech Awards for "clubs and teaching tools that define today's game". These are listed in the November / December issue. We are delighted that Golf Tips has chosen the Gemini's titanium double face technology for their 2004 Face Design Award.

Quote:
"Since the popularization of multi-piece titanium drivers, the clubface has become a component of its own, and the most noteworthy face design in 2004 was undoubtedly that of the Gemini Driver from KZG. It features a forged and heat-treated titanium face, as well as a second plate behind it, which is designed to add rigidity and stability. Because the face of the Gemini is exceptionally forgiving, the club tends to produce enhanced accuracy and outstanding driving distance. The four-piece Gemini clubhead comes in 355cc and 395cc models and is definitely worth a look."

Even better news is that the Gemini is now available in a 460cc version. The extra face depth ensures that the clubhead does not look much bigger than the 395cc version in the address position. The larger head should provide even better performance on off-centre strikes. For more information on the Gemini driver, check out our KZG products page or contact us in the usual way.

Footnote :
Back Issues

The two previous back issues will be kept on-line for reference purposes (see links below) and, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future subject material, then please don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail. Reader input / feedback will always be most welcome.

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