Golfers can now take to the green before they even reach the course, says Gorilla Golf retailer Kevin Courtney.

“We got in some eco-friendly clothing this year,” he says of the new line of Stormtech Cocona golf shirts for men and women. “They’re made of coconut.”

Cocona is a natural technology, derived from coconut shells, that is incorporated directly into the yarns and fibers of a garment (as opposed to the overall finish), says the manufacturer.

“It enhances the performance of fabrics by providing exceptional evaporative cooling, odour resistance, 50+ UV protection and static resistance to keep you more comfortable in any environment.”

As the season begins in earnest, golfers stop by the Commerce Park Drive store in Barrie to pick up the latest and greatest items available for knocking a stroke or two off their game.

A popular seller has been hand-held SkiCaddies with built-in lasers that help determine the yardage from the ball to the hole.

“They’re making the game a little easier,” says Courtney.

“We’re selling a lot more of those and to the best of my knowledge, they’re legal to use in tournaments.”

Although top-of-the-line drivers and putters have been hot sellers for past few seasons as well, it’s the hybrid clubs that have caught the attention of pros and amateurs alike, says Courtney.

 “Half the guys in the PGA tour are playing with them, so if it’s good enough for them…,” he shrugs.

“Every amateur should have at least one in his bag.

“Long irons are harder to hit, hybrids are easier, so they replace the irons.”

Other improvements in equipment have slowed down as changes reach the limitations of current governing regulations.

“It’s been mostly cosmetic changes in the last few years – a little tweak here and there,” says Courtney.

But club aesthetics are important, he stresses, since “it’s a very mental game.”

“If you look down and the club is not appealing to your eye, you may have a hard time hitting it consistently well.”

Consequently, that’s key consideration, along with budget, when selecting new “off the rack” or custom clubs.

Most important, however, is fit.

Gorillia Golf’s state-of-the-art golf simulator showed up last July and “it does everything,” says Courtney.

“It measures the club-head speed and ball speed, and helps determine the loft and flex a golfer should be playing with.”

As a result, it is a very effective tool in custom-fitting clubs.

On the off season, it was also handy for a few virtual games when it was snow, not golf balls, flying outside.

Rented out for individual events last winter, Courtney is considering setting up leagues next year.

The store, which has almost doubled in size since it opened 10 years ago, provides 4,200-square feet of showroom and storage. It is an authorized dealer for all top name-brand manufacturers.

For those not in the market for new clubs this year, the store’s repair shop is ready to re-grip clubs and otherwise get older equipment ready for battle.

For more information, call 705-739-5154.