The Nicklaus AirMax ML driver was selected for Golf Digest's 2005 Hot List.

Golf Digest named the Nicklaus AirMax ML driver to its highly coveted Hot List for 2005, and, in fact, Nicklaus was the top-scoring driver among those in the "Recommended" category, outscoring Titleist, Callaway, Cleveland and Nike, among others. Fourteen finalists from 63 drivers were broken down into one Editor's Choice, five Highly Recommended drivers, and then Recommended drivers.

The 2005 Hot List, featured in a 47-page section of the February issue of Golf Digest, is a ranking of the hottest clubs and balls available, and profiles more than 100 products gathered from approximately 350 items in the marketplace. The Hot List was compiled by a six-person team of equipment editors representing Digest's four publications, along with Chief Technical Advisor Frank Thomas (a former technical director of the USGA). In the final phase of evaluation, Digest involved four advisory panels that included engineers, top amateur players, expert golf retailers, and teaching professionals.

The criteria used to compile the Hot List focused on market forces, technology/innovation, performance/playability, personal preference, and value. Nicklaus received its highest marks in those latter three categories, and was the most affordable driver on the Hot List.

"The 2005 Hot List is the games' most exhaustive and detailed review of equipment and these are the products we believe golfers should consider putting in their bags today," said Jerry Tarde, chairman and editorial director of the Golf Digest Companies.