CHAMP URGES GOLFERS TO PUT SAFETY FIRST THIS WINTER

Champ golf spikes in conjunction with The Masters Golf Company have launched a “Safety First for winter” campaign. The aim is to encourage golfers to wear metal spikes in winter to maintain traction and avoid injuries from slipping.

For the past few years a fierce debate has been raging over the relative merits of metal spikes and plastic cleats. MacNeill Engineering, are global leaders in sports cleat  technology and manufacture a wide range of metal and plastic products under the Champ brand.  Cliff Hitchcock, their Director of European Operations, is in no doubt that there is a future for both products, but stressed that metal spikes are better for winter. “Plastic cleats are great in good conditions and can be more green-friendly. However, during our winter months rainfall greatly exceeds evaporation and there are long periods of inactive growth. This results in slippery, muddy areas on many golf courses.  In these circumstances plastic cleats fail to match the traction of metal, and many are also more prone to clogging – rendering them completely ineffective.

Hitchcock claimed that golfers who choose Champ Cer-Mec spikes during the winter months can retain that all-important traction and help to protect the greens. “Champ Cer-Mec spikes are virtually indestructible and retain their traction for much longer than other spikes and cleats. This means less frequent spike changes and also reduces the damage to greens from the imprint of worn down. Cer-Mec spikes have a unique ball tip that makes them the most green-friendly metal spikes. In contrast to the punching effect of traditional metal products, Cer-Mec spikes ease their way into the ground, again causing less damage to greens and other surfaces.

However, according to Hitchcock, whichever spikes you opt for, the most important thing is to check that they are in good condition. “Spikes and cleats give the shoes their traction and if you allow them to wear down you run the risk of slipping and you will certainly fail to maximise the power conversion from your body to the ball. Our advice to any golfer is simple – Always wear the right spikes for the course conditions – check them regularly and replace them when they become worn.”  

If you would like details of your local Champ stockist please contact The Masters Golf Company on 01275 818190.