If you or someone you know regularly plays golf, then you're well aware of the dedication surrounding the game, even at the amateur level. If you're not out playing an early morning round, you're practicing chip shots, putts, and drives. In addition to the countless hours of practice, the amateur golfer must keep current with the latest technology in golf equipment.

There's an old saying in golf, "Drive for show, putt for dough", referring to the importance of stellar putting, while recognizing the chest-pounding pride which accompanies a spectacular drive. When it comes to distance and accuracy, the amateur golfer is constantly looking for a club that can consistently deliver a big drive. If this sounds familiar, we've got some great news.

The hottest new technology in golf these days is a concept known as the square driver. For those who may be unfamiliar, the driver is the club used for teeing off, or "driving". The difference between this and older technology is that the club's head is square as opposed to rounded and oblong.

Over the years, golf clubs have gotten both larger and more stable. The reason for this is purely scientific. Known as "Moment of Inertia", or MOI, science dictates that the larger and more stable the club head, the more accurate and longer the drive. This is especially true for "off-center" hits, something amateur golfers tend to be familiar with.

Several years ago, golf's governing bodies set limits for club-head size. Golf club manufacturers had to think fast. How could you increase the moment of inertia without increasing the size of the club head? The answer was to make the club head square.

Golf club companies like Nike, Callaway, and Simpac have invested heavily in this technology. So far the investment has paid off. This January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, square drivers were one of, if not the hottest commodity.

In terms of user opinion, average golfers seem to favor the square driver more than top players and pros. This is mainly due to the average golfer's proclivity for hitting off-center shots. The square driver is described as a "forgiving" club, one that yields bigger benefits for golfers with lesser skills.

For those interested in purchasing a square driver, they will be appearing in your local sporting goods and golf equipment stores over the course of the next two months. Good luck out on the links with your new club... and happy driving!