Metal spike surrounded by plastic stabilizers
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The spider-like cleat, however, was proved to be far more forgiving than metal spikes for golfers walking an 18-hole round and less damaging to carefully tended greens. Metal spikes tended to tear the surface and leave the dreaded 'spike marks', which under the Rules of Golf 'may not be repaired on the line of a putt.'
You also need fewer of them on each shoe (often seven compared to 11 or 12) to retain similar traction.
Indeed many clubs introduced a 'softspike only' or 'softspike preferred' policy - such had been the volume of complaints from players following a golfer wearing metal spikes on to a green, and leaving a tell-tale trail of torn grass shoots.
However, a key downside in softspikes is that in damp conditions, they tend to clog with grass and mud - reducing their traction in the golf swing and often proving hazardous when walking on downslopes.
The makers of the new Pro Stinger claim that not only is their product user-friendly but green-friendly, too. With four 'traction points' featuring a single 6mm hardened steel tip surrounded by three sets of soft, flexible teeth and six recessed pods which prevent foot rotation.
Says MacNeill: "The case has been made for regulating courses to use plastic cleats only in the UK, but I find that highly irresponsible.
"Plastic cleats are known to get clogged and churn up greens, especially in winter conditions and we would argue in favour of a two-season approach, where green-friendly plastic cleats are worn in summer and metal ones in winter, when they do less damage and offer more stability and safety to golfers."
