Larry Olmsted

Golfers have long sought solutions for inconsistent putting, with many traditional tips proving ineffective. However, a significant breakthrough in putter technology, spearheaded by L.A.B. Golf, is now helping players make more putts. These "lie angle balanced" or "zero-torque" putters are engineered to maintain a square face at impact, drastically reducing unwanted twisting—a key factor in missed putts. The technology gained widespread attention after JJ Spaun's 2025 US Open victory using an L.A.B. putter, leading to a $200 million valuation for the company. Now, numerous manufacturers offer these anti-torque designs, with L.A.B.'s OZ.1 model frequently topping reviews. This innovation promises genuine improvement for golfers of all skill levels, offering a tangible advantage on the greens. Custom fitting is advised for maximum benefit.

Putter design in golf has been largely unchanged for a century, but technology has finally made a difference that can help your game-a big difference.

Active travel like cycling and hiking trips are hotter than ever, and with good reason—these are just fantastic vacations.

Active travel vacations such as cycling and hiking trips are more popular than ever, but where should you go? These are the best places right now.

Active Travel is a hotter vacation category than it has ever been, and this is a big topic, so I am breaking it into three parts.

Active travel is increasingly popular, and private trips offer significant advantages over traditional group tours. These personalized vacations allow travelers to choose their companions, customize itineraries, and select flexible dates and durations, avoiding potential personality clashes. Leading luxury operators like Backroads and Butterfield & Robinson offer private bookings, from taking over standard trips to fully bespoke, ultra-luxe adventures with specialized services. Options include villa-based tours or "trip organizer" programs. Self-guided trips provide a more independent and often budget-friendly private alternative, offering curated routes and luggage transfer without a guide, ideal for experienced adventurers seeking solitude and customization.

Airline food often disappoints, but the issue extends beyond the meal itself to the noisy cabin environment. Research indicates that loud background noise, prevalent on airplanes, significantly suppresses our perception of saltiness and sweetness, rendering food bland. Experts like Dr. David Agus and Oxford's Professor Charles Spence confirm this phenomenon, explaining why even premium in-flight meals or personal snacks lose their flavor. The surprising, yet scientifically backed, solution is noise-cancelling headphones. By eliminating the constant drone, passengers can restore their taste perception, enhancing the flavor of any food, whether airline-provided or brought onboard. This simple hack, often counter-intuitively ignored when travelers remove headphones to eat, is proven to dramatically improve the in-flight dining experience. Quality active noise-cancelling headphones are essential for unlocking better airline food.

New Zealand is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom, with American visitors reaching record highs post-COVID. Twenty-five years after the *Lord of the Rings* films first captivated audiences with its stunning landscapes, the country remains a top destination. Beyond its cinematic appeal, New Zealand offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, including world-class hiking, golf, surfing, and fly fishing. Its dramatic natural settings, from fjords to volcanic peaks, cater to the growing demand for experiential and active travel. Improved air access from the US, with new direct routes and innovative flight options like Air New Zealand's "Skynest" lie-flat economy beds, makes visiting easier and more comfortable than ever. The dollar also performs well, adding to its appeal as a premier travel spot.

The TCS London Marathon received a record 1.3 million applications, underscoring the exploding global popularity of "runcations" or destination marathons. This trend, amplified post-pandemic, sees runners combining races with travel to uniquely experience cities and create lasting memories. London's overwhelming demand led organizers to expand to a two-day event, accommodating 100,000 runners, yet most applicants remain disappointed. Securing a spot in bucket-list races like London is challenging, with lottery success rates often below 7%. Alternatives include charity entries, requiring significant fundraising, or purchasing travel packages from specialized tour operators that offer guaranteed race spots alongside accommodation, reflecting a growing divide where financial means can bypass traditional entry barriers.

What if you could put on a suit that did your workout for you, a way to exercise without much time or effort?