CARLSBAD, Calif. April 10, 2006 – TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, maker of the Rossa® line of putters, has updated an existing model, the heel-shafted Mezza Monza by incorporating into it Rossa’s Anti-skid Groove System Insert (AGSITM).
"The Mezza Monza has been a popular part of the Rossa line of putters for two years," said Jose Miraflor, manager of product creation for irons, wedges and putters. "After AGSI technology was introduced last year, we received so many requests from tour pros and consumers for a Mezza Monza with AGSI that we made the decision to launch the Mezza Monza AGSI."
A mid-size mallet (Mezza means "middle" in Italian), the Mezza Monza is forged of lightweight, 6061 aluminum, a material that makes it possible for Rossa engineers to save an exceptional amount of weight, especially in the front of the head. The red-colored CGB Pipes, positioned perpendicular to the clubface, are made of Titallium and precision-filled with tungsten. Titallium is a super-strong alloy comprised of seven lightweight metals that’s lighter-yet-stronger than the typical steel used to make putterheads. Monza’s CGB Pipes are strategically weighted to shift significant weight to the rear, which moves the center of gravity deep-back in the head. This exceedingly deep-back CG position improves launch conditions considerably by increasing the launch angle. The CGB Pipes, which are separated by a vivid, white sight-line, also serve as a powerful optical aid that makes aiming easier, promoting increased confidence and accuracy.
The Mezza Monza’s Anti-skid Groove System Insert, which is also made of Titallium, is scored with 12 CNC-milled grooves. Compared to standard iron or wedge grooves, AGSI grooves are 66% narrower and 50% closer together. Unlike iron grooves, which are typically empty, each AGSI groove is filled with a soft polymer to dampen unwanted vibration at impact, contributing to better feel.
How do AGSI grooves promote better roll? Titallium, which is 65% less dense and has a lower modulus of elasticity than steel, makes the AGSI insert more flexible than a typical steel putter face. Additionally, the grooves in the insert face serve in part to strategically soften the insert’s structure. Together these factors make the insert deform at impact, putting the AGSI grooves into contact with the cover of the ball. (All clubfaces deform to some degree at impact, with polymer inserts deforming the most. The behavior of the Anti-Skid Groove System Insert conforms to the Rules of Golf.)
As the ball is lifted and launched forward, the unique shape of the grooves "holds" the ball through impact, reducing backspin and promoting forwardspin. Because the ball hits the ground with forwardspin, the degree of bounce and skid is dramatically reduced, as is the potential for the ball to rock off-line to the left or right. The result is better distance accuracy and better directional accuracy. The Mezza Monza AGSI also features a platinum-silver anodized finish that reduces glare while providing a beautiful, premium look.
AGSI technology is used widely by tour pros who play with Rossa putters. Players who have won with AGSI technology include Sergio Garcia, Sean O’Hair and Tim Petrovic. The Mezza Monza AGSI will be available at TaylorMade’s retail partners starting on April 1 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $200.
About Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. dba TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company
TaylorMade Golf has led the golf industry’s technological evolution since being founded in 1979. adidas Golf footwear and apparel is the choice of hundreds of professional golfers around the world. Consumers can find more information on TaylorMade-adidas Golf at (800) 888-CLUB or www.tmag.com, www.taylormadegolf.com, www.adidasgolf.com, www.maxfli.com or www.rossaputters.com.
Contact:
TaylorMade-adidas Golf
John Steinbach
Tel: 760.918.6330
eMail: john.steinbach@tmag.com
