Business success is built on a variety of key variables, and golf is no different. Whether behind the desk or at the tee-box, every golfer plays to win. Success on the course relies on the right tools, and that’s a variable that can’t be compromised. As the weather cools and the course slows down, now is the perfect time to invest in equipment that can elevate your game. The following is a roundup of the latest 2025 gear, designed to help golfers unlock their full potential and play their best in the year ahead.
If you don’t have the budget or space for a simulator, visit the LOZ Golf Lounge and play their top-of-the-line simulators.
HOME SIMULATORS
The hottest training tool in golf right now is a home simulator.
“Home Simulators are becoming popular, and the price is coming down, so for the golfer that has the space, this is a great gift,” says Paul Leahy, Director of Golf for The Oaks Golf Course at Margaritaville Lake Resort. It used to be that home simulators were too expensive (costing $50,000 or more) to even be considered an optional training tool. It’s completely possible to put a quality simulator in your garage or basement for under $10,000, and if you want to go cheap and just get the basics, for less than half of that. It all depends on what you want. A cheaper simulator, like the Rapsodo Launch Monitor, will help keep you motivated and working on your practice routine.
An expensive simulator, like the Trackman or Foresight, will break down your swing inch by inch with better software and graphics. As a basic rule of thumb, to get a good golf simulator setup, it’s recommended having a space of at least 12ft x 10ft x 8.5ft. The whole point is for you to be able to swing comfortably, safely, and freely.
PUTTERS
Watch out, Scotty Cameron-there is a new putter in town. Introducing the L.A.B. Putter, employing Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) patented technology developed to simplify putting. It eliminates torque, creating a consistent putting stroke, making your mishit shots better. This kind of technology does not come cheap, costing around $500. It’s probably worth it because let’s face it, the reason you are not scoring low is not your putting stroke—it’s probably your putter. You can get fitted for a L.A.B. Putter at Osage National Golf Club or Eldon Golf Club.
Comedian Lewis Black, who has been known to play a round or two when in Missouri, has the original L.A.B. putter with a funky design and definitely recommends getting one. “I LOVE IT. I was never a great putter, and this really works well and truly improved my confidence level to the point that
untess 1 miss the time or the putt, I will two-putt. It is pricey, but then again most clubs, especially a driver, are pricey. However, this one is much easier to learn to use than a new driver, and the best thing about the club is that it’s a putter and also gets Direct TV,’ said Black.
Jason Woods, Head Golf Professional for Old Kinderhook, said L.A.B. isn’t the only new putter in town. “The coolest thing that I’ve seen so far coming out next year is the new putter from Odyssey. It’s similar to the L.A.B. putters and promotes and helps you have a square-to-square swing with the putter. Technology is finally start- ing to come to putters. If you think about it, the putter is the most used club in the bag with the least amount of technology until now,” said Woods.
RANGEFINDERS
The most accurate laser rangefinder and most expensive (around $600) is the new Bushnell ProX3+. Some new features include wind measurement, and the temperature and altitude were added to Bushnell’s patented Slope technology to give golfers the most precise compensated distances ever. Plus, an easy switch has been added to turn the slope feature off for tournament play (measuring slope is illegal in most tournaments).
Rangefinders with a speaker are very popular and not as pricey as the ProX3. The Bushnell Wingman View (around $200) allows you to listen to your favorite tunes and get both audible and visual distances around the course. Many brands offer decent rangefinders with speakers. If it’s too overwhelming, talk to your local pro for the best rangefinder that fits your needs.
If you are a cart player and it’s cart path only, the Voice Caddy Laser Fit is the perfect rangefinder. It triangulates the distance between two points: your cart to the ball and your cart to the pin. Now you know the yardage, so you know what club to take with you to your ball.
Best Rangefinder under $150: Shot Scope PRO L2.
CLUB ORGANIZER
Get your equipment organized with the Mythinglogic’s Golf Storage Garage Organizer. It is sized and equipped to hold a golf bag, golf shoes, gloves, clothing, and more. When everything has its place and looks nice and neat, you can admire it from afar.
UNNECESSARY FUN TOOL
If there is absolutely nothing left to buy for your game and you have some extra cash lying around, check out the ZoomBroom Golf Breeze, a leaf blower for your golf bag. We all love fall in Missouri with the beautiful col- ored leaves, but not so much on our putting greens. Fully portable and rechargeable, the ZoomBroom uses a turbine blower to clear the green in every direction.
APPAREL
The Lake area golf pro shops and boutiques have got you covered when it comes to quality golf apparel to perfect your look. From Gfore, Skoni, and FootJoy golf shoes to Peter Millar, Golftini, Travis Mathew, Nike, and Greg Norman clothing options. Just like golf clubs, technology has made its way to fabric that stretches with your swing, is anti-sweat, waterproof, and visibly appealing.
GOLF TRAIL PASS CARD
When you have all your equipment and the perfect outfit, it’s time to play. One of the best golf buys for your money is The Lake of The Ozarks Trail Pass Card. For only $150, the Trail Pass card allows you to play 26 rounds of golf at 50% off at 12 of the Lake area’s premier courses and enjoy two rounds at LOZ Golf Lounge. There are a limited number of passes, so visit golfingmissouri.com to get yours.
Get out there and spend some money. Investing in your game is an investment in a happier you and hopefully a better golfer.