FORE FLORIDA Talks With Edwin Watts about today's equipment and tomorrow's clubs.

FORE FLORIDA: Are there any differences in club selection you would recommend in Florida vs. elsewhere?

EDWIN WATTS: In Florida the greens may be a little slower than up north; otherwise it's basically the same. It depends upon the player more than the course. The equipment used on any golf course would be the same. For ladies and seniors we suggest some of the high loft woods to help get the ball up in the air. Instead of a 2 or 3-iron we suggest a 7 or 9-wood. Some of the new, longer golf clubs will also help get distance. Golf equipment over the last four years has made unbelievable improvements. The advent of titanium woods, longer length - light graphite shafts, and improved golf balls has resulted in improved distance. Many senior tour players now get greater distance than they did when they were on the regular tour. The difference is the equipment.

F.F.: What about the different wedges that are now available?

E.W.: In the last five years they have come out with many wedges. A set of irons used to be a 1 or 2-iron to a sand wedge. Most sand wedges were 56°; now they've got 58°, 59°, 60° and even 61° wedges. Depending on the player, these wedges can be very helpful. The lob wedge is a tremendous help when greens are surrounded by bunkers and forced carries. You can get the ball high in the air, then stop it. Wedges and golf clubs overall have really improved in the last four years!

F.F.: How about custom fitting?

E.W.: All our stores and even our mail-order division custom fit. We hire people that love golf. We have over 500 employees...each one loves golf. Our people fit you, provide demo clubs to try, many of our bigger stores have hitting areas.

F.F.: What about other accessories?

E.W.: We carry everything a golfer needs from name-brand top quality manufacturers. Our philosophy is to sell the golfer what he wants to buy. We give him the help that he/she needs. That includes sets, individual clubs, bags, shoes, accessories and novelty items. In the past two years we've improved the quality of the selection of clothing offered for both men and women.

F.F.: What's your vision for the future of golf clubs?

E.W.: Next we'll probably see a blend of metals. Titanium is lighter and stronger than stainless steel. It enables a larger clubface. A blend of metal will continue to lighten and provide good feel. Shafts will continue to get lighter. Current graphite shafts are 2" longer yet weigh 50% less than steel shafts. This provides a product with more leverage and it's lighter so you can swing it faster. The light shaft enables you to go to the larger clubhead. Shafts will continue to improve as will clubs overall.