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Nancy Lopez Golf continues to offer the largest selection in clubs and accessories specifically geared toward women.
The NLG catalog for 2008 boasts seven different lines of clubs -- drivers, fairways, hybrids and irons -- in various configurations engineered toward women's skill levels and set-makeup preferences. There are also 18 putters overall, along with a wide variety of quality golf bags and gloves.
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| Nancy Lopez Signature series |
Lopez, the Hall of Famer, is still involved with the development of products that carry her name. But several changes in ownership and management over the years have contributed to a lesser presence in the retail realm than in the past.
Owned now by Tournament Sports of Waterloo, Ontario, and seemingly stable, Nancy Lopez Golf equipment is available at a variety of specialty shops in the U.S. and Canada and online. The company also markets a large portfolio of functional and fashion-forward women's golf apparel.
"In the U.S., we have a few of the bigger retailers, along with some smaller stores and some pro shops," said Gary Pollock, Tournament Sports director of golf sales. "Our focus on growing (NLG) is through the LPGA teaching professionals. They are better able to explain the product and its options."
Along with having a famous namesake, Nancy Lopez Golf is among the leaders in urging players to get custom fit when purchasing clubs. The company has what it calls the Match Play Process for fitting, which starts with selecting the proper line of clubs. Generally, the Signature series is for the more accomplished golfer and those looking for the latest in technological advancements. The Erinn series would accommodate the widest range of avid players, while the Torri set is geared toward recreational golfers and those with slower swing speeds who have trouble getting the ball airborne. Other series are called Ashley, Ashley Elite, Elle and Rose.
The Lopez fitting process includes choosing from among three grip sizes, three shaft lengths (petite, standard, overlength) and three shaft flexes. A chart provided by NLG, which asks a series of questions about playing characteristics, helps determine the best fit for players.
"The Match Play Process narrows down the options that the consumer should be looking for in a golf club," said Pollock. "The fitter should fine tune the specifications based on the individual needs and wants of the female golfer."
In test sessions among a variety of women golfers assembled by CBSSports.com, the Signature series was judged "must consider" for any serious player. Reviewers called the series a "true performance" set that men with slower swing speeds or older men could also use. The company makes no claims in that regard but, in a demo session with men and men's clubs, the Nancy Lopez Signature driver was added to the testing mix. Several men praised the club. "I didn't know Nancy Lopez made men's clubs," said one tester who provided a very positive review.
Here's a closer look at the latest from Nancy Lopez Golf.
Signature series
The driver in the Signature set boasts a 460cc four-piece forged titanium head, available in lofts of 12 and 15 degrees.
