Past and Present Unite in FJ Icon

The new FootJoy FJ Icon shoes are created with a combination of design stylings from over 100 years and technological advancements such as memory foam and a perforated alloy stability bridge.

“FJ Icon is a new, premium, high-performance category of golf shoes that exemplifies tradition and performance and is the new flagship product of the FootJoy brand,” said Jack Erickson, vice president of golf footwear for FootJoy.

“Never before have we developed a category of shoes that integrates the very best features from our other categories until now,” he said.

FJ Icon shoes will debut in five patterns and 19 total inline styles, including two that incorporate the BOA lacing system.

Four of the five patterns will also be available through the MyJoys program, which allows consumers their shoes with thousands of colour and personalization options. With the inclusion of FJ Icon, there are now over 2.5-million custom combinations available through the MyJoys program.

FJ Icon shoes feature premium full-grain leather uppers to offer waterproof comfort, breathability and durability, as well as calfskin detailing for aesthetics, fit, and resistance to stretching.

They also come with a two-year limited waterproof warranty, with FootJoy backing that this shoe will be waterproof in normal use for two years.

FJ Icon shoes also have leather linings to provide comfort, slip resistance, and in-shoe breathability, while the leather-covered dual-density PU Fit-Bed creates an underfoot base that more closely mimics the natural shape of the foot to provide a quality fit and cushioned support.

Memory Foam located in the tongue and around the collar is in place to provide a custom fit to enhance comfort.

The FJ Icon Laser Last in all styles except plain-toe saddles, offers a modified contemporary toe character, standard fit across the forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel. The Laser Last is a composite of thousands of digital scans of the FootJoy Laser Fitting System.

EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) midsoles are in place to provide lightweight cushioning underfoot. EVA does not take a set, so the cushioning will remain constant for the life of the shoe.

Varying densities of TPU (thermoplastic urethane) are strategically placed throughout the outsole to produce a stable hitting platform.

An Icon Torque Bar, made from perforated alloy, is used in the shank area of the outsole to increase midfoot stability and support. The perforated treatment also gives the Torque Bar a contemporary look.

Dual OptiFlex in the FJ Icon features two-part forefoot flexibility channels, constructed of TPU (thermoplastic urethane) for walking comfort and flexibility.

FJ Icon shoes come with Stinger III cleats by Champ.

“We’re all excited to get to create and design our own FJ Icon shoe from start to finish. It’s a very exciting time for the shoe to evolve and take us to the next generation,” said PGA Tour player Ian Poulter.

Feel’s the Deal with PureTouch Glove

The new PureTouch glove will be available in a limited number of golf shops beginning May 15 due to its exclusive leather specifications and strict manufacturing process, according to FootJoy.

“Every aspect of this glove, from the leather that’s selected to the extensive manufacturing process, has been scrutinized to ensure it is the finest, most luxurious glove on the market,” said Maria Bonzagni, director of golf glove marketing for FootJoy.

The Cabretta leather in the PureTouch offers a soft feel that is enhanced by its preparation techniques, while performations on the fingers have been removed to eliminate any disruptions between the player and golf club.

The back of the hand was designed to deliver a contoured fit with a tailored cut and targeted elastic placement.

Each PureTouch glove is hand-inspected before packaging, which allows consumers to experience the feel of the glove from the outside of the package.

PureTouch will also have a tour presence through its use by players such as three-time major champion Padraig Harrington.

“The quality was excellent, it was a precision fit and it felt very soft and luxurious,” said Harrington. “I’ve been wearing it for several months now and just love the fit and soft feel.”

Titleist & FootJoy CPC Field Announced

Eric Landreville from the Belle Vue Club de Golf in Ville de Lery, Que., will return to defend his Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The tournament will be played Nov. 17-19 and will include several past champions, including Landreville, who won the 2007 title by three shots over Jean Louis LaMarre from St-Jean, Que.

A total of 107 club professionals will be competing for an overall $85,000 purse, with the winner also earning an exemption into next year’s RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont.

In addition to individual play, a 36-hole InterZone competition will also take place with four-player teams representing each of the nine Canadian PGA zones. Team scores will be calculated from the best three of the four scores accumulated over the first two rounds.

Here’s a look at the field for the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship:

Scott Allred, Alta.
Kevin Fraser, Ont.
David Main, Ont.
Mark Anderson, BC
Brian French, Ont.
Kevin Marushak, Sask.
Rob Anderson, BC
Dan Garagan, Ont.
Robert McClure, Ont.
Levi Arcega, BC
Kyle German, BC
Phil McCluskey, Alta.
David Banks, Ont.
Jason Giesbrecht, BC
Frank McMulkin, Ont.
Yvan Beauchemin, Que.
Marc Girouard, Que.
Eric Mercier, Que.
Marc-Andre Berthiaume, Que.
Dan Greenwood, Ont.
Scott Mikkelsen, Ont.
Yannick Bibeau, Que.
Jeff Gross, Sask.
Glen Mills, Man.
Jeff Boismier, Ont.
Brian Guenther, Man.
Joel Monk, Alta.
Dave Bolton, BC
Gar Hamilton, Ont.
Kyle Mulligan, Sask.
Ben Boudreau, Que.
Greg Hickey, Ont.
Dean North, Man.
Louis Bourgeois, Que.
Taras Humeniuk, Ont.
Hocan Olsson, Que.
Gary Boyce, Ont.
Brian Hutton, Ont.
Matt Peavoy, Ont.
Kevin Broderson, Alta.
Derek Ingram, Man.
Dale Pedersen, Ont.
Henry Brunton, Ont.
Greg Pidlaski, BC
Abe Buckle, Ont.
John Irwin, PEI
Tom Jackson, Ont.
Martin Plante, Que.
Brett Burgeson, Alta.
Jeremy Johnson, BC
Eric Robillard, Que.
Jean Châtelain, Que.
Mark Kappes, Ont.
Bruce Rogerson, Ont.
Adam Cherry, Ont.
Geoff Kehler, Man.
Luke Saunders, Ont.
Dan Clark, Ont.
Bill Kelly, BC
Rick Schmidtgall, Ont.
Gordon Courage, Alta.
Danny King, Ont.
Paul Schweyer, Ont.
Scott Cowx, Ont.
Scott Knapp, Sask.
Travis Spiess, Ont.
Ryan Danberg, Sask.
Terry Kolar, Ont.
Daryl Stubbs, BC
Jefferson Davis, Ont.
George Lacy, Ont.
Ken Tarling, Ont.
Ryan Davis, Ont.
Jean-Louis Lamarre, Que.
Randy Taylor, Ont.
Dave Deluzio, Ont.
Eric Landreville, Que.
Eric Thorsteinson, Alta.
Steve Deschenes, Que.
Ken Lane, Ont.
Dale Tomlinson, Alta.
Scott Dickson, BC
Eric Laporte, Que.
Steven Toombs, NB
Pascal Edmond, Que.
Robert Larocque, Alta.
Claude Tremblay, Que.
Olivier Edmond, Que.
Richard Larwood, PEI
Mike Verhagen, Alta.
Jocelyn Falardeau, Que.
Chris Learmonth, Que.
Doug Warner, Ont.
Jim Farrelly, Ont.
Jean Leduc, Que.
John White, Ont.
Michael Fenske, Alta.
James Legault, BC
Bill Wogden, Ont.
Todd Fiske, Alta.
Marc Levac, Ont.
Steve Wood, Man.
Bob Flaro, Ont.
Derek MacKinnon, NS
Sam Yawney, Ont.
Marc Foucault, Que.
Emerson Mahoney, Man.

DryJoys Tour Collection Offers Many Features, Pieces

The new DryJoys Tour Collection from FootJoy offers a wide range of outerwear featuring lightweight construction, waterproof stretch panels, sealed seams, waterproof zippers and technology to allow water to bead off the shell.

Included in the Tour Collection is a rain jacket designed to be waterproof, breathable, windproof, lightweight, comfortable and quiet.

Features of the rain jacked include the “It’s a Cinch” system that adjusts the jacket by pulling a cinch-cord that is accessible through the side pockets.

Other features include a waterproof front zipper and stretch panels, sealed seams, inside scorecard/cellphone chest pocket, lower side pockets and adjustable waterproof cuffs. The Tour Collection rain jacket comes with a two-year, limited waterproof warranty.

Many of the same features are available in a Tour Collection rain shirt, short-sleeved rain shirt and rain vest, while the Tour Collection rain pants feature a Gripper waist for comfortable fit, a full-length, two-way zipper and Velcro closure on the bottom for length and fit alterations.

For more information, see the website, www.footjoy.ca.

Bouchard Wins CPGA Assistants Title in Playoff

Remi Bouchard of Le Mirage in Terrebonne, Que., outlasted John McCann of Ontario’s Fairtree Golf Centre in a one-hole playoff to win the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship at Club de Golf Beleoil in Beleoil, Que., on Thursday.
Bouchard carded 67-68-66 for a 12-under 201 total before going to the extra hole to win his second national Assistants’ championship, exactly 20 years after his first victory in 1988.
“It definitely felt a lot easier to win a championship 20 years ago, but this is a great feeling to once again be at the top of the field,” said Bouchard, who started with two consecutive birdies, with seven pars to follow.
“I was happy that I got off to a strong start, but I didn’t truly feel comfortable out there until I hit the back nine, when I drained a 10-foot downhill putt for birdie on the 10th hole,” he said.
“I left a lot of putts short on the front nine and I knew that I had to pull it together on the back because the conditions were great and I knew someone was going to shoot low out there today.”
Bouchard went on to birdie 10 and 11, then bogeyed the 15th where he pulled a shot and ended up in the rough. “The turning point for me in my game was on 17 where I hit my drive slightly longer than I expected and was about 270 yards away from the centre of the green,” said Bouchard.
“I usually hit my three wood 240, so I thought I would give it a shot and luckily, hit it strong, leaving me about 20 feet from the hole. I just missed my putt for eagle, but was happy with my birdie.”
“I knew it was a close race out there,” he added. “I am the type of player that needs to know what is going on with each group, so that I know what I have to control in my game.”
McCann was one group ahead of Bouchard and Dave Levesque was one group behind. “I found out that Dave was 10-under behind me and that John had already posted 12-under and, at that point, I was 11-under at 17 and knew I had to birdie 18 in order to stay in the game.
“I used my three-iron off the tee at 18 and it was a tough shot as the hole was very narrow sloping left. I landed in the rough, then used my gap wedge to strike it about three feet from the pin and, at this point knew that I could make birdie.”
Bouchard sunk his birdie putt while McCann was hitting balls on the range to prepare for a possible playoff that began on the 18th tee.
“I know that it is tough to shoot low like John did, then wait around for the playoff to begin, whereas I was fresh off the green and in the zone, ready to play again.
“It must have been a tough position for John to be in and when I saw him hit it in the rough off the tee, I felt confident that I was going to win it.”
McCann’s 63 on the day was the lowest round of the tournament as he finished with nine birdies and one bogey.
“Heading into the playoff, I was just trying to mimic how I felt on the course during the afternoon, stay in the present and not get too worked up about any of my shots,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I hit a bad tee shot on 18 in the playoff and knew that I had missed my chance, but it was a great day and I’m thrilled with the way I played over the past three days,” said McCann.

Play Heats Up After Frost Delay at CPGA Assistants

The first round of the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship will be completed today after play was suspended due to darkness with five groups left to finish at Club de Golf Beloeil in Beloeil, Quebec yesterday.
The beginning of the tournament was delayed in the morning due to frost, but things heated up as Andrew Holborn of Coppinwood near Uxbridge, Ont., and Dave Levesque of The Country Club shot six-under 65s to take the lead.
Holborn had nine birdies on the day, including six on the back nine after winning the Ontario PGA Fall Championship and finishing second at the Ping Ontario PGA Class A Championship.
“Coming into the round today, I was definitely feeling a bit tired from the past few weeks with the two tournaments and a full work schedule,” said Holborn.
“I wasn’t feeling quite comfortable with my game this morning, but the delay allowed me some time to work on some shots and I felt I gained the confidence back.”
Holborn hit 13 greens in regulation and the five greens he missed did not prove to be troublesome for him, leaving accessible shots just off the fringe.
“Today I putted very well, made all of the five-foot putts and made a lot of the longer, key putts that kept my score low, including one 35-footer on the 15th hole,” said Holborn who placed fourth last year after heading into the final round tied for second place.
“I felt very comfortable with this course, as it is very similar to The Briars Golf Club, the course that I grew up playing with complex greens, so I think that added to my success today.”
Levesque had a similar round to Holborn posting a 35 on the front nine and 30 on the back. Levesque recorded four birdies and eagled the 11th hole.
Levesque had to withdraw from the Ontario PGA Fall Championship after the third hole after falling and spraining his thumb earlier this week, leaving him questionable for the national Assistants’ Championship.
“This morning, I was unsure if I would be able to play because of my injury, but it only bothered me on the first few shots at impact and was much better after warming up,” said Levesque.
“I feel very comfortable at this course as I have played it in the past at a few Quebec PGA events,” added Levesque, who matched his low round of the season after shooting 64 at the Jane Rogers Canadian Tour event earlier this year, where he placed fourth.
“Today I was extremely precise and accurate with my game, driving straight and not getting overly aggressive with my putting, so tomorrow I will try to maintain the same amount of consistency with my game.”
Darryl James sits one shot behind Holborn and Levesque heading into the second round after a five-under par 66 after recording a bogey-free trip round with five birdies.
“Today I made a lot of solid putts and hit 15 greens, missing only three fairways,” said James. “The greens were in excellent shape and definitely rewarded skilled shots, while still providing the flexibility and the receptiveness to be aggressive.”
This is James’ third year playing for the national championship and he is currently competing on the PGA of Alberta Players’ Tour which is comprised of the top 60 players on the Order of Merit. This year, James won the Alberta PGA stroke play event and the Order of Merit, setting a new record for money earned.
Just one shot behind James is Remi Bouchard of Le Mirage in Terrebonne, Que., who shot a four-under 67 with one eagle, three birdies and one bogey.
The top 60, plus ties after today’s second round will move on, with Alberta leading the InterZone competition.

FootJoy Targets Stability / Comfort

Slip-resistant full leather linings, memory foam collar and tongue, PODS technology and stability control outsoles are just some of the methods being used by FootJoy to attain stability in their SYNR-G and men’s and women’s DryJoys for 2009.

The following are a look at those models.  For more information on the SYNR-G, DryJoys and other models, see the website, www.footjoy.ca.

SYNR-G

Stability during the golf swing is the objective of the new SYNR-G golf shoe from FootJoy.
The SYNR-G features soft, breathable Extreme Comfort Leather (ECL) uppers, but also has slip-resistant full leather linings inside, along with a memory foam collar and tongue that are designed to mold to the foot.
Other in-shoe technologies include a PU Fit-Bed for soft, underfoot cushioning and a silicone HeelLoc zone to reduce friction and keep the foot safely harnessed.
Outsole technologies in the FootJoy SYNR-G include a G-Force tri-density TPU outsole to provide a durable, stable hitting platform, a tri-lateral stability frame, a perforated alloy stability bridge and Dual OptiFlex for extra flexibility.
SYNR-G comes with Stinger cleats by Champ and a two-year waterproof warranty.

Men’s DryJoys

DryJoys has introduced a new generation to continue a history that dates back to 1989. Stability PODS technology features seven individual Stability pods surrounded by an enhanced OptiFlex zone to create what FootJoy calls Flextability or stability through maximum flexibility.
The outsole’s versatile flex points allow more of the shoe to maintain contact with the ground throughout the swing. DryJoys also feature exclusive membrane-free waterproof full grain leather uppers.
FootJoy has expanded the DryJoys microbrand for fall 2008, with two limited edition models that include an infrared saddle with red accent and white smooth and a sapphire saddle with blue accent and white smooth.

Women’s DryJoys

The last in the Women’s DryJoys offer a combination of narrow heel with generous forefoot.
A TPU stability control outsole is in place to provide lightweight support and motion control, while the TPU saddle is integrated into the lacing system to offer additional midfoot support.
Two of the styles incorporate the BOA lacing system, which eliminates the need for traditional laces and allows users to dial in their desired fit.
With a two-year limited waterproof warranty, other features of the Women’s DryJoys include Dri-Lex suede linings and PU Fit-Bed with Dri-Lex cover for soft underfoot cushioning.
The Women’s DryJoys also come with Pulsar cleats by Softspikes.

LoPros Added to MyJoys Program

FootJoy has added its LoPro Collection to the styles available within the MyJoys custom golf shoe program.

Designed for golfers who see a more casual, sporty look, the LoPro Collection offers spiked and spikeless versions for men and a spiked shoe for women.  Built with the LoPro last, the MyJoys LoPro shoes are available in a variety of widths and sizes for better fit.

The MyJoys program allows golfers to customize shoes with any colour scheme, personalization or logo and are delivered between three to four weeks after completing four steps.  DryJoys and Contour Series shoes are also available with the program.

For more information, see the website, www.footjoy.ca/myjoys/.

FootJoy Offers New Gloves & Socks

Mesh inserts are common in new gloves and socks from FootJoy for 2009, in order to increase comfort and breathability.  For more information, see the website, www.footjoy.ca.

StaSof Glove

The cabretta leather in the new StaSof glove from FootJoy has been engineered to stay soft longer.
The StaSof also features a strategically-angled ComforTab closure and a PowerNet mesh insert across the knuckles for extra comfort, fit and breathability.  The exclusively-tanned Taction performance leather in the StaSof is designed to provide better grip.

The ComforTab closure, PowerNet mesh and Taction performance leather are also features of the FootJoy SciFlex glove, which also features FiberSof microfibre for better fit and MicroVent Moisture Control Leather for a cooler, drier glove.

StaSof and SciFlex complement FootJoy’s core gloves, which include the SoftJoy with FiberSof microfibre and angled table closure, soft cabretta leather palm, PowerNet mesh and Q-Mark ball marker

Premium cabretta lether and FiberSof microfibre are also features of the WeatherSof performance synthetic glove.

FootJoy is also offering specialty gloves including the new WinterSof for cool weather wear.
WinterSof is made of lightweight insulating fleece to protect the hands in cool, windy conditions, while the Weather-Shield stretch knit cuff is designed to keep warmth in and moisture out. The WinterSof also features a Sure-Grip sueded leather palm for better feel and grip.

Meanwhile, the FootJoy Junior glove is designed to stretch and flex on growing hands and features a Sure-Grip soft leather palm and Q-Mark ballmarker logo.

TechSof Sock

The TechSof sock from FootJoy features an anatomically-shaped footbed for enhanced cushioning in targeted areas of high impact and is designed to provide support, conform to and cradle the foot for better stability.

Breathable mesh inserts are strategically positioned to increase ventilation, while DriLex moisture control technology is designed to provide comfort and quick-drying.