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NEW FJ SPORT - Designed for the Athletic Golfer

We at FootJoy are proud to introduce to you our latest shoe - FJ SPORT. This shoe combines a feature laden outsole and unashamedly youthful upper pattern. A forefoot FlexZone and substantial in-shoe cushioning provide outstanding comfort levels. FJ SPORT will help the golfing fashionistas look good on any dance floor with its array of colour combinations. FJ SPORT is becoming the talk of the Tour with many players showing an interest in this athletic looking shoe. Pablo Larrazabal and Martin Erlandson are a select few players who have been lucky enough to get their hands on a pair, with Erlandson preferring style no 53119 (pictured right) to compliment his orange DryJoys Sport Rain Shirt. Keep your eyes open for this exciting new shoe in your local FootJoy stockist as well as on the feet of golf's elite.

FJ #1 Shoe in Golf

Tour Diary. One subject is on everybody’s lips.

In amongst the dunes at Kennemer Golf & Country Club for the KLM Dutch Open and there’s one thing on the player’s minds. FJ Icon. The Tour Support Vehicle is at the event and The FootJoy team are working hard to keep abreast of the demand.

Chris Wood collected a pair at The Open Championship and has since placed additional orders. Chris has a narrow foot and the N width option provided by FJ Icon suits him to a tee.  FootJoy Ambassadors Branden Grace and Robert Dinwiddie have also filed requests for more pairs. Austrians Markus Brier and Bernd Weisberger were able to try FJ Icon for the first time at Zaandvoort and were more than happy to head straight for the range in their new equipment.

The message is getting out that FJ Icon will be included in the MyJoys programme in the near future and Miles Tunnicliffe suggested that he’d be looking to create his own designs. Steve Webster is also in the market for custom pairs along with FootJoy Ambassador Chinnarat Phadungsil. Look out for some exciting and visible styles to appear in the coming weeks.

On to Crans-sur-Sierre in the Swiss Alps (via Gleneagles) for the Omega European Open. Rory McIlroy was back in action in Europe and wore a new pair of white shield tip FJ Icons for the Pro-Am ahead of the tournament proper. 2007 champion Brett Rumford was the first to make a move, shooting 62 (in FootJoy) in the opening round.

And it’s not just FootJoy players who are regarding the new shoe as essential equipment. One player (who shall remain nameless) has also placed an order with FootJoy. Getting no platform stability from the shoe brand he is currently wearing, he will join the group in FJ Icon during the coming weeks.

Cologne was the destination for the limited field Mercedes-Benz Championship at Golf Club Gut Larchenhof. FootJoy shoe wearers, Henrik Stenson, Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood headed the star-studded field in Germany and all were looking to continue their fine form in the Race to Dubai.

As the orders continued to flow for FJ Icon, (Scandinavian Masters winner Ricardo Gonzalez and China Open winner Scott Strange amongst them) it was Rafael Cabrera-Bello who took his maiden victory at the Austrian Open with a stunning final round of 60..

New FJ ICON. Simply the best of the best.

The enthusiasm of the Tour Pro’s was undisguised as they put a very special new FootJoy golf shoe on test. When FootJoy, the company with a 100 year history of serving the game of golf, decided to introduce its finest golf shoe ever, the company drew from finely tailored upper patterns, premium leathers, performance-infused outsoles and an almost limitless customisation options to create the new FJ ICON. Golf’s most demanding critics on the Tour were immediately impressed.

David Toms described his reaction to FJ ICON. “First of all, great looks. And then when I put them on my feet, they were extremely comfortable. This shoe is second to none, really. I couldn’t wait to get on the golf course and walk a round. And after playing in them, my feet felt great.”

Premium full grain upper leathers provide soft breathable waterproof performance. A comfort experience that is enhanced by full leather linings and a leather covered dual density PU FitBed. Memory Foam, an essential feature from the premium FootJoy SYNR-G™ shoe was added to provide unsurpassed custom comfort and a personalised fit.

All this supported on a Tri-density TPU outsole with dual OptiFlex™ to generate the solid hitting platform and great flexibility that good players demand. A perforated alloy Icon Torque Bar put in place additional support for increased stability and power. Stinger™ cleats from CHAMP® proved the perfect foil in terms of traction.

“Making golf shoes is our sole passion,” says Jack Erickson, FootJoy’s Vice President of Golf Footwear. “It’s what we are and what we do every day. Never before have we developed a category of shoes that integrates the very best features from our other categories until now. FJ ICON truly is the best of the best.”

The new FJ ICON will be with FootJoy retailers in the New Year. But those Comfort Zone readers inspired to be amongst the first to share the FJ ICON experience can order their own individual pair through the MyJoys programme at www.myjoys.co.uk from early October. With 44 base colours, 79 saddle colours, 54 accent options and three lace colours to choose from, the options are almost endless. Simply design the shoes, print and hand to or e-mail the summary to your local FJ stockist and they’ll take care of the rest!

Perhaps the last word should go to Ian Poulter, a man it’s fair to say who has more than a passing interest in design. “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.”

Wet or cold? Don’t worry, help is at hand.

No matter how well prepared you are, playing in the rain eventually impacts on your gloves and grips. Unless of course you’re fortunate enough to have the services of a caddy and an endless supply of fresh dry towels. For most of us, the best way to maintain a grip on the club is to dig out the hood from the depths of the golf bag, drape a towel inside the umbrella and hope to keep dry for as long as possible. However, help is at hand in the form of the RainGrip® Extreme glove from FootJoy.

When grips are getting damp (not to mention soaked) and you have to step out from under your umbrella on to the tee and into the elements, RainGrip enables you to hang-on tight through impact again and again. It’s FibreSof™ Microfiber palm working overtime to help keep you focussed on your game and not whether you can hold onto the club.

RainGrip Extreme is available in left hand sizes for the right handed payer and right for lefties or for those who wish to get a grip on their wet-weather golf game with both hands, it comes in pairs.

If there’s one thing worse than lack of grip in the wet, it’s lack of grip and feel in the cold. Once again, FootJoy have it covered. The Golf Mitt is a great option between shots (and FJ Winter Mitts are as good as they come) but for keeping the circulation going when the temperature is dropping, the best option is the WinterSof® glove. Sold in pairs, they’re so thermally effective, that they often become a favourite both on and off the course.

FootJoy retailers will know all about both gloves and should have plenty on display ready for whatever the winter season is going to throw at us. If in doubt, check RainGrip and WinterSof out at footjoy.co.uk and ask your Pro to point you in the right direction.

FootJoy outerwear. The choice is yours

If ever there was a summer that proved that an investment in quality golfing outerwear is money well spent, it has been the summer of 2009. Now that winter is here you are going to need the performance of FJ outerwear to make every day playable. On the Tour, the players have been dodging the spots on a regular basis and requesting their favourite garments from the three FootJoy collections to ensure they have the comfort and protection they need.

Of course, gone are the days when pulling-on waterproof gear was seen as inhibiting a players ability to play the game. In fact, quite the opposite. The design and materials technology employed by FootJoy is now delivering clothing that is worn not just out of necessity, but out of choice.

A perfect example is the DryJoys Sport Short Sleeve Rain Shirt from the FootJoy Sport collection. Available in striking orange, green and black colourways, it offers golfers a waterproof, breathable garment that performs in any weather and allows players to opt for comfort and protection as the weather threatens, rather than having to suffer until the last moment before going for full waterproofs from head to toe.

If playing in a deluge is the order of the day (an occupational hazard for every serious golfer), FootJoy also provide the ultimate in wet weather protection. The high specification DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Jacket and Rain Shirt featuring Waterproof Stretch Panels along with the DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Trousers are essential equipment not only for the players on Tour, but for golf enthusiasts wherever the game is played. The ‘DWR’ finish allows the water to bead off the surface of the fabric, to coin a phrase, like water off a duck’s back…

As FootJoy has established a growing reputation for high quality, high performance outerwear, the number of garments now available from FootJoy has greatly increased. Outerwear from the Tour, Sport and Performance Collections are available through FootJoy retailers who will have samples you can try for size and who can obtain your choice of size and colour very quickly if it is not already in stock.

So as your autumn and winter golfing calendar approaches, take a lesson from those in the know and reach for FootJoy Outerwear. It could bring a whole new look and feel to your all-weather game.

Between Forest and Prairie. The next Major test for FJ

Few golf clubs created in the past fifty years have a Major championship resumé to match Hazeltine National and the remodelled course is sure to provide a stern test for defending champion Padraig Harrington and the remainder of the 156 strong field. Having once again achieved the accolade of #1 shoe at The Open Championship (thanks to Padraig and his many FJ compatriots) FootJoy will be looking forward to another showcase for the
#1 Shoe in Golf on the ultimate stage.

With a shoe count of more than all other brands, you can be confident that FootJoy will feature on the leaderboard. Steve Stricker, like Padraig wearing SYNR-G™ , is in great form after his win at the John Deere Classic. Former Major winners, Zach Johnson and Angel Cabrera will be thinking about nothing less than picking up the Wanamaker trophy and after coming so close at Turberry, Lee Westwood and Ross Fisher will be looking to take the final step to a Major title. Competitors like Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson and Rory McIlroy will also command great support.

The European contingent will certainly travel to Minnesota in good heart. After all, it was at Hazeltine in 1970 that Tony Jacklin became the last European to win the U.S. Open. Originally laid out by Robert Trent Jones to provide a Major Championship test, but still remain playable for members and visitors, the course has been continuously improved over the intervening years. Those who know it, know just how critical placement and strategy is. If you are off-line at Hazeltine, you can expect the tariff of your recovery shot to rise sharply.

It’s a challenge that asks questions of both player and equipment. Players wearing FootJoy will be firmly focussed on the job in hand, but the comfort and performance they have come to rely on is the result of FootJoy’s huge commitment to research and development as a specialist golf company. And it’s exactly the same comfort and performance available to every golfer who chooses shoes like DryJoys®, SYNR-G or ReelFit®, and gloves such as StaSof®, SciFlex™ or Pure Touch™ from their FootJoy retailer.

Hazeltine is said to have been built on land competed over for millennia by forest and prairie. The 85th US PGA Championship promises another level of competition altogether. However, it promises to be a great stage for the best players in the world and the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf.

More Success for Stricker and SYNR-G

With a three shot victory at the John Deere Classic Steve Stricker has written the latest chapter in a season of success for the new SYNR-G golf shoes from FootJoy. Following a sensational 61 that put him within three shots of the lead on Saturday Steve headed into a marathon 36 hole final day. Just as he’s done all season, Steve trusted his SYNR-G shoes, posting a 3-under 68 in the morning before a final bogey-free 7-under 64 to capture his seventh PGA Tour victory.

The victory is Stricker’s second this year and second in SYNR-G following his win at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in May. In fact SYNR-G has been the golf shoe of choice for several champions on different Tours as more and more players each week appreciate the combination of comfort, style and outstanding stability.

Zach Johnson captured the Valero Texas Open (including a third round 10-under score of 60). Jerry Kelly rallied with two birdies on the back nine to capture the Zurich Classic. Kelly, Johnson and Stricker following in the footsteps of Davis Love III who became the first professional to win wearing the SYNR-G when he won the Children’s Miracle Network Classic wearing a prototype pair of SYNR-G ahead of heir official launch in January.

On the Champions Tour, Michael Allen turned a special invitation from the PGA of America into a major championship when he became only the second player in ever to win the Senior PGA in their Champions Tour debut. Over here in Europe Michael Hoey overcame a five shot deficit in the final round to claim his first European Tour victory in a playoff at the Estoril Open de Portugal.

Engineered to bolster Tour-level swing speeds, SYNR-G shoes utilise the exclusive G-Force TPU outsole featuring stability components like the Tri-Lateral Stability Frame™ and Perforated Alloy Midfoot Stability Bridge. These features provide unmatched stability while the memory foam in-shoe environment provides unsurpassed custom comfort and a personalised fit.

It’s a performance that’s proving a success for Steve Stricker, a wider success on the world’s Tours and at home amongst serious golfers at all levels. View the SYNR-G styles at footjoy.co.uk/synrg

"I saw them first..."

The words of Padraig Harrington as imagined by Comfort Zone reader Andrew Dickie, the winner of our caption competition (Comfort Zone 44). A strictly tongue in cheek take on the image of the Open Champion shown carrying a pair of FootJoy SYNR-G™ shoes was good enough to earn Andrew a new FootJoy Pure Touch™ golf glove just like those Rory McIlroy and others were wearing at Turnberry. Thanks to all those who took the time and trouble to enter.

Tour Diary - A new shoe arrives

It’s been a hectic July for the European Tour, starting in France and ending in the Czech Republic by way of Scotland and Sweden. The big story of the month was the launch of a new shoe to the players for testing and feedback. Tour validation is an essential part of the FootJoy new product development strategy and at Le Golf National in Paris, a steady stream of players were visiting the Tour Support Vehicle to collect their shoes.

Already wearing the new shoe and one of many to comment on just how light and comfortable they are was Ian Poulter, back in Europe after a long stint the other side of the pond. Henrik Stenson was another visitor, in his case to pick up another pair of his favourite SYNR-G™ shoes.

Up to Scotland for the Barclay’s Scottish Open and The Open Championship. With showers streaming in on the westerly breeze, the FootJoy Team were kept busy fielding requests for FootJoy Outerwear – particularly the Sport Rain Shirt which observant Comfort Zone readers might have seen a number of players wearing - including the in-form Martin Erlandsson.

The Tour Blog on footjoy.co.uk went behind the scenes on the practice days at The Open, catching-up with FootJoy devotees, Pablo Larrazabal, J.B. Holmes, Lee Westwood and Charley Hoffman amongst others. All of whom were in the new shoe already and working hard on the range to hone their game prior to getting to grips with the Ailsa course.

It’s not just FootJoy outerwear and the new shoes that have been visible in the television coverage of the Tour. At the SAS Masters at Barsebäck Golf & Country Club, there were a number of FJ collars on show, including Steve Webster, David Horsey, Callum Macaulay and Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez who played magnificently to take the title. A visible reminder of the strength in depth the #1 Shoe in Golf has on Tour.

The great reaction for the new shoe was such that more and more players were placing orders at the Moravia Silesia Open. FJ ambassador Graeme McDowell was amongst them and will receive three pairs in time for the WGC Bridgestone invitational. However, the FootJoy player of the week was Oskar Henningsson who captured his maiden Tour title.

Win an autograph collection on just one shoe!

Whilst at Turnberry, The Comfort Zone had the chance to ask a number of the FootJoy players at the event to sign an Anniversary DryJoys® golf shoe.The result is a shoe signed by some 13 players including such names as Lee Westwood, Soren Hansen and Masters Champion Angel Cabrera.

To have a chance to add this unique collection of autographs and momento of FootJoy’s 30th consecutive open as #1 Shoe to your collection, all you have to do is answer the following question:

DryJoys feature a revolutionary outsole featuring individual stability PODS™ and enhanced OptiFlex™ zones. How many PODS are found on each sole? Click here to visit the DryJoys microsite and for help with the answer!

Email your answer to competition@thecomfortzone.info before the closing date of Friday 21st August. We’ll draw a winner from the correct entries received.

For terms and conditions click here

FJ at the Open Championship

From hotel and golf resort created by the railway boom of the Edwardian era, to wartime military hospital, airfield and Open Championship venue (not to mention scene of a highly memorable Open battle in 1977) Turnberry has a vibrant and colourful history. Nearly 140 of the world’s best golfers are gathering on the Ayrshire coast and once again more of them will be wearing FootJoy shoes than all other brands as they embark on their quest to write the next chapter of the Open Championship story at Turnberry.

How can FootJoy be so confident of the #1 shoe accolade? Comfort Zone readers will be more familiar than most with the fact that week-in week-out, over 6 out of every 10 players on the world’s major Tours choose to wear the #1 Shoe in Golf. What you may not know is that FootJoy has been the most worn shoe at The Open Championship every year since records have been kept – a figure that at Turnberry will total exactly 30 years.

The players of the modern age are more conscious than ever that the equipment they use makes a difference. And nowhere are the stakes higher and potentially the playing conditions more challenging than at an Open Championship. A truth that not only applies to golf shoes, but to golf gloves as well – a second category where FootJoy reigns supreme.

As the week goes on, the anticipation will increase as fans and commentators alike discuss the relative merits of Open Champion Padraig Harrington versus the young challenger McIlroy. The home challenge of Lee Westwood, Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter. The threat posed by big guns from overseas like Scott, Cabrera, Villegas, Stricker and Johnson. From FootJoy SYNR-G™ to ReelFit®. From DryJoys® to StaSof®, SciFlex™ and Pure Touch™ - each and every one of these players is carrying the FJ initials.

And without wishing to be seen as someone of a ‘glass half empty’ disposition, there is every chance that Open week will produce some of the weather that makes a tough links even tougher. With the prospect of sun, sand, wind, and rain (potentially all in one day!) there will be a good percentage of the field that will turn to the protection and performance of FJ Outerwear, making every day playable.

With the ultimate in shoe, glove and outerwear comfort and performance to rely on courtesy of FootJoy, the best players in the world will have the best possible chance to maximise their incredible talent and give themselves the opportunity to lay claim to the old claret jug. It promises to be another Open to remember on the Ailsa Links in the shadow of the old Station Hotel.

Win a Pure Touch golf glove!

Here’s your chance to be one of the first golfers in Europe to experience the look and feel of Pure Touch as we have three precious gloves to give away to the winner of our caption competition. We know what Padraig Harrington thinks of the new Pure Touch golf glove from FootJoy. But what might Padraig be saying as he is snapped carrying his FootJoy SYNR-G shoes rather than wearing them!

Simply email your caption to: competition@thecomfortzone.info before the closing date of midday on Friday 26th June.

We’ll pick the entry that we feel best captures the moment and publish the winning caption in the next issue of The Comfort Zone. Good luck!

For full terms and conditions click here.

'Be Prepared in the UK'

Britain’s golfers have been enjoying some great early season conditions, but the competitors on the European Tour have not been quite so lucky on the swing through the UK playing in the BMW PGA, European and Celtic Manor Wales Opens. As a result, FootJoy rainwear has been to the fore once again.

At Wentworth, Martin Erlandsson – star of the 2009 FootJoy catalogue - was sporting a FootJoy Sport Rainshirt in Orange, whilst past winner of the event, Anders Hansen had chosen the short sleeve version in white and orange. A stellar field included Henrik Stenson, fresh from his success at The Players Championship in the US, wearing FootJoy SYNR-G and getting his order in for another custom pair for the week ahead. Also good to see FootJoy Classic wearer Luke Donald back on home soil.

David Horsey, with FJ standing proud on his collar, impressed the television commentary team with an assured performance. Look out for him in the US Open after a successful qualifying competition. Fellow FJ collars, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Mark Foster, Michael Hoey and Steve Webster were all hard at work on the range during practice. Rafael and Michael in SYNR-G, while the others trusted FootJoy Classics.

No let-up from the wind (and rain) at The London Club for the European Open. However, a better forecast for the tournament days helped to keep the players’ spirits up. FootJoy shoe wearers including young Brit Seve Benson had the chance to catch-up with the FootJoy Marketing team and do some media work.

Finally the sun is out as the players gather at 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor for the Celtic Manor Wales Open. FootJoy players and potential Ryder Cup men Pablo Larrazabal and Ross Fisher were out early in practice, Pablo trialling a prototype pair of FootJoy shoes to see how they stand-up to tournament play.

SYNR-G continues to create a buzz. David Frost is the latest to join the cause and put an all-white pair into play, joining FootJoy ambassadors Brett Rumford, Callum Macaulay and Michael Hoey who are all in the field this week. A last word for young Austrian Brent Weisberger. A pair of new DryJoys straight out of the box and onto the practice ground booming drives out of sight. One to watch as the action starts in earnest.

Pure Touch, Pure Feel

At the FootJoy glove production facility, there’s a new manufacturing line dedicated to just one product. The people who work on it are trained to be specialists on the production of just one new golf glove, as are the Quality Assurance Team who monitor their work. This is the new Pure Touch™ line.

It has to be this way because the new Pure Touch golf glove from FootJoy utilises a longer manufacturing process involving meticulous attention to detail to create a new standard in feel, fit and performance for the serious golfer. Using an exclusive Cabretta leather specification to provide an exceptionally soft and supple material, Pure Touch features a tailored cut and targeted elastic placement to create a precision fit.

The new line can only produce a certain number of gloves to this unique specification. Some will go to selected FootJoy players in the World top 50 including Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Chad Campbell and Nick Watney. Players who have trialled the glove and asked to be able to wear it. The remainder in their distinctive black luxury packaging will go to hand picked golf shops with a reputation for selling premium golf equipment.

Three time major winner Padraig Harrington is also wearing Pure Touch. “All the FootJoy gloves are superb, but I have to say that when I first put the PureTouch on, it felt very different," said Harrington. "The quality was excellent, it was a precision fit, felt very soft and provided a fantastic grip. I've been wearing it for a while now and just love the fit and feel."

Those of you lucky enough to get your hands on this phenomenal glove are sure to find it highly sought after as discerning golfers experience what Padraig describes so well. Pure feel from the #1 Glove in Golf.

Bethpage Black ready for the world's best

Bethpage Superintendent Craig Currier and his team have been preparing for June 2009 for many months under the watchful eye of the USGA and renowned golf architect Rees Jones. The Black Course, jewel in the Bethpage State Park crown, has now been closed to allow final preparations to take place before the best players in the world gather at this fabled club, home to no less than five courses in Long Island, New York State.

Ask golfers what defines a US Open Championship and most will talk about the narrow fairways, hard, fast greens and above all, the rough. Thick penal rough that strains sinews and demands recovery shots, not at the flag, but sideways into play. Over the last three years however, the philosophy of the USGA has changed. The notion of ‘graduated’ primary rough was introduced at the 2006 Open to give players a variety of options, to challenge them with a balance of risk and reward and make for more exciting golf.

A 6-foot strip of intermediate rough is bordered by a 20-foot strip of primary rough cut to 3 inches or just below, before a second cut at 4-6 inches stretches to the boundary ropes. The thinking is that players in the primary rough now have a chance to go for the green, but without the spin control of a ball that sits in the fairway. Although quite whether that challenge will be accepted on the seventh hole which measuring at 525 yards is the longest in US Open history, remains to be seen.

A severe challenge Bethpage Black will certainly be for both players and their equipment. Where length and accuracy are at a premium, players like Padraig Harrington and Henrik Stenson will benefit from the exceptional platform stability of FootJoy SYNR-G shoes. Young Rory McIlroy’s induction to the Major championships will continue - as ever in FootJoy Classics. You get the feeling that he is not a player to be intimidated by the reputation of a golf course and that as the USGA set-up the course to benefit the shotmaker, he will prosper. FootJoy loyalist Angel Cabrera will also come to Bethpage, as Masters Champion and will bring a game suited to the special demands of Major championship golf.

What is beyond doubt is that once again, FootJoy will be the most worn shoe at the US Open Championship as more players trust the #1 Shoe in Golf for their chance if not to conquer, to survive Bethpage Black and lift one of golf’s most coveted trophies. At The Comfort Zone we wish them every success.

DryJoys reaches another landmark in style

The world’s favourite waterproof leather golf shoe has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Twenty years of providing a level of all-round golf shoe performance that golfers have come to rely on and other competitive shoes have singularly failed to match. To celebrate, FootJoy have created three all-new DryJoys shoes and are inviting you to give your feedback on the designs with a chance to win a pair for yourself.

The three new DryJoys created for the anniversary feature what is called a ‘wing tip’ pattern. An all white, an all black and a black and white shoe make up the three styles, the full grain leather uppers, as with all DryJoys, using the ECL™ Leather System by Pittards® to deliver that essential combination of waterproofing and breathability that helps to make the shoes so comfortable.

The new shoes are finished with a Fit Bed containing a 20th Anniversary badge. A small touch to recognise the heritage of a special collection of DryJoys that will be commanding prime position in FootJoy retailers across the UK from 1st July.

In fact, it’s been only a little over 12 months since the latest DryJoys line was introduced to great acclaim featuring the distinctive and high performance outsole incorporating PODS technology. Another technical step forward that allied to the combination of stunning DryJoys ‘Tech’ uppers and equally striking traditional styles, has seen DryJoys becoming the shoe of choice for nearly one in ten of the UK’s golfers and establish a foothold on Tour, wearers including Vijay Singh, Lee Westwood and Angel Cabrera.

FootJoy greatly value feedback from golfers. With that in mind, a survey form has been set-up allowing you to view and rank the three anniversary styles and give your thoughts on the new shoes. Simply hit the button below to take part and be in with a chance to win a pair of your choice. The new DryJoys 20th Anniversary styles can also be viewed on the FootJoy website.

For full terms and conditions for the DryJoys Competition click here

Strolling down Magnolia Lane in FootJoy.

Imagine what it must feel like. You’re young. You’re supremely confident in your golfing ability and ready to take-on a Major challenge. In your pocket you have your invitation to a tournament you’ve only previously seen on the television. Your car turns into the gates at Augusta National and you alight at the clubhouse steps, ready to register and pick-up your competitor’s badge. Like many young talents before him, Rory McIlroy has made that journey and stepped out onto the first tee – in FootJoy of course.

If Rory’s first outing in the US as a professional was any guide, his Masters debut has come at the right time. Qualifying for the WGC Accenture Match Play in late February having broken into the world top twenty following his early season win in Dubai, Rory showed no fear and made a spirited run to the quarter finals, claiming some famous scalps on the way and only surrendering to eventual winner Geoff Ogilvy after a closely fought encounter.

Given that conventional wisdom says that to be a contender you need to learn your way around Augusta National, to expect Rory to be in contention come the back nine on Sunday in his first Masters is perhaps a Sarazen bridge too far. However, there are other contenders (and FootJoy wearers) who will be expecting to be right there in the annual race for the Green Jacket.

Recent Masters champions like Vijay Singh and Zach Johnson know exactly what it takes to win. Amongst the Europeans, Padraig Harrington (like Zach sporting new FootJoy SYNR-G™ shoes) is a proven Major winner and seasoned observers point to Lee Westwood and Robert Karlsson as having the game to go close. Amongst the other pretenders, many will have high hopes for the impressive Ian Poulter and big-hitting Ross Fisher.

Most European eyes though will be on the 19 year-old from Hollywood Northern Ireland. No-one will wear their FootJoy Classics on Bobby Jones’s masterpiece with greater pride. We wish him every good fortune.

FootJoy Tour Diary. Clocking up the air miles.

The early part of the year is always extra hard work for the FootJoy Tour team as they clock up the air miles looking after the needs of FootJoy players on the European Tour’s International Schedule. Tired from the long flight from Perth, but inspired by the spectacular coastal setting at the New Kuta Golf Club on Bali, home of the Indonesian Open, there was time to file a first report for The Comfort Zone.

Dutchmen Wil Besseling and Taco Remkes (three times winner on the Challenge Tour in 2008), were hard at work on the practice days. Both players were finding the heat and humidity quite tough to deal with, however they were proud to show off their new FootJoy Classics they have for the season. Will was wearing a custom made pair of all brown pebble Classics whilst, Taco went for the lighter Classics Tour.

New FootJoy wearer, Miles Tunnicliff collected a new pair of Classics Tour. He has been out on the road now for seven tournaments after only planning on playing three! Miles had to be a bit careful when putting on his new shoes, as he'd got a bit of sun burn after a day by the pool on Sunday.

After a two week break the Tour moved to Madeira and Porto Santo for the Madeira Open (won by Argentina’s Estanislao Goya in FootJoy) before heading to Spain for The Open de Andalucia and what proved to be an exceptionally hectic week. This is the first week the Tour has been back in mainland Europe and with that the first chance the players have seen the Tour Support Vehicle since the end of the 2008 season back in November.

The truck has benefited from a new livery since then and has also been given a spring clean ready for the new season. Unfortunately the heavens opened on the Tuesday and it became a very wet and muddy place to be. The weather did however prompt the players to come and collect some of the new stylish DryJoys Sport Collection jackets and rain shirts. These were certainly the talk of the range as the Tour stock ran out very quickly. The suspicion was that many players weren't expecting rain in Spain and hadn't prepared themselves for this eventuality!

The week also proved exceptionally popular for the new FootJoy SYNR-G shoe. Over 20 FootJoy wearers came and collected a new pair of the shoes. There were plenty of positive comments from the players, who liked the support and comfort the shoe brought straight from the box. Players that collected the shoe this week included Gregory Bourdy, Pablo Larrazabal, Markus Brier, Estanislao Goya and last week’s runner-up and FJ collar wearer Callum Macaulay.

However, it was Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen, immaculately attired in white FootJoy Classics® and a StaSof® glove who picked-up the trophy after a thrilling final round.

Look out for more Tour news on the FootJoy Tour Blog

There are glove displays and FootJoy glove displays

When you buy a golf glove, how much thought do you give to the purchase? Do you weigh up the options available from your local golf retailer? Do You buy online? Or do you tend to grab the first glove that fits in the Pro Shop five minutes before you’re due to tee-off?

Whilst many of us will have made a hurried purchase at one time or another in our golfing lives, most good players would agree that the performance of the golf glove in making a comfortable and secure grip on the club is fairly fundamental to how we are going to perform and as such glove selection and fitting deserves time and attention.

Most golf retailers know which glove is the #1 Glove in Golf - the most worn on the world’s Tours and the best selling to players at all levels. That’s why they stock FootJoy for their customers and use FootJoy themselves. They’ll put the glove display in a prominent position in the shop that befits such an essential item and with the support of FootJoy, keep it well stocked.

Next time you’re in the shop, have a look at what’s currently on offer. StaSof® will probably be a familiar name to you. It should be; it’s been the #1 cabretta leather glove in the world for over 25 years. Consistent development keeps StaSof right at the top of the game, just ask European #1 Robert Karlsson or recent winner Soren Kjeldsen if you don’t believe us.

Your eye will probably be drawn to the bright yellow and blue logo on the SciFlex pack. Worn on Tour by Ian Poulter amongst many others, this high tech glove uses Taction™ APL™ cabretta leather exclusively tanned by Pittards of England to deliver powerful grip performance and the finest feel that’s engineered to stay softer for longer.

With ten different gloves in the range, not every display can carry every glove. Almost all will carry the new WeatherSof GTX™ and WeatherSof gloves, superbly crafted microfibre and leather gloves which are complemented handsomely by their CabrettaSof® and ShockStopper® cousins, the latter featuring the exclusive Q-Mark™ magnetic ball marker on the closure.

Providing there’s not just been a month of non-stop rain, then the FootJoy RainGrip™ glove should be easy to find. If you’ve not one in the bag already, then our advice is to make the investment. The performance in wet weather conditions is nothing short of awesome. Minutes before you play a medal round under threatening skies is not the time to be looking for RainGrip in your preferred size.

Whatever the forecast, the FootJoy glove range for 2009 is ready to go. There’s only one #1 Glove in Golf. And only one FootJoy golf glove display. Next time you can, take a closer look. The chances are, it will be time well spent.

Win a FootJoy Summer Wardrobe!

What are you going to be wearing on the course this summer? Whatever you choose, you’ll be hard pressed to be better equipped than the winner of our spring competition. We are offering a pair of new FootJoy LoPro golf shoes, a FootJoy ProDry® Pique Performance golf shirt and a FootJoy SciFlex™ golf glove to the first person drawn from our FootJoy hat who correctly answers the competition question.

Estanislao ‘Tano’ Goya won the Madeira Open in just his sixth European Tour event. What nationality is the 20 year old emerging talent?

Put your answer in an email and send it to: competition@thecomfortzone.info and if you’re not lucky enough to win, we will be offering a ProDry® Pique Performance golf shirt for the next three names drawn at random. Be sure to add your contact details, which will help us get in touch to arrange delivery of the newest addition to your summer wardrobe if you’re successful.

Best of luck!

For full terms anc conditions click here

Get your game up and running with FootJoy LoPro

Golf’s traditionalists will be forgiven a double take as they spot a player stepping onto the course in one of the new shoes in the FootJoy Men’s LoPro Collection. Four new styles that take their design cues from low profile casual shoes worn off the course and are designed to appeal to those players seeking a more comfortable and casual look to their golf shoes.

But as you’d expect with a shoe sporting the FJ initials, behind the athletic look and feel lies a serious performance golf shoe. Super soft full grain leather uppers, a Proofguard™ waterproof membrane, a cushioned EVA Fit-Bed™, a Tietex lining and a combination DuraMax™/EVA Outsole sporting Pulsar® cleats by Softspikes®. The spec. is long and impressive.

However, dare we say that it won’t be the spec. alone that sells these superbly cushioned and comfortable golf shoes. It will be the sheer appeal of stepping out in a pair of ‘sports’ shoes in all white, or white with a splash of red, green or orange. The chance to break the mould and wear something just that little bit different. A shoe that celebrates golf as game to be played with a spring in the step and not bound by tradition.

The LoPro experience is of course not just confined to men. The two new LoPro Collection styles for women are tipped to be amongst the most coveted in the 2009 range. The white tumbled leather with silver and white tumbled with bronze accent styles are nothing short of jaw-dropping and will be sought after by lady players who value their lightweight comfort as well as the sporty looks. 

Search LoPro on the FootJoy website or even customise your own pair through the MyJoys programme and be ready to run to your FootJoy retailer.

An interview with Rob Dinwiddie

Questions:

1. Heads or Tails? Heads

2. Can you remember your first ever pair of FJ’s? What were they?
I can’t remember exactly what they were. However I would have been around the age of 10 or 11 and they a would have come from the Pro Shop at Barnard Castle.

3. What’s the first word you think of when you think of FJ?
Shoes!

4. Favourite pair of FJ’s?
Got to be the all white 50672. I’ve just collected 4 pairs today

5. Favourite golf course?
Merion Golf Club, Pennsylvania
 
6. Funky or traditional?
Traditional

7. Beer or wine?
Beer (without even the slightest hesitation!)

8. What did you do for new year?
(With a very cheeky look on his face) I had a quiet night in!! …… no not really, I went out into London with some friends.

9. Which football team do you support?
Newcastle United

10. If you weren’t a golfer what would you be?
Probably would have joined the Army

11. How much money do you have in your pocket right now?
Laughs. £5

12. If your life was a film, who would play you?
Jason Statham

13. Who would be the worst foursomes partner of the guys out on Tour?
Would have to be Ross McGowan. We already spend enough time together.

14. What book are you currently reading?
Nothing at the moment

15. Which song always gets you on the dance floor?
Usually something by 50 Cent

16. Who is the worst dressed on Tour?
No comment!

17. What about your body would you change?
I’d like to get my hair back!

18. Who has the best nickname on Tour?
Probably my caddie, Stretch. He’s a tall, slim guy

19. Who is the worst roommate on Tour?
Can’t think of anyone at the moment. Adam Gee, when I was on the Challenge Tour

20. Which 3 people (pros/celebrities) would make up your ultimate 4ball?
Hang on a minute, let me think. Eva Mendes, Lindsey Lohan & Megan Fox from the Transformers movie

21. Which band would you like to be in?
Kings of Leon

22. On Tour who is the last person to buy a round?
Pass! Could get me in trouble

23. Who is the worst loser, ie the most competitive person on Tour?
George Murray when I played on the Challenge Tour

24. What is your favourite golf film?
Caddyshack

25. When was the last shank you hit?
Last year at the London Club in the European Open. I had just got myself back to the cut-mark on Friday, when I shanked a 6 iron out of the rough into the hedge.

26. Looks or personality?
Personality

27. Green Jacket or Claret Jug?
Claret Jug

28. Drive for show or putt for dough?
Putt for dough

29. What would we not know about you?
I secretly like country music ………. Not so secret anymore!!

Make Every Day Playable

MAKE EVERY DAY PLAYABLE

The days of the woollen club sweater and shapeless waterproof suit are long gone. FootJoy has been in the vanguard of contemporary design and cutting-edge materials for some years – and the new 2009 collection breathes fresh life into Outerwear. Take a closer look and discover how style meets technologically advanced fabrics to “make every day playable”.

Let’s start by thinking about your game. If you are cold and wet your performance will be compromised and the distraction will add shots to your round. So it’s reassuring that warmth and waterproofing remain top priorities for the manufacturing gurus at FootJoy.

The new DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Jacket provides Tour-proven waterproof protection, breathability and maximum comfort during the golf swing. Technology enhances the protection whilst design features such as waterproof stretch panels and the unique FootJoy It’s a Cinch™ system enhance fit and swing freedom like no other jacket.

The breakthrough garment that’s been a particular hit with players on and off the world’s Tours is the Rain Shirt – the look and feel of a windbreaker with waterproof performance. The 2009 collections feature a choice of DryJoys Tour Collection, Performance and Sport Rain Shirts. There are both long and short sleeve designs, some cool colourways and two different cuts - the Sport rain shirts favouring a slightly more fashionable, athletic style.

With waterproof trousers to compliment Rain Jackets and Shirts, golfers know they can trust FootJoy to protect them from the worst of the elements. But what if you’re playing seaside golf and more often than not, wind is the order of the day? Or we have a (long overdue) summer of sunshine rather than showers? With a mission to make golf more enjoyable, whatever the weather, FootJoy have the answers.

Wind Shirts make their presence felt in the Performance and Sport Collections (There’s even a FJ Performance Wind Vest). Packing very small, we know they’ll find their way as essential standard equipment into many a golf bag. And for the better weather, FootJoy are including more golf shirts than ever before. At The Comfort Zone, our favourite is the FJ Pro Dry Pique Performance golf shirt – light, comfortable and easy-care with virtually no wrinkling or shrinkage.

And finally, with colour co-ordinated Rain Jackets, Rain Trousers, Wind Vests and Wind Shirts for women, the FootJoy outerwear collections for 2009 are complete. View them online at footjoy.co.uk or talk to your FootJoy stockist. If the outerwear you need to make every day playable is not on the shelf no doubt your retailer can get hold of it within days if not hours.

Top Players get in Synch in SYNR-G

Padraig Harrington, JB Holmes, Steve Stricker, Damien McGrane. The list of top players switching-on to SYNR-G is getting longer by the day. The word is getting round about the performance of FootJoy’s most stable golf shoe ever and more players are ordering pairs for trial.

Padraig was wearing the classy black smooth and black lizard print style out in Qatar in January, but look for the Open Champion in other styles as the season gets into full swing.

SYNR-G is giving these players a great platform from which to demonstrate their skills. Important for every golfer, but when you bring Tour swing speeds into the equation – absolutely essential. No surprise then to see JB Holmes in SYNR-G and averaging over 300 yards in the 2009 driving stats!

Find our more about this fantastic new shoe at our dedicated microsite.

Our sole passion. New FJ Shoes for 2009

The buzz may be about SYNR-G™, but devoted FootJoy fans will be scanning the website to see what’s new for 2009 in their favourite FootJoy shoes. And they are unlikely to be disappointed! The 2009 collection includes new Classics®, new DryJoys®, new ReelFit® and new AQL® styles. There’s even another new category to join SYNR-G - Men’s LoPro Collection™ for the golfer who likes his shoes ‘street style’.

Classics lead the line once again – for many players the ultimate golf shoe. Stlll handcrafted in the US, the 2009 styles fuse the best of traditional materials and modern golf shoe technology. Seven designs – all of them new - encompass both traditional and more contemporary looks.

DryJoys reinvented the iconic name this time last year. Featuring stability PODS™ technology, the seven new styles across four different patterns for men and the re-introduction of two new styles for ladies illustrate FootJoy’s confidence in just how good the Tour-proven DryJoys is in play. For more on this award-winning shoe see the following feature.

With more styles, more width fittings and more last shapes, no golf shoes fit better than FootJoy. However, anyone who’s tried ReelFit with its unique BOA™ lacing technology knows that this shoe brings a whole new dimension to just how a golf shoe embraces the foot. The new white and red ReelFit must be one of the stand-out shoes in the 2009 range.

FootJoy AQL shoes are Europe’s most popular golf shoes. An accolade it’s hard to imagine that won’t be achieved once again this year when you look at the two patterns and nine styles encompassing both the traditional and a more youthful look. As ever, AQL brings an outstanding package of quality and value to the golfer seeking all-weather performance.

And there’s more. No review of the 2009 range would be complete without highlighting a fresh category in the women’s line - FootJoy LoPro Collection for women. The soft and fashionable tumbled smooth full grain leather uppers give a sporty feel to a serious waterproof golf shoe and are guaranteed to catch the eye of players seeking both performance and style.

It’s a whistle-stop tour of the new collection for now. However, from even the briefest of glances, what shines through is FootJoy’s enduring passion for the game of golf which as a genuine specialist they serve with distinction. We look forward to pulling out some of the highlights for you during the year.

The Desert Diary

No wonder the players like the Desert Swing. Five star hotels, manicured fairways and some warm early season sunshine in which to hone their games. The fields have been strong and the FootJoy Tour Team has had its hands full keeping up with player requests.

World Cup winner Henrik Stenson is a Classics devotee. At Qatar it was time to collect three pairs to kick-off the 2009 season. Ross McGowan also paid the team a visit. Now in his second full year on Tour, Ross takes meticulous care over his equipment and always checks his gloves for fit before putting them into play. The young Englishman from Cheam is another who is already playing in SYNR-G.

Spaniard, Alejandro Canizares, has been busy designing custom Contours on the MyJoys website. At Abu Dhabi he collected two pairs. The first, black with a white saddle and the second pair a white shoe with a blue lizard print saddle - both very striking! Keep you eyes peeled for these.

Alejandro was amongst a group of Spanish players and FootJoy wearers including Alvaro Velasco and Pablo Larrazabal, who were admiring Jose maria Olazabal’s ball striking on the range in Dubai – and we hope taking note of Jose Maria’s sartorial elegance completed perfectly with a pair of Custom Classics.

Those of you catching-up with the coverage of the Desert Swing events on television may have spotted players sporting the FJ logo on their collars. Peter O'Malley, Ariel Canete, Kenneth Ferrie (back from a season on the PGA Tour), Steve Webster, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Ross McGowan all featured in the coverage.

After Dubai, it’s out to Malaysia and Australia before the first WGC events of the year come into view for the big guns. We’ll keep you posted.

DryJoys - the choice is unlimited

The introduction of Stability PODS™ to DryJoys ensured that an exciting new chapter opened for the iconic FootJoy golf shoe – still at the leading edge of waterproof leather golf shoe technology after twenty years. The new DryJoys specification inspired some sensational designs, led by the DryJoys ‘Tech’ style with its distinctive TPU saddle and mid-foot stability bridge.

It was a great platform to build on and the 2009 DryJoys have taken the look and feel of this high performance shoe up another level. DryJoys Tech is there in the guise of white waterproof leather shoes with blue and red or black and onyx saddle and accents. The contemporary end of the new DryJoys range is completed by a new sports saddle shoe design in all white and white and brown.

For the DryJoys wearer favouring a more traditional look, there’s a stunning series of four black and white styles. White with black lizard print, black with black lizard print and all white and all black shoes with gator print leather saddles. Eight designs in all and seven new for 2009 make up the range.

DryJoys has always stood up to be counted on Tour. The latest generation is no different. European Tour Pro Louis Oosthuizen picked-up a pair on his way to a top ten finish at the Dubai Desert Classic recently and was not only amazed at just how comfortable they were straight out of the box, but the reduction in weight from his normal shoe. Welcome to DryJoys Louis.

You can view the shoe once again voted ‘Best Golf Shoe’ in the Today’s Golfer Awards on the FootJoy website. And if you’re feeling really creative, you can design your own style on the MyJoys website. You could then be less than three weeks away from wearing a quite unique pair of this very special golf shoe.

Win a pair of 2009 DryJoys!

Be one of the first to be stepping-out on the fairways this year in the new DryJoys golf shoes. Answer the question below and if you’re the lucky winner drawn from the correct entries we receive, your choice of style from the eight men’s and two women’s golf shoes in the 2009 DryJoys collection will be winging their way to you. And to help kick-start your season, if you’re one of 10 runner’s up drawn we’ll be sending you a Team DryJoys Trion Z bracelet...

Which Indian golfer trusted DryJoys to carry him to four victories around the world in 2008, including the Barclays Singapore Open?

Simply e-mail competition@thecomfortzone.info with your answer before Friday 13th February and you could be in with a chance to start the season with a win!

For full terms and conditions click here.

Meet Team FJ - Ross Fisher

At the Dubai Desert Classic.

1. Heads or Tails?
"Heads the majority of the time, although they do say tails never fails."

2. Can you remember your first ever pair of FJ’s? What were they?
"Crikey, I have no idea, it was so long ago. My Dad always used to want me to dress the best he could so I'm guessing I was very young."

3. What’s the first word you think of when you think of FJ?
"Classic. Traditional. It's the best quality golf shoe by far."

4. Favourite pair of FJ’s?
"My all white Classics (50672)"

5. Favourite golf course?
"Here, actually (Emirates GC). Loch Lomond and Kingsbarns would also be high on the list. I've done well at all those courses before."

6. Funky or traditional?
"Traditional with a little bit of funk, but not too much. I generally dress very traditionally but like to throw in a funky shirt or pair of trousers every now and again."

7. Beer or wine?
"Neither, I don't like beer or wine. I drink very rarely but when I do, I'll have a vodka and lemonade or something."

8. What did you do for New Year's Eve?
"My wife and I had a few friends round and we had a quiet night in."

9. Which football team do you support?
"I don't really. I'm not really a football fan, I prefer rugby to football."

10. If you weren’t a golfer what would you be?
"I don't know, I've never thought about it. Golf has been what I've always wanted to do. Maybe testing cars of devising computer games would be fun."

11. How much money do you have in your pocket right now?
"I have two tees and a glove but no money."

12. If your life was a film, who would play you?
"Will Smith!! He's such a good actor and so funny. I'd like him to play me."

13. What book are you currently reading?
"Nothing. I don't enjoy books. I prefer to flick through a magazine or play X-Box games."

14. Who is the biggest joker on Tour?
"One of the Spaniards, I'd say."

15. Which song always gets you on the dance floor?
"I don't know, there aren't many songs that can get me on the dance floor. I'd have to have had a few drinks too!!"

16. Who is the worst dressed on Tour?
(Consults with caddie, Adam) "Rod Pampling last week in Qatar, defiinitely!!"

17. What about your body would you change?
"I'd be more flexible. My flexibility is horrific, but I'm working hard on it."

18. Who has the best nickname on Tour?
"It's got to be one of the caddies. Not too many players have nicknames. There's "Whitney" Houston, of course though!!"

19. Who is the worst roommate on Tour?
"I don't share with too many people. He's not on the tour at the moment but James Heath's pretty bad. He's really untidy and will wake up in the middle of the night and turn his computer on or start doing push-ups or something!!"

20. Which 3 people (pros/celebrities) would make up your ultimate 4ball?
(Argues with caddie and doesn't come up with any names at all!!)

21. Which band would you like to be in?
"Girls Aloud. Kick Ginger out and I'll take her place among the others."

22. On Tour who is the last person to buy a round?
"Jamie Donaldson, although my caddie's pretty slow on the draw (another argument ensues.)

23. Who is the worst loser, ie the most competitive person on Tour?
(Caddie butts in) "You, you're a shocking loser." (Ross doesn't disagree) "I try to be a gracious loser but I'm very grumpy if I don't win."

24. What is your favourite golf film?
"Happy Gilmore, maybe? No, sorry, Caddyshack. Caddyshack's the best golf film although Happy Gilmore was funny too."

25. When was the last shank you hit?
"The last really memorable one was at the Q-School in 2005, round 4, 6th hole at San Roque. I shanked a 3-iron from the fairway out of bounds and made 6. I parred 7 and 8 and eagled the 9th, my last hole, to make the cut by a shot!!"

26. Looks or personality?
"Personality."

27. Green Jacket or Claret Jug?
"Claret Jug all day long. I'd love a green jacket one day too, though!!"

28. Drive for show or putt for dough?
"Putt for dough. I used to say drive for show but I'm not one of the longest any more. I'm long when I don't need to be sometimes (referring to the Dunhill Links playoff). (Caddie chips in) "If you'd have putted for dough that week, we wouldn't have even been in the playoff!"

29. What would we not know about you?
"My wife's having a baby in July, due the week of The Open."

Thanks Ross, and congratulations on your happy news!

What's the Story? Rory's Glory

It was always just a matter of time before Northern Irish sensation Rory McIlroy claimed his first victory, and after a dramatic final round at the Dubai Desert Classic, Rory now has his name on his first professional trophy.

The 19 year old carded a final round of 70, which included just 5 pars, but crucially saw him take the coveted title by a single shot. After starting with 3 birdies, McIlroy stumbled a little before reeling off an impressive 5 bridies on the trot around the turn. And in spite of a determined chasing pack, Rory executed an impressive up-and-down from the greenside bunker on the 72nd hole to take the title.

McIlroy admitted that the pressure had made it difficult, saying: “You see guys coming down the stretch with a four or five shot lead, and you think it’s easy – but it’s not. You still have to play the shots, and you still have to hole the putts."

The win elevates Rory to 16th in the World Rankings and to an impressive 2nd in the Race to Dubai standings. His maiden victory was all the more impressive given the quality of the chasing pack, including fellow FJ wearers Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer and European #1 Robert Karlsson.

Rory's shoe of choice was a pair of all white FJ Classics style #50607. In fact FJ was the shoe of choice for the majority of players at the Dubai Desert classic, with 70% of the top 10 opting to put their trust, and their feet, in FootJoy.

FJ - #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf

Precious Trophies for FJ

The trophies we’re talking about are of course the Harry Vardon trophy given to the winner of the European Tour Order of Merit and the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the year award. The Comfort Zone is proud to announce that this year both went to FootJoy players. To Robert Karlsson, who made a breathtaking run to the Order of Merit crown and Pablo Larrazabal, the new kid on the block who enjoyed an epic debut season to follow in the footsteps of the previous recipient and fellow FootJoy player Martin Kaymer.

To win the Order of Merit, one must perform at a consistently high level, week in and week out, against world-class players. For Robert Karlsson, Becoming European #1 sets the seal on what he called “a fantastic season.” Robert posted Top 10 finishes in three major championships, earned a position on the European Ryder Cup Team, captured two wins on the European Tour and is now sixth in the Official World Golf Rankings.

When you capture three top ten finishes and win your maiden European Tour event to earn 18th place in the Order of Merit in your first season you know you are going to earn a great deal of well deserved recognition. However Pablo was clearly thrilled with his award. “It’s an amazing honour to be named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, because there are so many great young players on Tour today”.

The 25 year-old from Santander knows he has a hard act to follow in terms of Martin Kaymer. “Martin is a great example to me because he has had an unbelievable second season, and that is what I have to aim to do in 2009.”

The new season will bring fresh challenges for both recipients of these prestigious awards. FootJoy will be watching these talented young players with special interest as they both embark on the ‘Road to Dubai’ once again wearing the #1 Shoe in Golf.

The Most Celebrated Shoe on the European Tour

As the curtain came down on the European Tour Season at Valderrama, FootJoy celebrated its 25th win of the year for players wearing the #1 Shoe in Golf, as many victoriesas all competitive shoes combined. The champagne flowed during 2008 for global superstars like Adam Scott and Vijay Singh, for the Tour’s new generation, Martin Kaymer, Ross Fisher and Graeme McDowell. Not to mention the Volvo Masters winner Soren Kjeldsen and the newly crowned European #1, Robert Karlsson. All victorious in 2008 wearing the FJ initials.

Every time the European Tour teed-up, FootJoy was the most worn shoe. Over 60% of players choosing to trust the #1 Shoe in Golf across the Tour’s international schedule from Beijing to Birmingham – a tribute to the faith the leading players have in FootJoy, whether their target is to top the Order of Merit, to get in the world top fifty, or secure their playing rights for 2009 Race to Dubai.

Each of our winners was able to toast their favourite FootJoy style. Robert Karlsson’s late season charge to the Order of Merit title was made in his distinctive white and rhubarb FootJoy Classics®. The new DryJoys® shoes had a high profile, players like Vijay and Jeev Milkha Singh, victorious in the ‘Tech’ style and Adam Scott favouring the more traditional look when he won in Qatar.

With the new SYNR-G® shoe joining DryJoys, ReelFit™ and Classics on Tour next year, the players will truly be spoiled for choice. Of one thing we can be sure; some exciting styles will be on the rostrum when the Champagne is sprayed and the next round of celebrations begin.

Source: Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd.

DryJoys® are 'Magic Shoes'

Maybe it was the innovative PODS™ outsole technology; maybe it was DryJoys’ outstanding all-round comfort and performance; maybe it was the combination of contemporary DryJoys Tech and Traditional styles; or maybe it was the fact that golfers can create personalised styles using the FootJoy MyJoys programme that has enthused golfers about the new DryJoys.

The truth is, we’ll never know. What we do know is that 2008 saw the re-launch of DryJoys and the new shoe certainly justified the fanfare accompanying its introduction. With huge popularity both on Tour and in golf clubs across the golfing globe, DryJoys has once again underlined its position as the trailblazer amongst waterproof performance golf shoes.

The Golf Magic website recently asked its subscribers to nominate their favourite products in its chosen awards categories and then to vote for those which topped the poll and made the short list. The new DryJoys shoe by FootJoy not only made the short list, it was voted ‘Magic Shoe’ of 2008.

And The Comfort Zone can reveal that DryJoys will be available in eight more fantastic styles for 2009. Now that truly is magic…

Tour Diary

From Madrid to Vilamoura, from Castellon to Valderrama, the last four weeks on the 2008 European Tour provided the opportunity for some golfing fireworks in the late season sunshine. The FootJoy Tour team were on hand as ever and it seemed that the players had fashion on their minds even more than usual.

Sam Walker set the trend in Portugal wearing a stand-out pair of Custom Classics – wing tips with white and red patent leather. Young Rory McIlroy was clearly planning his 2009 wardrobe when he enquired about  some retro Custom Classics in suede leather. Watch out for him in some funky styles in the new year.

Camillo Villegas made a rare and welcome European appearance at the Castello Masters and stepped out in the Pro-am wearing a gleaming pair of shield-tip Classics. Doubtless a choice of FootJoy shoes that will influence other players. Gregory Havret also seems to be a style icon – at least amongst the French players. Spotted wearing a pair of Classics 50687, Gregory Bourdy and Francois Delamontagne were so impressed that they also placed orders for what is becoming a very popular style.

World #10 Henrik Stenson also stopped-by to collect two pairs of Classics Tour RF, a black with dark brown saddle and a white with black saddle design. It was not only Classics that were in demand at Castillon. Following a packing error Peter O’Malley needed a pair of shoes in an emergency and was delighted with a new pair of white ReelFit™, which he put on straight out of the box and went out to play a practice round.

The 2009 season is already under way as the Tour heads to the Far East. Look for more news from the Tour Diary in the new year.

'Be Prepared'

Be prepared every time you step onto the golf course, whatever the Golfing Weather Gods have in store for you. Be prepared for rain. Be prepared for wind. Be prepared for cold. Even, be prepared for sweltering summer days. Be prepared to protect yourself – and your score. That’s what FootJoy outerwear is all about.

Long gone are the days when outerwear simply comprised a rain suit. In any colour you like as long as it was blue or black. Today, the FootJoy Outerwear Collection is about providing specialist garments to suit the prevailing conditions. A wind shirt if a gale is in the offing. A short-sleeved rain shirt if only a light shower is on the horizon and the temperature is not plummeting. Long sleeves if you need full protection. Short sleeves if you like extra freedom.

Of course if your golfing agenda is a five hour round in a deluge, then the full DryJoys Rain Jacket and Rain Trousers can’t be bettered. After all we like to say that FootJoy Outerwear ‘makes every day playable’. And we were not kidding about being prepared for the hot weather as well. FootJoy golf shirts use an exclusive ProDry™ fabric to wick away moisture from the skin and keep you cool and perspiration free.

This is sophisticated kit for men and women. Each piece created by golfers for golfers and carrying the FJ initials. Garments that don’t just look the part, they are designed to perform for the conditions you know as a keen golfer you will have to face sooner or later - and usually when you have a card in your hand. Many FootJoy stockists will have a selection of outerwear. All have access to the full range and can show you just what’s on offer.

Alternatively take a look at the website to see the latest selection of garments and colourways. That way you’ll soon pick out what you need and come 2009 you’ll be better prepared than ever.

The Great Comfort Zone Closet Clearout!

During the season, we at The Comfort Zone are lucky enough to attend some of the premiere golf events on the world stage and as a result accumulate a great deal of money-can’t-buy memorabilia and assorted goodies. And having seen the fantastic FootJoy product range for 2009, we’ve decided its time to clear the shelves and offer up a veritable myriad of prizes for you to win.

They range from as little (and as useful) as some FJ tee pegs, to gloves and shoes signed by Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh and Ross McGowan, DryJoys signed by Adam Scott and Classics signed by Ryder Cup stalwart and all-round fashionista Ian Poulter!

To be in with a chance to win one of these unique prizes simply answer the following question:

Once again FJ was the most celebrated shoe on the European Tour with as many victories during the 2008 season as all other shoe brands combined. What was the final tally?

Simply e-mail your answer to competition@thecomfortzone.info by Friday 12th December, and we’ll pull 20 names out of the hat at random to take home the prizes.

*For full terms and conditions click here.

Step up to the ultimate in Golf Shoe Stability

Every serious golfer understands the importance of having a solid base to swing from. Whether the lie is good or bad, the ground flat or sloping, or the conditions wet or dry, it’s one of the primary keys to consistent powerful ball-striking. However, as golfers get stronger and courses get longer, platform stability is moving right to centre stage. Enter SYNR-G.

This is the thinking behind the new FootJoy SYNR-G shoe which will be making its debut in Europe in February. A seamless fusion of tremendous stability properties and exquisite styling, SYNR-G is engineered to bolster swing speeds right up to Tour–level through the use of the exclusive G-Force outsole featuring high performance components like the Tri-Lateral Stability Frame, and perforated alloy midfoot stability bridge.

Fuse this outsole technology with a full grain ECL™ leather upper and calfskin detailing, a full leather lining, a cushioned PU Fit-Bed, memory foam in the collar and tongue and you have a shoe that is as comfortable and supportive as it is stable. And let us not forget the innovative HeelLoc zone on the insole to help keep your feet firmly planted throughout the swing.

Davis Love III has been road testing the new shoe on the PGA Tour. ‘I have worn the SYNR-G every week since I got them. I love them. I feel closer to the ground and more stable. There’s absolutely no rolling over the shoe with these, very stable and comfortable.’ A performance that Davis would have appreciated as wearing new SYNR-G shoes he picked-up his 20th career victory at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic, closing with consecutive season-low 64s to earn the rare honour of a lifetime PGA Tour exemption.

Over here in Europe, Damien McGrane had the chance to put the new shoes into play at the recent Madrid Masters and was also full of praise. "I tend to have a lot of lateral movement in my lower legs and SYNR-G gives me such a stable base. I feel like the whole of the sole is in contact with the ground and that gives a very sold feeling during the swing."

SYNR-G will be available in three styles in Europe, a white smooth leather with black lizard print, a white smooth with brown lizard print and a über cool black smooth with black lizard print. Comfort Zone readers will have to hold-on a few weeks to experience SYNR-G for themselves. But judging by the first reports, the experience will be well worth the wait.

Check-out SYNR-G on the dedicated microsite or read the interview with Doug Robinson, VP, Product Design and Development Worldwide for FootJoy on the FootJoy Blog. You can even become a fan of the new shoe on the SYNR-G Facebook page.

FootJoy Golf Day Prize Winner

The first Monday in September dawned fair as a select group of Club Professionals and FootJoy staff assembled at Brocket Hall for the FootJoy Golf Day. The group were also joined by Karl McMahon, winner of the ‘Win a place in the FootJoy Golf Day’ competition in the last issue of The Comfort Zone.

The Comfort Zone caught up with Karl on the practice putting green and the 21 handicapper from Liverpool was more than impressed with the occasion. Tour Pro’s Jeev Milkha Singh, Ross McGowan and Rory McIlroy had just given short and long game clinics including a long drive challenge (won by Rory) during which, questions were asked by the audience – including our man Karl.

The day was completed with a 18 holes of the Melbourne Course at Brocket Hall, including the chance to play a hole with each of the visiting professionals, and dinner. A fantastic experience for Karl and all of FootJoy’s guests at a truly memorable day

LoPro added to MyJoys Programme

FootJoy has added another style to the popular MyJoys® collection with the LoPro™ range. The LoPro joins DryJoys® and Contour Series™ in the unique customisation programme and offer the golfer seeking a more sporty look the chance to create shoes to their personal taste.

The FootJoy LoPro will be a popular addition to the FootJoy portfolio. With the look of a low profile shoe worn off the course, and features such as full-gain leather uppers, a ProofGuard™ membrane and a one year waterproof warranty. The Cushioned EVA Fit-Bed® provides excellent comfort and fit, ensuring the LoPro delivers the quality and performance you would expect from a FootJoy golf shoe.

As with the current shoes in the MyJoys family, the LoPro will offer over 50 saddle and accent choices along with six base colour options and a huge range of logos and lettering combinations. The men’s LoPro MyJoys are also available as spikeless shoes for men.

The additional style means the MyJoys range now offers some 210,000 combinations - allowing every taste to be catered for with the performance and style of the #1 Shoe in Golf. Design your own unique pair of FootJoy MyJoys by clicking here.

Win a FJ Rain Jacket and Trousers!

Lightweight Sta-Dry System™ material technology. Tailored cut and fit. Athletic design. Multiple waterproof stretch panels. Storm collar. Adjustable sleeve cuffs and easy access chest pocket. The specification of the FootJoy Outerwear is enviable. Along with a pair of Rain Trousers, this could be yours in our Outerwear Prize Draw.

To enter, all you have to do is to guess the total number of points that will be won by the six contracted FootJoy shoe wearers on the European Team (Robert Karlsson, Graeme McDowell, Soren Hansen, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter) at the upcoming Ryder Cup in Valhalla.

Pop your guess into an email and send it to: competition@thecomfortzone.info We’ll put the names of all correct entries into a hat and draw a winner of the FootJoy Rain Jacket and Trousers. Good luck.

*Total number of points calculated by adding the individual totals for each of the six players. A win in the four balls or foursomes will earn a player half a point and a win in the singles a whole point. For full Terms and Conditions click here

AQL confirmed as the nation's favourite golf shoe

The top four best selling shoe models. Seven shoes in the top ten. More golf shoes sold than all other manufacturers combined and over five times as many as the next shoe brand. The statistics falling out of the latest Golf Datatech Retail Audit for the 12 months July 07 to June 08 makes great reading for FootJoy, not least that the best selling golf shoe in the UK is the FootJoy AQL.

The fact that AQL topped the best sellers list with nearly 17% of the market was perhaps no surprise. But would the new DryJoys with Stability PODS technology, so well received on the Tour and by FootJoy retailers alike, make a strong showing? Its place as the second best selling shoe with a share of nearly 9% confirms that this famous name is going from strength to strength.

“The results highlight the broad appeal across the FootJoy line-up” said Mike Lucas, Director of Sales and Marketing for FootJoy. “Clearly we are continuing to meet the needs of the more traditional consumer whilst expanding our appeal with the younger and more fashion conscious golfer.”

The figures for the new DryJoys, plus the appearance of FootJoy Golf Athletics and ReelFit™ shoes in the top ten would certainly bear out that sentiment. However, a last word for AQL. Six great styles selling more than the entire range of FootJoy’s nearest competitor. No better testimony to the quality and performance delivered by FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf.

FootJoy. #1 Shoe at the Ryder Cup

The long wait is over. The race for qualification is complete. The Captains have made their picks. The stage is set for the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky and at this most prestigious of golfing events, FootJoy will once again be worn by more players than any other shoe.

The force has been with the Europeans over recent years. However, the challenge of playing a US team with a score to settle on their own turf is not to be underestimated. FootJoy players and Ryder Cup veterans Lee Westwood Robert Karlsson, with once blooded Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson will be using all of their experience as they tee it up alongside the Ryder Cup rookies and fellow FootJoy wearers Graeme McDowell and Soren Hansen

Inevitably the matches will pitch FootJoy player against FootJoy player as aficionados of the #1 Shoe in Golf like Ben Curtis, Boo Weekley and Steve Stricker go in search of points for the US team. Lucky spectators and television viewers will be treated to classic matchplay action, not to mention close-up views of the players’ favourite FootJoy shoes.

Expect to see FootJoy Classics®, new DryJoys® with PODS™ technology and maybe even some personalised MyJoys working hard to provide the comfort and performance the players rely on FootJoy to provide. History tells us that the match will be in the balance until late on the final afternoon. For FootJoy it is an honour to be at the heart of the action. May the best team win.

From Moscow to Zandvoort via Stockholm

It’s late July deep in the forest just outside Moscow and the FootJoy players are clearly in buoyant mood. Defending Champion Per-Ulrik Johansson is so keen on ReelFit, he’s ordered two more pairs in time for the Scandinavian Masters in a couple of weeks.

Fresh from an excellent showing in the Open Championship, Paul Waring is telling all just how his DryJoys kept him dry and stable and his Red Label Rainwear kept him warm and comfortable during the Royal Birkdale rain. Welcome to Team DryJoys Paul.

Fashion conscious Jamie Donaldson meanwhile is anxiously enquiring about new styles for 2009. Jamie is not alone getting excited. It is around this time of year that the Tour Pro’s get to see some of the new styles for the coming year.

Fast forward to Stockholm and the Scandinavian Masters where the prevaing conditions are damp to say the least. One of the players is not alone in claiming an ‘emergency’ pair of DryJoys and after slipping into his new shoes, describes them as “like walking on air”.  American DJ Trahan is in the field and is in need of Outerwear. A Red label Rain Suit fits the bill to a T.

Phil Archer is spotted wearing FJ initials on his collar for the first time, joining Ross McGowan, Soren Kjeldsen, Peter O’Malley and Ariel Canete in flying the flag for FootJoy.

On to Holland and the KLM Open. Once again, wet and windy is the order of the day. Fortunately the FootJoy team are well stocked with RainGrip gloves to fulfil the inevitable requests for this essential item. In fact RainGrip is not the only FootJoy glove in demand. Ariel Canete placed an order for some ‘coloured’ SciFlex gloves after seeing some of the other players wearing them.

With some new colours on the way, it won’t be the last request. To keep up to date with FootJoy on Tour, click through to the FootJoy Tour Blog.

Make Every Day Playable

You know the feeling. An important tee time is minutes away and you’re anxiously looking at where the weather is coming from in the hope that you’ll be spared a deluge as you tackle the front nine. It’s a fact of our golfing lives that we can’t always organise our golf when the weather gods are smiling. Therefore it’s vital that we give ourselves the best chance to find our A game when the conditions are less than perfect. The FootJoy Outerwear Collections are designed with that thought in mind. To make every day playable.

Keeping the rain at bay is probably the first priority. No garment does that better whilst allowing swing freedom and breathability than the DryJoys Performance Rain Jacket. Paired with Rain Trousers using the same Sta-Dry Extreme System™ technology and you’re equipped to cope with pretty much everything nature is likely to throw at you on a golf course.

Sometimes a more versatile option than a full rain suit is the optimum choice. And that’s where FootJoy Performance Rain Shirts and Performance Wind Shirts get the vote. Garments created with a tailored cut and fit to provide a weather-proof layer instantly out of the bag and in the case of the Rain Shirt, also available in a fashionable short sleeve design.

The FootJoy Red Label Collection has been getting some prime time exposure – not least at The Open Championship where players such as Ross Fisher, Paul Waring and another 24 golfers were amongst those very grateful for the protection from the elements. This year’s collection is another superb selection of Rain Shirts, Rain Trousers, Wind Shirts and other garments for both men and women - all cut for a fashionably flattering fit whilst still ensuring there is no compromise in terms of golfing performance.

FootJoy Performance Outerwear or Red Label Collection. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that next time you’re concerned about the golfing weather, you’ll be equipped to be ahead of the game.

FootJoy Diary - The Open Championship

The rain swept across the famous links, the flags pulled on their lanyards and the tented village shuddered in the face of the elements as the world’s best players gritted their teeth and battled their way around Royal Birkdale. Shot by shot, hole by hole until only the most patient and the most skilful were left. And throughout, never was the comfort and performance of FootJoy more appreciated.

Once again, FootJoy was the #1 Shoe at The Open, the 91 players trusting FootJoy, being more than all the rest combined. The official count also showed FootJoy as the #1 Glove. And with at least 27 players wearing FootJoy Outerwear at some point during the event, there was no doubt which brand was working hardest to keep the players on their game.

The Open Championship was very much on the minds of the players a week earlier at the Barclay’s Scottish Open. Angel Cabrera was one who stopped by to order some new DryJoys especially for Birkdale. Adam Scott was more focussed on the present. It was tipping down and Adam needed DryJoys right there and then for the wet conditions.

It was great to see Pablo Larrazabal back in action after his fabulous French Open victory. Pablo dropped in to order a new pair of white Classics. His were ruined when his countrymen threw him in the lake following his win. Finally, congratulations to Graeme McDowell who notched the seventh consecutive European Tour victory for FootJoy resplendent in a pair of Classics.

On to the 137th Open Championship with Royal Birkdale in superb condition. At The Open, FootJoy do a substantial shoe issue to the players, including many new styles. The Fitting Cabin was flat-out from Monday through Wednesday with players coming in to collect new shoes, some to double check their sizing and others simply wanting to put some new spikes in.

As can be seen in the Tour Blog, Open special MyJoys were created for some of the players, including JB Holmes who put his straight on before going out to play. One of the new styles of Classics unleashed this week was a black pebble and patent shield-tip Classics Dry Premiere, which was seen on the feet of both Adam Scott and David Frost.

DryJoys were once again another popular choice, and were being worn by Zach Johnson, Jerry Kelly, Woody Austin and Vijay Singh amongst others. DL III dropped by and picked up a pair of white and brown ReelFit which went straight into use and kept him nice and stable as he hit balls on the range.

Given the stiff wind (a gentle breeze according to the locals!) even during the practice days there was a big demand for FootJoy Outerwear from players and caddies alike - Steve Stricker, Ross Fisher and Paul Waring to name but three, who were keeping warm and dry as a result.

A quick mention for form player and FootJoy wearer Martin Kaymer who took some time out of his practice schedule to head over to the Golf Foundation and challenge the kids to a chipping contest (which sadly, he lost!) before taking time to sign autographs.

As we now know, Royal Birkdale 2008 presented a severe test for players and their equipment alike. And with the #1 Shoe accolade secured for the 29th consecutive year and seven out of the top ten and ties wearing the FJ initials, you could say it was an examination passed with flying colours.

FootJoy. #1 Glove on Tour for 25 years and counting...

Leaf through the official counts from the world’s major Tours this season, and you’ll find once again that more players have chosen to pull on a FootJoy golf glove than any other brand. Exactly as they have for the past 25 years straight.

What’s most remarkable about that fact is that FootJoy only entered the golf glove business in 1979. The very next year, the StaSof® cabretta leather golf glove was launched and quickly became not only the most popular golf glove on Tour, but also the best selling glove in golf. The rest, as they say, is history.

A quarter of a century later and top players like Steve Stricker, Robert Karlsson and Camilo Villegas still trust a FootJoy StaSof glove. Refined and redesigned for the modern era using Taction® APL™ cabretta leather exclusively tanned by Pittards® of England, the modern StaSof is synonymous with powerful grip performance, exceptional moisture resistance and the finest feel.

Today’s Tour players are fortunate to have a choice as to which FootJoy glove they prefer to provide the grip, comfort and fit they demand. Since its launch in 2003, the SciFlex™ glove has earned many admirers on Tour such as Vijay Singh, Ian Poulter and Davis Love III who appreciate the high tech materials, cool performance and even the splash of colour the glove provides.

StaSof, SciFlex and the other gloves in the FootJoy range are available through every FootJoy retailer. Make a FootJoy your choice and join the company of the world’s best.

Oakland Hills on the horizon for FootJoy

Oakland Hills Country Club has hosted six U.S. Open Championships, two PGA Championships, two U.S. Senior Opens and of course, one Ryder Cup.

At 7,445 yards, the remodelled South Course will ensure a demanding test for the fourth Major of the year. A test that will be eagerly anticipated not only by the players, but also by FootJoy, who have already captured the ‘#1 Shoe’ title at The Masters, U.S. Open and Open Championship.

Golf course architect Rees Jones recently described the invitation to guide the renovation programme at Oakland Hills for the 90th PGA Championship “the call I was waiting for my whole life”. Previously remodelled by Robert Trent Jones in 1950, Rees Jones grew up knowing that this famous course was the one that meant the most to his father.

Originally laid out by Donald Ross in 1916, Rees Jones describes the course as “one of those wonderful rolling pieces of property where the holes fit like a glove”. The Championship South Course, which played to a par 70 and 6,974 yards when the U.S. Open was played at the venue in 1996, under Rees Jones’s direction has been extended by 345 yards without moving any of the greens.

15 holes have been lengthened, several fairways narrowed and the depth, size and location of fairway and greenside bunkers have been altered. Additionally, the ponds at the seventh and sixteenth holes have been re-modelled to ensure that the more aggressive drivers will need a well placed tee-shot. Perhaps the most dramatic makeover comes at the par four eleventh hole which played 398 yards in 1996 and is now a 455 yarder featuring a daunting 290 yard carry over a rolling hill.

With the support of so many of the world’s leading players, its #1 position on across the world’s major Tours and Its success at the three 2008 major championships, FootJoy looks forward to another strong count at Oakland Hills. To be trusted by more players in a clean sweep of the 2008 Majors is perhaps the ultimate endorsement of the comfort and performance delivered by the latest generation of FootJoy shoes.

An exciting prospect for the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf at what Rees Jones and Oakland Hills have ensured will be another supreme test of golf at the highest level.

Tagged by FJ

All across the continent, our team of FootJoy Bag Tag Spotters have been hiding behind trees and crouching behind bushes on the hunt for golfers displaying their allegiance to the FJ initials in the form of a FootJoy bag tag. From Manchester to Malmö, and from Bournemouth to Berlin, FootJoy bag tags have been displayed by thousands of golfers.

Many have been spotted, and a lucky handful have been the recipients of prizes, ranging from DryJoys golf shoes, to FJ branded iPods and Team DryJoys Trion Z bracelets. And it’s not over yet, there are a few days left for you to be spotted having been 'Tagged by FJ' and to be in with a chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes.

So don't give up. And if you're not spotted this time around, there's always next year....

Win a place at FootJoy's 2008 Golf Day!

A very special FootJoy event is now a little over a month away. A group of club pro’s who play and sell FootJoy products are being invited to a golf day hosted by Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh and Ross McGowan - Tour Pro colleagues who share their affinity for the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf. The Comfort Zone has secured one exclusive place at the FootJoy Golf Day to offer to our readers.

Joined by members of the FootJoy organisation, it will be a chance to get together, enjoy good golf and good company and meet some of the players who fly the flag for FootJoy on the world’s Tours. The event will take place at a leading venue close to London on September 1st 2008. To have a chance to take part, all you have to do is provide us with a question:

The FJ Golf Day will give you the chance to meet four leading Tour professionals in the guise of Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh and Ross McGowan. If you could ask them one question, what would it be?

Simply drop the question in an email and send it to competition@thecomfortzone.info before the closing date of Friday 8th August. The best question from the entries received by that date will be selected and invited to the day. There will be 5 runner-up prizes of Team DryJoys Trion Z bracelets. All winners will be notified within 7 days.

All that then will remain will be to make the necessary arrangements for you to join the FootJoy fraternity for what should be truly memorable golfing experience.

* FootJoy Tour players agreed to attend on day of publication. For full terms and conditions click here

AQL - FootJoy through and through

The comfort and performance golfers have come to know and love from FootJoy golf shoes come in many guises. From the traditional craftsmanship blended with the finest materials of Classics® through to the modern technology employed in DryJoys® and ReelFit™ and the lightweight designs of Contour Series™ and Golf Athletics. However, if you had to choose a shoe whose all-round qualities typify everything that's good about FootJoy, that shoe would be the AQL.

There's no substitute for a quality upper when it comes to comfort. The full grain leather of all shoes in the AQL collection certainly delivers on that score. Then, if a golf shoe is to be fit for all year round play in Europe, waterproof performance has to be a given. AQL's ProofGuard™ membrane ticks that box comprehensively. Combine these features with a stable but lightweight moulded EVA outsole and the specification just gets better and better.

But there's more. AQL has a Dri-Lex® tongue lining to wick away moisture, plus super soft PU quarter linings and a lightweight EVA Fit-Bed to hold and support the foot through the swing and when walking from tee to green. Add not just any cleats, but Pulsar cleats by Softspikes® and you'll appreciate that even though AQL is categorised as a 'mid-range' shoe, when that shoe comes with a FootJoy badge the performance is anything but middle of the road.

Of course, if you're new to the game of golf this might all be news. But if you're an old hand, the chances are that you've surveyed the traditional, modern and youthful styles on offer in the AQL and are already striding the fairways knowing what a good investment you made. After all, it's no accident that AQL is Europe's best selling golf shoe - in the UK alone selling the equivalent of the next six competitive shoe models combined*.

And the reason for that success? Because when you lace up a pair of AQL, you know that they are FootJoy through and through.

* Golf Datatech Retail Audit. May 2008

Just why are FJ golf shoes so comfortable?

The experience of Tour Pro’s like Martin Kaymer and David Griffiths working with FootJoy to fine-tune the fit of their shoes (See Tour Diary) and the realisation that just what an important difference careful fitting can make to shoe comfort, got us thinking about the issues of comfort and fit.

Every FootJoy shoe properly fitted will be comfortable. Take the FootJoy Contour Series. Soft breathable full grain leather enables wear straight out of the box. A lightweight outsole and TPU Stability Bridge combine lateral stability with forefoot flexibility while a Fit-Bed and strategically placed cushioning hold and support the foot through the swing and throughout the round.

However, to get the full benefit of such an advanced design, a player still needs to be correctly fitted. FootJoy has taken the details from thousands of shoe fittings over recent years and many golfers are surprised that when their feet are precisely custom fitted, their perfect shoe size (or width) is invariably a little smaller than that they typically wear.

Having established your optimum shoe size, width (and even last shape) the FootJoy shoe that adds an extra dimension is of course the FootJoy ReelFit. Here, the unique BOA® Lacing System provides the most precise and constant fit - making tightening of the laces at the turn, a thing of the past.

For most golfers a careful shoe selection with the help and advice of your Pro or FootJoy retailer will be job done. That said, there are many golfers who have different sized feet, meaning that any standard pair of shoes will inevitably be a compromise on fitting and comfort. However, even in this situation FootJoy have a solution and that is MyJoys.

FootJoy’s custom shoe programme allows a different size/width fitting to be ordered for each shoe in a pair at no extra cost. Everything is explained on the MyJoys website where, once you’ve created your individual shoe design and specification, simply take the printed summary to your FootJoy Pro or retailer who will then place the order on your behalf. Approx 2-4 weeks later you will be waltzing down the fairways in ultimate style!

FootJoy shoes off the shelf, or bespoke FootJoy shoes through the MyJoys programme, you can trust the #1 Shoe in Golf to have both fit and comfort well and truly covered.

FJ team up with Pelle at the Irish Open

The Irish Open returned to Adare Manor in May and to celebrate FootJoy’s status as ‘Official Shoe of the European Tour’, the FootJoy Sales Team in Ireland gathered to form a team in the pro-am preceding the event.

Partnered with Swedish Tour professional Pelle Edberg, a distinctive figure in his coloured headband and white FootJoy Classics, were Adrian Hawe, Keith Bardon and Stuart Paul. Pelle was a charming host, pleased to have good golfers on his team and interested in the latest news from the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf.

With three low handicap amateur players the ‘better ball net score’ format did not favour the team, but some sterling play, not least an outrageous 40 foot putt on the last from Keith helped the team to a score of 66 and mid-field respectability.

More importantly, the day was about getting an ‘inside the ropes’ view of a European Tour event and catching-up with as many FootJoy players as possible at the tournament (a mere 69% of the field).

And the day must have benefited Pelle, who then shot a season-best 64 at the Austrian Open at Fontana GC to take the lead after day one!

More details of a memorable day on a magnificent golf course can be found on the FootJoy Tour Blog.

A FJ bag tag could be music to your ears

If your golf pro or FootJoy retailer has passed a FootJoy bag tag in your direction, then carrying the FJ initials on your golf bag could be the first step on the way to winning a great prize this summer in the FootJoy ‘Tagged by FJ’ promotion.

Tags have been distributed from over 1,000 FootJoy stockists and will become a familiar sight at courses up and down the land between May and July. Over this period FootJoy representatives will be on the look-out, ready to hand ‘spotted’ cards to golfers displaying a tag.

If you receive a card, all you have to do is fill-in your details and send the card back to FootJoy to be included in a monthly prize draw. Each monthly winner will pick-up a pair of new DryJoys along with an iPod music player (in honour of the PODS outsole!). Runners-up will receive new DryJoys and third place winners, FootJoy Trion Z bracelets.

And that’s not all. At the end of the promotion, all entries will go into a draw for a place at the FootJoy Staff Player Day. A true ‘money can’t buy’ prize to play golf at a day hosted by some of FootJoy’s European Tour Professionals at a leading UK venue.

So, if you have a tag, it’s well worth sporting it over the next three months. If you haven’t, then have quick word with your Pro. He may have one or two left!

For full terms and conditions click here

MyJoys competition winners

In the last issue of The Comfort Zone, we invited you to log-on to the MyJoys website and design a pair of shoes with Ian Poulter in mind. Ian (wearing FootJoy as ever) had just had a very strong showing in The Masters including his memorable hole in one at the 16th.

Many of you responded to the request and we had some high quality entries. Two stand-out designs were the worthy winners of FootJoy MyJoys golf shoes. The first from Brian Moss selected a pair of MyJoys Contour style (of which we’re sure Ian would approve) which were personalised with the unique ‘Camo’ print saddle with bold FJ initials the TV cameras would be sure to pick-up on Tour.

The second winning entry came from Chris Smyth who was ahead of the game with a DryJoys ‘Tech’ design inspired by Ian’s favourite football team and their legendary manager. Both winners have now selected their very own MyJoys with our compliments

One of golf's best-kept secrets. The FootJoy Golf Shirt

Synonymous with shoes. Great for gloves. Outstanding for outerwear. Even, spectacular for socks! You know what makes FootJoy, FootJoy. High performance golf products that exude an understanding of the game - and with more than a dash of style thrown-in.

But have you ever thought about FootJoy golf shirts?You’d be forgiven if you haven’t. Which, when all is said and done you might consider a shame, because in the experience of The Comfort Zone, golfers who have the chance to wear the Red Label ProDry or the Performance ProDry Superlite Short Sleeve Collared Golf Shirt become big fans very quickly.

As the names suggest, both feature the exclusive ProDry Superlite fabric which provides SPF 60 UV protection and moisture wicking properties to keep you cool in the summer. The Red Label shirt favours an asymmetric design with contrast colour side and arm panels and a new shorter sleeve fashion cut. By contrast the Performance shirt comes in two spread collar designs, one with Raglan sleeves and three buttons, the second with traditional round short sleeves and a fourth button.

Whichever shirt design captures your imagination, as demand grows, the challenge remains just where to lay your hands on one. If in doubt, as with any FootJoy product or accessory, simply ask your FootJoy retailer. If they don’t have any on the rack, it’s a moment’s work to place an order and you can then find out first hand that FootJoy are also ‘sensational for shirts’.

European Tour Tales. FootJoy Diary, the next installment

Just like in golf clubs across Europe, the word is spreading on the European Tour as to just how well the new DryJoys PODS shoe performs. After the rain in Beijing, a number of players were singing the praises of their FootJoy shoes and DryJoys in particular. Louis Oosthuizen heard enough comments during the weekend to persuade him to order two pairs to try in the coming weeks.

At the Open de Espana, Ignacio Garrido wore DryJoys for the first time in practice and then wore them every day en route to a thrilling finale in the playoff. Paul Waring was also wearing the new shoe and looks set to become a regular user. He particularly likes the sporty look of the DryJoys ‘Tech’ pattern combined with the FootJoy comfort and support. Jeev Milkha Singh has also decided to wear FootJoy’s newest shoe on an exclusive basis joining Ross McGowan and José-Filipe Lima as fully paid-up members of ‘Team DryJoys’.

Following a conversation about shoe fitting in China, Martin Kaymer dropped by at the Irish Open to express delight with his new size of FootJoy shoes. He has dropped a half size and one width (to C) in the Grant last and is testing a B width in the Laser last. He is enjoying the superior support from the snug fit.

David Griffiths has also benefited from a new size – solving serious foot problems he experienced last year. For him dropping to a B width has been the key enabling him to achieve better support across the forefoot.

The last word from the BMW PGA Championship. Gregory Havret who won at Loch Lomond last year came to Wentworth straight from Ireland and discovered that he’d not packed any dress shoes for the Gala Dinner. The only suitable pair in Gregory’s size belonged to FootJoy’s Tour Representative who kindly lent him a pair of Spikeless Classics for the evening.

Service above and beyond the call of duty we’re sure you’ll agree. For more Tour news on a regular basis log-on to the FootJoy Tour Blog.

Win one of five FootJoy golf shirts!

Having told you just how good FootJoy golf shirts are, the least we could do was to secure some sample shirts for Comfort Zone readers to try for yourselves.

To have the chance to win one of our shirts put the answer to the following question in an email and send it to competition@thecomfortzone.info

Which FootJoy loyalist won the EDS Byron Nelson Championship recently? This stylish Aussie walked to victory in a pair of new DryJoys Traditional style.

Five winners will be drawn from all the correct entries received by the closing date of Friday June 20th 2008. Good luck!

For Full Terms and Conditions click here

60 years since Southern California's last US Open

60 years have passed since Southern California’s last US Open. Only one golf shoe has stood the test of time.

On June 12th, the world’s finest golfers will contest the first round of the 108th US Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club just outside of San Diego. A long overdue return to Southern California exactly 60 years on from 1948 when Ben Hogan strode to his first victory at Riviera Golf Club, Los Angeles.

The FootJoy shoes of the late 1940’s represented the finest traditional golf footwear and set a benchmark for comfort and performance that is synonymous with FootJoy to this day. Today’s top players heading for Torrey Pines can choose from a variety of FootJoy golf shoe technologies, the comfort, stability and light weight of new DryJoys PODS, the unique all-embracing fit of FootJoy ReelFit or the sheer excellence of Classics, the FootJoy shoes whose genealogy can be traced right back to the post-war era and beyond.

And in true Major fashion, FootJoy have created some US Open specials for a number of the players. Some untouchable white, blue and red patent Classics, plus a whole host of MyJoys, both in the Tech and Traditional patterns. Expect to see these on the feet of Zach Johnson, Charley Hoffman, JB Holmes, David Toms and Boo Weekley to name but a few. We’ve even knocked together some one-off SciFlex gloves bearing the stars and stripes! See more exclusive products via our Tour blog.

The return to this region of the west coast was paved back in 1999 when plans were first laid to restore the South Course at Torrey Pines – a public golf course supporting some 60,000 rounds of golf every year – to a level of conditioning that could support a US Open.

With the help of renowned Architect Rees Jones, every aspect of the South Course at Torrey Pines has been overhauled, not least the greens, re-seeded with Poa Annua grass to enable the surfaces to be as fast as the USGA specify for the event. A project that will bequeath a vastly improved golf course to the paying golf public who will continue to enjoy this spectacular facility.

US Open Champion and FootJoy loyalist Angel Cabrera will be at Torrey Pines to defend his title. The wonderful location and meticulous preparation of the course promises a great championship.

Get your game up and running with the new FootJoy Golf Athletics

They’re sleek, they’re stylish and they’re on the blocks for 2008. New FootJoy Golf Athletics. Equipped with super-soft leather uppers, a cushioned EVA Fit-bed® and DuraMax™ Rubber outsoles with Pulsar® cleats by Softspikes, the spec. is as impressive as the performance.

Three styles are on the rostrum. A white smooth waterproof leather with cloud smooth perforated saddle. A white smooth waterproof leather and black tumbled with contrast stitch and a smart white smooth waterproof leather with burnt orange smooth with contrast stitch.

Designed like the athletic shoes worn off the course, these models offer a familiar sporting ride – superb cushioning and incredible comfort. Lightweight and with a waterproof guarantee, with new Golf Athletics from FootJoy you can expect to be fleet-of-foot on the golf course whatever the weather.

To view the full range click here

Tour Tales. The FootJoy Diary

FootJoy’s staff on the Tour have been clocking up the air miles in support of the pro’s as they tee up on the European Tour’s International schedule from New Delhi to Madeira. As ever, the players are more than happy to be taking delivery of their new FootJoy shoes and gloves for the season ahead.

Ian Poulter was at his sartorial best at the Johnnie Walker Classic sporting black and gold FootJoy Classics to match his attire. The finishing touch was a sequinned FJ logo on his shirt which he claimed he’d ironed on himself!

At the Malaysian Open the humidity was very high and many of the players went up a glove size as a result. David Lynn requested FootJoy’s RainGrip glove for the week, prompting enquiries from other players who could see how the glove was perfect for the conditions. Aussie Tony Carolan collected a pair of Golf Athletics and found them so comfortable, they immediately went into play in the first round.

On to Jeju and the Ballantine’s Championship where Jeev Milkha Singh picked-up two pairs of Classics to go with his DryJoys PODS that he has been sporting the past few weeks. His choice was the all black and was more than impressed with the comfort support and stability of the new shoe.

Final stop, Madeira where the FootJoy team were the recipients of many ‘thank-you’s’ as over the past couple of weeks, fully-exempt European Tour players have received the shoes they selected for the season. All were very complimentary, especially Peter Gustafsson who had requested styles that were striking and ‘different’.  Apparently his white and red Classics really fitted the bill.

There’ll be more from the Tour in the next issue of The Comfort Zone. In the meantime check out the new FootJoy Tour Blog at www.footjoyblog.com where you’ll find some sneak pics of some Masters ‘specials’ in production. While there’s no guarantee that the pros will wear them in competition, look out for FootJoy players sporting custom FootJoy golf shoes in the seasons first major.

Pimp your shoes with the new MyJoys

MyJoys, the bespoke golf shoe service from FootJoy has been running successfully in Europe for three years, providing thousands of FootJoy devotees with personalised golf shoes to order. The programme on the MyJoys website at footjoy.co.uk/myjoys features a total of eight styles for men and women and now includes the new DryJoys – complete with the ‘Flextability’ of the PODS™ technology outsole.

Select DryJoys and you have the option to choose your shoe size and width for each foot (good news if you’re one of the many golfers who have different sized feet). Then you can select the base leather colour, saddle colour, accent colour and lace colour from the extensive menu of options available. All that then remains is to choose the lettering you want on each heel or from the available logo options and you have the shoes of your dreams.

Print your design, take it to your nearest FootJoy retailer and you’re just three weeks away from a delivery of a pair of shoes that will not only make you the envy of your fourball (we’re trusting your design sense here) but could also revolutionise the comfort and performance you enjoy from your golf shoes as you play the game you love.

Are you equipped to take on Augusta National?

To succeed at Augusta, bringing your ‘A’ game is probably the first requirement, but at this level of competition every detail is important in preparing for the season’s first Major - and that includes the right choice of shoes. Masters Champion Zach Johnson is one who knows the course well and will be challenging for a second green jacket in a pair of ‘Augusta Green’ MyJoys as a big fan of the comfort and stability of the new DryJoys shoe.

Talk to a professional golfer who has had the privilege of playing and competing at Augusta in The Masters and they’ll tell you just how much local knowledge plays its part. Just one of the things that make the Masters unique is that it stays at the same very special venue.

2000 Champion Vijay Singh will be wearing new DryJoys as he steps out on the perfectly manicured undulations of Augusta National leading the challenge of the international contingent. FootJoy players like European Order of Merit leader Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Angel Cabrera who has demonstrated just how well his game shapes up for Augusta over the past couple of years.

Of course all players have to drive down Magnolia Way to collect their competitor’s badge for The Masters for the first time. Amongst this year’s rookies are the young German Martin Kaymer, the Danes Soren and Anders Hansen, not to mention 2008 Tour winners Daniel Chopra and JB Holmes. They will have a lot to learn about the Masters, but they’ll be striding confidently from the first tee trusting in the comfort and performance of FootJoy. We wish them every success.

FootJoy Outerwear for Spring

Your rain gear is something you shouldn't have to think about. After all, we prefer playing our golf when the weather is sunny and warm. But the days you do need some protective outerwear, you don't want to worry about wind cutting through your jacket, rain dripping down the back of your neck, your legs getting wet or the club slipping out of your hands.

Nothing should come between you and the round of your life; certainly not a little weather! That's where the Performance Outerwear from FootJoy comes in. Put it on and forget about it. Just keep playing.

Don't think about the Lightweight Sta-Dry System that provides a 100% waterproof, windproof, quiet and breathable performance. Don't worry about the waterproof stretch panels that allow the garment to move with you while keeping you totally dry or the FootJoy storm collar that's higher in the back and lower near the chin to keep water off your neck and back. We've thought of all these industry-leading features so you don't have to.

So no matter what you encounter on the course this spring, we've got you covered from top to bottom, from the first layer to the last. Start with the ProDry Pique Long Sleeve Golf Shirt or Performance ProDry Superlite Short Sleeve Golf shirt and top it off with any number of Performance Outerwear options, from the soft and durable Microfibre Shell of our Wind Shirts to the versatility of our Short Sleeve Rain Shirts and the lightweight performance of the Performance Light Jacket and Rain Trousers. Just put it on and forget about it. You've got bigger things to worry about....like that slippery little six-footer for par.

Win a pair of MyJoys!

MyJoys gives you the chance to be as creative (or as conservative) as you like with your shoe design. Here’s your chance to try the programme for yourself and for two lucky readers of The Comfort Zone the chance to walk away with your own pair of MyJoys with compliments of FootJoy.

Ian Poulter is famous for his sartorial style. You may have seen him in the new FootJoy TV commercials bringing a striking new pair of Classics home to add to his collection.

To win a pair of MyJoys, log on to the MyJoys site and design a pair of shoes you think Ian would appreciate. Then simply select ‘email summary’ in the line Friends Email enter competition@thecomfortzone.info and submit.

We’ll judge all the entries received before the closing date of  Friday 25th April. The two entries received which in the view of the judges best capture the spirit of Ian Poulter in FootJoy will then be invited to order MyJoys to their own specification.

Good luck!

For Terms & Conditions click here

The Comfort Zone Issue 31

Welcome to a new look Comfort Zone with a number of stories on anything and everything in the world of FootJoy, from some of the fantastic new products in the 2008 range, to the unrivalled Tour success we are already enjoying in 2008, and even some anecdotes from the new FootJoy Tour Diary! We hope you like the new look as much as we do, simply scroll down to read any of the following articles...

- FootJoy Golf Shoes for 2008

- FootJoy European Tour Diary

- Win a pair of new DryJoys and experience FLEXTABILITY for yourself!

- DryJoys or Golf Athletics?

- Another Whirlwind year on Tour for FootJoy

- Out and Out Outerwear by FootJoy

FootJoy Golf Shoes for 2008

FootJoy golf shoes for 2008. Another outstanding collection from golf’s shoe specialist

The new year festivities are a distant memory and like most golfers across northern Europe we at The Comfort Zone are counting the days and weeks until the winter season gives way to spring and more temperate golfing days.

FootJoy retailers are already receiving their first shipments of shoes from the 2008 collection, including the much-anticipated new DryJoys range. There are also new ReelFit styles with their distinctive Boa laceless technology, new AQL’s, the ever-popular all-weather shoe, new lightweight Contour Series styles, an all-new Golf Athletics shoe for the golfer who likes a sportier style and for the true FootJoy connoisseur, some stunning Classics.

In short, a collection of over 50 different shoes for men, women and junior golfers that only a true golf specialist like FootJoy could produce. An unequalled variety of styles encompassing an awesome array of technologies to ensure FootJoy continue to set the standard for golf shoe comfort and performance.

Over the season at The Comfort Zone, we’ll take you through the highlights of the new year’s collection as we look forward to another vintage golfing year.

FootJoy European Tour Diary - NEW

FootJoy European Tour Diary - New Feature

The European Tour is well into its now traditional early season programme on its international schedule. At the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Leopard Creek South Africa, a few players including Sven Struver had their golf bags delayed in transit, presenting the FootJoy Tour team with a problem to solve. They were able to find Sven a pair of white ReelFit in his specification and he ended up wearing them for the whole tournament – even after he was reunited with his luggage.

This is the time of year where FootJoy collect shoe orders from all the players for the coming season. The most popular choices were plain white and plain black Classics. But almost every player has asked to try new DryJoys with the Stability PODS™ outsole and these will have high visibility on the Tour. Marcus Brier has ordered his favourite ReelFit shoes, alongside Ricardo Gonzalez, another player who’ll be benefiting from ReelFit technology.

Many players have taken advantage of the opportunity to create personalised MyJoys. Q-school winner Martin Wiegele has ordered some in his football team’s colours (A.S. Roma) and young Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal has opted for his national flag on his shoes as has Florian Preagant of Austria. Philip Archer was delighted with his MyJoys in Manchester United colours he received recently although he did not bring them to the latest Tour stop in Abu Dhabi. He said he is “saving them for the good weather in the spring!”.

More luggage issues in Dubai. Paul Sheehan's bag got lost en route, Mardan Mamat packed one white shoe and one black shoe and even better, Martin Kaymer packed two left shoes! FootJoy were able to furnish all with pairs of DryJoys for the week. The change of footwear clearly didn’t inhibit Martin as he cruised away to a wire-to-wire maiden European Tour win.

We are also very proud to announce that FootJoy is now the official Footwear supplier to the European Tour, a deal that will run to 2010 and will see the European Tour Staff, many of whom rack up just as many miles as the players, wearing FootJoy shoes to help them in their roles.

Look out for more FootJoy Tour news as the Tour heads closer to home.

Experience FLEXTABILITY for yourself...

Win a pair of New DryJoys and experience ‘Flextability’ for yourself.

As we reported in our last issue, Flextability is the word coined to describe the unique combination of flexibility and stability achieved by the stunning new Stability PODS™ outsole featured on the new shoes.

FootJoy are offering golfers the chance to experience Flextability courtesy of FootJoy by winning one of three pairs of the new DryJoys shoes on offer every week through the month of February.

All you have to do is e-mail competition@thecomfortzone.info with your name and a contact number to be entered into the free prize draw. You could be lucky and become one of the first golfers in the UK to step-out in FootJoy’s latest sensational shoe.

For Terms and Conditions click here. Good luck!

DryJoys or Golf Athletics?

DryJoys or Golf Athletics? Chopra wears both as he races to Mercedes title.

After closing out last year with a victory at the Ginn sur Mer Classic, Sweden’s Daniel Chopra was back in top form at the winners only opening event of the 2008 PGA Tour season. A battling performance saw him take the title at the fourth extra hole in a playoff pitted against fellow FootJoy player Steve Stricker.

During the week Daniel spent time in both FootJoy’s new DryJoys shoe and the new Golf Athletics shoe (that we’ll be reviewing in the next issue of The Comfort Zone). His choice of glove was also FootJoy – a StaSof, the #1 cabretta leather golf glove in the world.

We don’t know which shoe he preferred. Our guess is that he enjoyed the comfort and performance of both as he completed a highly significant second career PGA Tour victory and a great start to his year.

Another whirlwind year for FootJoy

Another whirlwind year on Tour for FootJoy

No sooner has one season closed than the next is underway. The 2008 European Tour is ten events old and FootJoy players have already claimed their places in the winner’s circle.

Local favourite and FootJoy player James Kingston got the season off to a great start in December as he completed an emotional victory at the South African Airways Open, his native country's national championship. It marked the first career victory for Kingston, a 20-year veteran of professional golf. James wore both FootJoy shoes and glove for his big win.

Next up was 2007 European Rookie of the Year and FootJoy loyalist Martin Kaymer who posted a 15-under par 273 total to win the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship by four shots. The 23 year-old German led from the first day to claim a victory which made him the youngest German winner in European Tour history and saw the talented young man jump to fifth in the Order of Merit.

If proof were needed that FootJoy players had started the season on fire, Adam Scott scorched his way to victory in the desert, shooting a 61 to take the Qatar Masters title by three shots from fellow FootJoy loyalist Henrik Stenson. Adam’s hot round was his best as a professional and secured him the course record and the world number five ranking.

This fast start to 2008 follows on from a year when players wearing FootJoy shoes achieved a landmark 30 wins on the European Tour*. From Scotland to Scandinavia and from Andalucia to Augusta, FootJoy players were in the ascendant trusting the comfort and performance of the #1 Shoe in Golf.

30 wins is a tough target to shoot for. We wish all FootJoy players every success. Another whirlwind year for FootJoy is well underway.

*Including international schedule events and Majors.

Out and Out Outerwear by FootJoy

Out and Out Outerwear by FootJoy

When you have to pull your rain suit out of the bag, the chances are you’ll need it to perform. You may have taken shelter to put it on, but you can bet that its ability to keep the wind and rain out is about to be tested. Not to mention its ability to be put on easily, its comfort and fit and last but not least, whether it allows you to make your best swing, whatever the weather.

It’s at times like this that you’ll know choosing FootJoy was a smart call. Whether the conditions call for a Red Label windshirt or the full DryJoys Performance Rain Suit, you’re reaching for clothing where the comfort and performance for the golfer come first (what else would you expect from the FJ initials?).

In 2008 the FootJoy outerwear range will be bigger than ever. Many FootJoy retailers stock the most popular garments and will be receiving new styles from March 1st.  All will have a catalogue you can view. However it is only when you pick-up a garment like the new DryJoys Performance Light Rain Suit, you get a real feel for the materials, the technology, the cut and the sheer level of thought that has gone into creating truly outstanding outerwear. Seek it out. One day when you really need it on the course, you’ll be very glad you did.