DeLaCruz Fairway
Cruzer fairway woods
deserve awards
By Kiel Christianson,
Senior Writer
MAHOMET, Ill. (Oct. 24, 2004) - When I headed over to my local course to
test out the new 17-degree Fairway Cruzer fairway wood by DeLaCruz Golf,
the head pro asked me what I was hitting today.
When I told him, he just gave that knowing smile that guys in "the
business" do when they recognize quality and explained to my
less-knowledgeable playing partner, "That guy makes some fantastic clubs."
By "that guy" the pro was referring to Dick De La Cruz, former vice president
of Callaway
Golf, and designer of clubs for Callaway, Cobra, Founders Club, and
others.
In 2002, De La Cruz founded DeLaCruz Golf. The company's first wave of
clubs has begun racking up awards, and I was eager to see if the Fairway
Cruzer lived up to the buzz. I discovered that it does.
How it plays
The Cruzer fairway woods have received top billing by GolfTest USA. In
independent consumer testing, in the categories of both 0-12 Handicap and
12 and Above Handicap, Cruzer fairway woods earned an overall rating of
8.4, the highest rating in both categories.
De La Cruz has achieved these impressive results by mixing classic
design with top-notch materials. The 35gr. sole-plate on the Cruzer is
yellow brass, the densest form of the metal, and is reminiscent of the
plate found on old-time "brassies." The compact stainless steel clubhead
combined with the brass plate make for a low, deep center of gravity that
gets the ball into the air in a hurry.
In our informal testing on the range, everyone we asked to try it found
the Cruzer extremely easy to get airborne. The small head and rather
pointed sole were not terribly forgiving on off-center hits, however. One
tester squirted a few off the toe before moving closer to the ball.
On the course, the 17-degree Cruzer fitted with a stock stiff shaft
performed admirably. I actually replaced both my 5-wood and 3-wood with it,
as its loft set it between the two.
Although this move allowed me to add a gap wedge to my bag, I was
concerned that I had given up some length by removing the 3-wood. Then I
jumped on the Cruzer from 235-yards out into a mid-length par-5 and ended
up on the front fringe. So much for those concerns!
The Verdict
If you're looking to upgrade your set of fairway woods, or to replace
some troublesome long-irons, the DeLaCruz Fairway Cruzer deserves a long
look. The line comes in 13-degree to 23-degree lofts, and retails on the
DeLaCruz website (www.delacruzgolf.com) for $180 each (graphite).
And don't worry if you've never heard of De La Cruz. Ask your local pro
or club-fitter. I'm sure he's heard of him.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
EQUIPMENT
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