The Extra "S" is for Savings

Features:

• NexCOR face technology, which uses a multi-thickness design to maximize speed and distance
• NexCOR Infinity technology, which creates a bridge for an ultra-thin and incredibly hot face
• L-Face technology, which positions the weld on the sole to expand the COR zone
• Graphite Fubuki K shaft

Another Divot story focused on the "S" part of "VR_S", but as far as the name goes, what really stands out for me is Nike's interesting use of "S" with an underscore. There are some technical reasons why it's sometimes spelled "VR-S", but that's technically incorrect. The "S" stands for "Speed" and in case you didn't get its importance, Nike's literally underscored it for you. Still, why not make it "VR-S" or just "VRS"? My guess is that Nike didn't want it to be confused with TaylorMade's R11S series. Incidentally, I could have sworn that it was spelled "R11-S" in its early marketing.

Maybe I'm thinking of the old 1-800-MATTRES commercials, where they "leave off the last 'S' for 'Savings'". Now that's a marketing campaign. Or maybe it's the incident that occurred earlier this year when New Jersey Devil (hockey player, not Garden State demon) Adam Larsson said to reporters after beating the Philadelphia Flyers: "The extra 'S' is for savings!" Naturally, this was met with a moment of stunned silence, as this statement was not prompted by anything. He later confessed that he was desperate for an endorsement deal and he wanted to show his potential.

As confusing as the use of the letter "S" can be when it comes to golf club model names, at least it does it properly. The addition of something is a poor indication of saving something else. And as memorable as the 1-800-MATTRES were, it was because they awkwardly tried to shoehorn the word "mattress" to meet the limitations of an 11-digit phone number system. The VR_S looks like the name of a computer file, which fits in with its technologically advanced features. Of course, you can call the club whatever you want, but it's still the _fastest and _longest hybrid Nike's come out with. We underscored those last features for emphasis.