By Jason Bruno

It's very rare when a product review involves nutrition and great tasting food. The folks at SCNS

sent over this sample pack of their best nutrition & energy bars that are made to enhance focus

and energy to help maximize your experience and performance during your day on the links.

I decided to put the 1st Tee Oatmeal Raisin bar (blue packaging) through one of the toughest

energy draining days possible. A 4:30am arrival at West Palm Beach Airport for my 6am flight

to New York City. After touching down at La Guardia, grab the rental car, quick diner breakfast

and it's off to Bethpage Black for a 20 minute warm up and the first tee. During my 5 hour hike

around the 2002 & 2009 U.S Open venue, I ate only two 1st Tee bars and drank water. Having

walked the Black five times previously (all of those were from age 29 to age 38), I wilted each

of those times on the back nine, so this would be a good case study not only for the energy

bars, but my own determination to stay focused on the task ahead.

As it turns out, I had no real lapse in energy or focus while carrying my bag (the other

five trips around the Black I used a pull cart to conserve energy and wear and tear). I

noticed on the fifth hole walking to my ball in the fairway that I was a bit anxious on my

shots around the green on the previous hole and was not quite as focused. Perhaps that

was a sign of energy loss, so after putting out I began eating bar #1 during our wait to

tee off on the sixth. Within 15 minutes I was re-energized and played the final 11 holes

in 1 over par (a 3 putt on the twelfth kept the back nine from being error free).  I ate bar

#2 on the 13th hole, just the right time to give me the focus coming in. In fact, on the

seventeenth and eighteenth holes I executed the exact shots I pictured in my mind - center

of the green on both. Certainly playing your best doesn't always happen, even when you

fuel your body and mind with the proper foods, but if you do give yourself the chance to

have a clear mind and the energy to pull it off, then you're more likely to fulfill expectations.

The taste of every one of these bars is better than you could imagine for a snack this healthy.

Delicious!

I was tired for sure, but wasn't in the drained physical or mental state I was in the past treks

around the beast that is Bethpage Black.

Afterward, I had enough energy to drive all the way from Long Island through New York

City down to Princeton, N.J where I was staying with family. It was a full day for anyone,

especially this middle aged links traveler. A big thumbs up to the 1st Tee & 10th Tee

products, I would highly recommend all of them . . . especially when you have a big day

ahead. Throwing a few of these in the bag before you go play can be a game changer.

The original 1st Tee bars come in Oatmeal Raisin and Chocolate Peanut and contain

all natural chamomile, hops and valerian root to help reduce anxiety at the start of

your round (hence the name "1st Tee"). The Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix bar and

Honey Almond (pictured above) are recent additions that are gluten free.

10th Tee bars are modeled after candy bars, because of the popularity of grabbing one

at the turn. Peanut Honey and Chocolate Peanut Caramel contain panax ginseng extracts

and green tea to help sustain energy on the back nine. Cranberry Trail is the latest 10th

Tee bar, and is gluten free.

For more info: www.energybar.com

By Jason Bruno

Sunday June 19th is Father's Day this year, so as usual we picked out some of our favorite items

your Dad might enjoy - either to look his best, or play his best. If you are a golfing Dad, I hope

you get one of these gifts . . . Happy Father's Day!

A man with Happy feet is usually a happy man - especially on the links. Puma's new Ignite Spikeless

Sport is built for cool style, serious traction and light weight. Worn on Tour by Cobra/Puma's own

Bryson DeChambeau who says "These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn".

Ignite Spikeless Sport available in Gray, Blue and Black $140. For more info: cobrapumagolf.com

A few years back Zepp technology took the world of golf by storm with their personal swing

device technology. The next generation of the Zepp Golf - called appropriately Zepp Golf2,

features a smart coach training system. Just attach the sensor to your glove and sync with

your Apple/Android device and you're ready to get started. After just a few swings the Zepp2

in collaboration with the Zepp smartphone app, you will receive instant information to

evaluate the area where you can improve. Zepp's training programs are illustrated by

Keegan Bradley, Michelle Wie, Brendan Steele and swing coach Rick Smith - are be tailored

to your individual swing.

Zepp2 is my personal go to when I need to check swingplane, tempo, swingspeed,

backswing etc. It's your best way to coach yourself in between lessons from your

PGA Professional. Zepp2 easily attaches to any golf glove - available at BestBuy,

PGA Superstore, Dick's Sporting Goods, GolfGalaxy or www.zepp.com - $149

Does Dad need a new Laser Rangefinder, but the price has him walking off yardages or

using the inferior cell phone gps? Precision Pro's new Nexus rangefinder is great value and

is packed with features . . .

The Nexus fits perfectly in one hand, and it's non slip cover provides ease of

use. During our review on the course, we found that our test unit measured

yardages quickly and within a yard of the two leading industry brands . . .

and at a fraction of the cost. $199 - www.precisionprogolf.com

The roll-in BAGBUDDY is an item like no other. Shag bags are heavy and don't pick up your golf

balls. Shag tubes pick up golf balls but only hold about 20 balls. The roll-in BAGBUDDY does both.

The Pro model (left) holds approx. 75 golf balls and eliminates the need for those big

clumsy pvc devices used at nearly every driving range or country club shortgame area

to gather up balls into a pile - and still doesn't pick them up. The standard model holds

about 40 golf balls. To see this device work is really something, also unlike those other

devices, the BAGBUDDY handle fits right into your golfbag easily. The Roll-in website will

launch on June 17th - www.rollingolf.com

Our friends at August Covers created this leather driver cover of the highest order for me. It's

by far my favorite accessory in the bag. Customize your own or buy one from their collection.

I've spotted players on tour with some of Drew Garrett's awesome covers. Check out the website

and all of the choices at: www.Augustcovers.com

GolfBuddy introduces the Voice2. The second generation of the #1 selling voice gps in the

industry now has increased battery life and is water resistant. For those Dads who don't want

to bother with a laser rangefinder or high tech phone app, the GolfBuddy2 is quite simply the

easiest to use golf gps device in the world. $99 - www.golfbuddyglobal.com

When I'm out covering the PGA Tour representing GolfLife.com, I wear Callaway apparel. Many

folks weren't aware that Callaway has their own division of sportswear, well they do, and it's

every bit as impressive as their golf equipment line. Golf slacks, polos, belts and shoes are

all part of their extensive line of fine golf wear. Dad can probably use an upgrade to his threads

this Father's Day. Polos shown $39-61 - http://m.callawayapparel.com

By Jason Bruno

Last year we reviewed the Air Force One DFX Tour Black Driver, and surprisingly it held up

to many of the leading $500 drivers in the industry when it came to performance (considering

the AFO DFX driver is half the cost, it's performance results were a revelation). So this Spring

we decided to give the new iron line an audition.

AFX Pro Series irons are the latest product from the company that has moved on from it's

previous Powerbilt branding. Powerbilt as a brand has long been associated with the equipment

of yesteryear (mainly persimmon woods). The move was made to put the Air Force One

nameplate on its own - as one that's seen for highly innovative technology. The AFX Pro Series

irons are designed with the mid/lower handicap player in mind, featuring performance with

forgiveness built in. The 5 thru PW are a conventional cavity back designed for feel and and

shot making. The 3 & 4 irons are a hollow design charged with nitrogen for max distance and

launch.

The nitrogen cartridge outlet is visible on the outer toe of the 3 & 4 iron. For those who

prefer long irons to hybrids, the AFX Pro Series 3 & 4 iron boast lofts of 18 and 21 degrees

respectively. No hybrids required here.

3 & 4 iron - Nitrogen Charged Features:

- 2 Piece Hollow Core Construction

- Nitrogen Charged

- Edge to Edge Sweet Spot

- Weightless Face Support

- Nitrogen Pressurized Clubhead

- Progressive Offset

- Thinner Top Line

The brushed satin finish has a clean look (7 iron shown above). Surprisingly, the look of these

irons at address is not one of bulky game improvement (see the photo below). Sleek, especially

along the top line where you'd expect something chunky in appearance. All of the technology is

hidden when you setup to hit a shot, a pleasant surprise - something you might expect in a premium

forged cavity back club.

As far as performance is concerned, the AFX Pro Series irons deliver crisp impact and high

trajectory shots, but also allows better players to shape their shots on command. All with the

added bonus of ample forgiveness on off-center shots. The stock steel 105 gram Apollo shafts

were as buttery as the premium graphite shafts in my everyday gamers. Distance in these is

about half a club longer than what I normally play (stronger lofts have a bit to do with that).

The 3 & 4 Nitrogen Charged irons feel trampoline like because of the hollow construction,

and offer a higher ball flight and more carry than most golfers could imagine with a long iron.

Similar to the driving irons produced by the leading manufacturers, these offer hybrid distance

in a sleeker head design - but with the added feature of Nitrogen Charged technology.

*Update on 5/26 after initial testing: Further testing on the course confirmed our first impressions

from the range. The AFX Pro irons are as easy to hit as any iron we've tested - especially the

longer irons (previously Cobra's XL irons and TaylorMade's Speedblades held that distinction).

When you can boldly pull 4 iron from the bag from 220 yards out (hearing the doubtful chatter

from your group in the background) only to smash a towering approach onto the green. You

know the equipment is making as much a statement to your confidence as you are to your

opponents. If you get anything from this review, it's to find a set that is easy to launch with

minimal effort. The ease of hitting accurate long irons shots with the AFO - AFX Pro irons is

addicting.

Summary:

Air Force One's AFX Pro Series irons offer big performance and at a value that very few leading

club companies can match. The complete 3-PW set is only $399. If you're looking for an alternative

to your long irons or hybrids, the AFX 3 & 4 Nitrogen Charged irons are also available in Fujikura

Graphite and can be purchased separately (AFO offers a risk free 30 day trial). Gap and Sand Wedge

also available.

For more info on Air Force One Products: http://afogolf.com/

By Jason Bruno

Carnoustie Sportswear isn't your run of mill golf apparel brand, it's a cut above the

industry standard. Many clubs that are featured in America's Top 100 list carry their

product line, and not many can make those claims.

Known for their fine cotton golf shirts, the Carnoustie Performance Polo features a moisture

wicking micro-poly blend, self collar and 3 button placket.

LinksNation: Can you tell me about the brand and where you see your place in the

market?

Marshall Mancillas: Today we find ourselves in many of the best clubs from the

west coast to the east coast, from Cypress Point to Pine Valley. We are also very

big in the best golf resorts like Bandon Dunes and Pebble Beach - where they

want something better. Having said that, our price points are very understandable.

In winter and fall we flourish because we make so many different things.

LN: What exactly does the catalog of Carnoustie apparel cover?

MM: Everything from knits, polyester (tech/performance) outerwear, to sweaters

and some really beautiful suede goods.

LN: Only available in green grass locations?

MM: Mostly green grass. We do some retail, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom

. . . but our main gig is Golf. I've been a player and understand the market.

The Carnoustie logo displayed just below the back collar is a nice touch.

LN: You started the company 22 years ago, how did that come about?

MM: I was a lawyer in the Real Estate business here in L.A, but I've been a player

since 1960. In the late 80's the landscape of golf apparel changed with companies

like Ashworth and Bobby Jones, I saw an opportunity. I was kind of naive when I got

started. My Father made a wonderful career in tailored clothing . . . so maybe it was

in my blood.

LN: Do you think that being naive entering the industry might have been a blessing

in disguise? The passion drove you . . .

MM: In a way, sure. It also kept me on track. So many times it's so easy to get off

track, but what was really encouraging was once I got started people immediately

liked my point of view, and that was really encouraging.

LN: Why Carnoustie? It's obviously a famous classic Scottish links venue, but how

did the name become the brand?

MM: I was at home in the wee hours and the family was all sleeping, I started

watching some old vintage links footage on TV from Scotland . . . and a light bulb

came on in my head. I was inspired by the classic Scottish landscape. I started to

research if the name was available, and much to my delight it was. The rest is

history.

One of the most impressive qualities about the Carnoustie Performance line is how

uniform the collar stays throughout the day - no roll up at all. The micro-poly fabric

is lightweight, and stays with your body even during the fastest swings from the tee

box. During testing, the moisture wicking elements kept us dry in the South Florida

sun. All Carnoustie garments are versatile timeless styles that will have you looking

your best whether you choose to wear them on or off the links.

An elegantly themed men's brand is what Marshall Mancillas likes to say. We couldn't

agree more . . .

For more information on Carnoustie Sportswear: http://www.carnoustiesportswearonline.com/