Our judges cast the only votes in the Hot List, but they gather insight from three independent panels. The Scientists advise us on Innovation. Retailers assess Demand. Players evaluate Performance and Look/Sound/Feel. A product’s score is based on its weighted average in these four criteria, with Performance, Innovation and Look/Sound/Feel largely determining the total score.
PERFORMANCE
45% The utility of a product,
or what happens to the ball when
it’s struck by the club.
INNOVATION
30% How a club’s technology, including custom-fitting, advances the category.
LOOK• SOUND• FEEL
20% What the golfer experiences
before, during and after impact.
DEMAND
5% The relative interest in
a product and its reputation.
▶ All judging is based on a 100-point scale.
GOLD
Products earned
a score of 93 to 100.
SILVER
Products earned
a score of 88 to 92.99.
97-100 ★★★★★
88-96 ★★★★
70-87 ★★★
51-69 ★★
≤50 ★
The best of Golf Digest delivered daily
Sign UpWill be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY