Equipment Review: Nicklaus Golf Compri Women’s Clubs
by Jeffrey Reed

We’ve written about the Nicklaus Golf Dual Point 460 Driver – at $300 possibly the best men’s driver, dollar for dollar, amongst the new offerings for 2007. Now, Nicklaus Golf has released another winner in its new Compri women’s line.

The folks at Nicklaus Golf want to help grow the game of golf – specifically, women’s golf – through its Compri line. Mission accomplished. Incorporating a unique set of three woods, three hybrids and three irons, the Compri line is designed for easier launch, better control and more distance.

Each club within the Compri line – with the exception of the SW – boasts a higher than normal loft, making it much easier to get shots airborne, especially for those women golfers new to the game. So, we turned to London Ontario Golf assistant editor, Elizabeth Reed, herself a novice golfer, in order to get the scoop on the Compri clubs.

“I’m a high-handicap beginner golfer, and these clubs feel very comfortable in my hands. I’ve quickly acknowledged that it’s very important to incorporate hybrids into a set for beginners, and Nicklaus Golf has done so the proper way. The combination of three woods, three hybrids and three irons, with higher than normal lofts, makes it easy to launch the ball, control it, and hit it long. And, the set’s aesthetics should really appeal to women – the pink, black and silver colouring adds a classy, feminine touch to these high-performance clubs, and clubhead covers,” said Elizabeth.

The Compri set is comprised of three woods: a 15-degree driver, a 19-degree 3-wood; and a 24-degree 5-wood. The hybrid trio consists of a 6-iron replacement at 28 degrees; 7-iron at 34 degrees; and 8 at 40 degrees. The three irons consist of a 9-iron at 46 degrees; PW at 50 degrees; and SW at a less-than-typical 54 degrees – smart move, as hitting SW is difficult enough for even the most skilled golfer.

Nicklaus Golf was smart to include a 15-degree titanium offset driver within this set, making it even easier for mid- to high-handicap golfers to get the ball in the air fast, while also helping to add distance and accuracy. The offset is key to keeping a beginner’s hands ahead of the ball through impact. The hybrids, too, are ideally designed with wide soles and low CG. Even the 9-iron and wedges, with oversized heads, thick soles and deep cavities, are easy to master.

Nicklaus Golf looked after the little things, too, like the pink alignment markings on the woods and hybrids. The irons are “really confidence inspiring, too,” said Elizabeth. And that’s important, because beginner golfers do lack the confidence necessary for consistent shot making.

Nicklaus Golf product manager, Tony Dabbs, acknowledged that the women’s market “is important to the growth of golf. While there are many options for women to choose from, the Compri was especially designed to help new women golfers to have an easier time in learning the game and advancing their skill levels.”
“Our research shows that one of the most frustrating aspects for the game in general and in particular with new golfers is getting the ball airborne and moving it toward the cup. Compri was designed with that in mind ... and I think our product will not only be effective, but also eye appealing,” added Dabbs.

His comments will hit home with new women golfers, because while many enter the game, many also leave due to frustration in trying to advance their skills. As Elizabeth said, “I’m sticking with the Compri clubs because they feel very comfortable and allow me to feel confident over the ball.” 

All clubs within the Compri set feature the Jack Nicklaus-signature Ultra Light 60 g Speed Flex UL shafts with low kick point – perfect for promoting confidence-inspiring golf. The Compri line also offers a matching putter and bag, each sold separately.

Sold as part of the Nicklaus Premium Golf Line, the nine-piece Compri set sells for $500 US.

For more information on Nicklaus Golf, visit www.nicklaus-golf.com.