With apologies to those dealing with excessive rains in the Northeast and thunderstorms in the Midwest, it's time to start thinking about the summer golf season. If you haven't already, it's time to dust off the clubs, start putting on the carpet, and otherwise begin getting ready to hit the links. Prepare with the following products:
Proderma Prism. Prism is a quick drying and non-greasy sunscreen perfect for golfers. It doesn't make your hands slick and it lasts up to eight hours with UV 35+ protection against the sun. The formula was developed last year based on feedback from pro players on the PGA, LPGA, Champions and Nationwide tours, and over that time has received positive feedback from recreational golfers as well.
"Golfers of all levels spend hundreds of hours exposed to the sun's harmful rays and Prism provides an extraordinary level of protection to help prevent skin cancer," says Proderma Products' CEO Mike Argyelan. "Golfers cannot have any more excuses to use sunscreen - Prism is so advanced it will render any excuse trivial."
Prism incorporates zinc oxide that helps to physically block harmful rays. It doesn't dry out skin because it's made without any alcohol, and includes Vitamins A, C and E to further moisturize. Plus, it doesn't cause allergic reactions that are common with some sunscreens.
Available in many pro shops, Prism comes in two-, four- and six-ounce bottles. It can also be purchased online through Proderma's web site, www.prodermaproducts.com.
New grips. Check your grips -- are they slick? Maybe just not as tacky as you would like? Time for a new set. Independent studies show that golfers who play once a week should replace their grips at least once a year; doing so can save three or four strokes a round.
Choosing grips can be difficult as there are many options available.
Going with a well-known name like Golf Pride, Lamkin or Winn will give you solid, well-made grips.
You might also consider the new Diamond Chord grips from C-Thru Grips. A relative newcomer to the grip market, having been around since 2001, C-Thru makes clear grips that feature a raised diamond pattern. They are played by 150 tour professionals and used by more than 200 collegiate golf teams. Plus, they're fun -- because the grips are clear, they're easy to customize with a logo from your favorite team or even your own images. See more at www.cthrugrips.com.
Good socks. Ever wear shorts on the golf course? If so, your sport socks probably caused tan lines. But some low-cut socks slip down into your shoes - no good on the golf course. Try JoxSox, a line of performance socks that feature a no-slip top, padded bottoms and a mesh fabric on top of the foot that allows air to circulate better.
Crew and quarter styles are available, as are ped versions that will help that tan. Get them in white, navy, tan or black by searching for a nearby store at www.joxsox.com.
If tan lines don't bother you, it's possible that insects do. Gold Toe makes a line of sport socks, Buzz Off socks, that incorporate insect repellent to keep fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes away from your ankles. The socks are available for men and women in crew and quarter styles, and the repellent lasts through 25 machine washings.
Distributed by Imperial Headwear, the Buzz Off line also includes hats and t-shirts. Look for the socks at apparel and pro shops as well as at www.goldtoe.com.
