Equipment Review: DeLaCruz Golf, by Jeffrey Reed

When Dick De La Cruz formed DeLaCruz Golf in 2002, he instantly offered consumers 30 years of clubmaking experience. The former vice president of Callaway Golf was the driving force behind the revolutionary S2H2 system, and development of the first computer milled putters, the Bobby Jones Series. Plus, De La Cruz designed the King Cobra irons.

Today, with a relatively new company out of Vista, California, De La Cruz focuses on innovative golf equipment emphasizing distance and forgiveness. The company slogan, “We’re changing the way the game is played,” attests to the fact DeLaCruz Golf aims to compete against the big boys of the golf industry.

The latest offerings from DeLaCruz Golf are making a bold statement: this company is no high handicapper when it comes to pleasing customers. In fact, most of the clubs tested rank amongst the best, and each club boasts quality and performance.

PW-3 Putter

A stainless steel blade-style putter, the PW-3 model features a white circular ball well – the same circumference as a golf ball – connecting the blade and the rear bar. It’s a proven formula, as is evident in putters including the Odyssey 2-Ball which started it all. In the case of the PW-3, the hollow ball helps weigh down the putter for smooth tempo. This perimeter weighted blade permits a smooth putt time after time, and I found it to be a money putter on both long and short putts. There’s an alignment strip on top of the blade and the hollow ball for even more assistance. The putter features a tacky C-Thru grip, but there’s nothing tacky about this flat stick. It’s a nice option for those wanting a rear ball type of putter without an overwhelming size.

Wolfram Wedge

Earning top billing by Golf Test USA in 2004, and recently adding a 52-degree gap wedge to its line, DeLaCruz has really hit on something with its Wolfram wedges. Also available as a 60-degree lob wedge, and 55-degree sand wedge, the Wolfram wedges feature a face insert ground into a perfectly flat surface for consistent response. Precision score lines promise years of repetitive performance in trajectory control and ball spin. In fact, I tested the sand wedge with 12-degree bounce, and it spun the ball like few wedges I have ever hit.

Boasting a True Temper Gold taper tip shaft – wedge flex – this wedge is a winner. I highly recommend it for stopping the ball on a dime on any green.

Cruzer Hybrid Trouble Wood

From the DeLaCruz Cruzer line comes the Cruzer Hybrid Trouble Wood, a real plus for anyone wanting to replace their long irons. Listen: if Tour professionals are using hybrids, and you haven’t added at least one to your bag, then shame on you. The Hybrid TW is available in lofts of 17-, 20- and 23-degrees. I tested the 20-degree model and was impressed with the Cruzer graphite shaft, since it’s just the right length for a hybrid, and the Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip, my personal favourite.

Three inverted reinforcing ribs have been designed into the crown of this stainless steel club to strengthen the hitting surface for more effective ball trajectory. The face of this hybrid is soft but explosive, a perfect combination for forgiveness from tee to green. The Cruzer Hybrid Trouble Wood is definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a rescue club this spring.

Fairway Cruzer

In my books, the Fairway Cruzer is the real gem amongst the latest offerings from DeLaCruz. An ultra-thin stainless steel face has permitted the placement of more weight around the edges of the club. Maximum perimeter weighting offers maximum forgiveness, especially on off-centre hits. Like the hybrid, the Fairway Cruzer has a soft yet active face for feel and distance. I tested the 15-degree 3-wood and felt very comfortable from the first swing. I like the 35 grams of yellow brass on the sole, which looks good and feels great. No surprise, this club also won accolades from Golf Test USA. It’s available in lofts of 13-, 15-, 17-, 19-, 21- and 23-degrees.

Mag Cruzer Driver

Another great performer from DeLaCruz, the Mag Cruz Driver is available in three models: heel weighted (anti-slice), toe-weighted (anti-hook), and the Pure Power neutral model. I tested the latter, and from sole to grip this one’s a winner. DeLaCruz says this is the first-ever metal wood made from magnesium. It’s only available in a 9.5-degree loft for right-handed golfers, but the Winn V17 Series grip is a real plus. I prefer to play other shafts, but the Mag Cruzer 65-gram graphite shaft does provide good mid-kick. Test if for yourself: with three models to choose from, this may find a place in your bag.

For more information on the Mag Cruzer and all other products from DeLaCruz Golf, visit www.delacruzgolf.com.