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Shingo Katayama holes a putt during the final round of the 2009 Masters wearing an Asics prototype shoe. (Photograph: David J. Phillip/AP)This spring, Chapeau Noir had the glorious opportunity to attend the third and fourth rounds at the 2009 Masters Tournament.

A weekend for the ages it was, as a certain divorcing television announcer might proclaim - glorious blue skies, azeleas in full bloom, and southern belles in their best spring frocks.

But just when Chapeau Noir didn't think it could get any better, a sleek, dazzling beauty was spied through the pines. Yes indeed, Chapeau Noir nearly doused his fellow patrons in mint julep as he rose to the tip of his toes to get a view of an unidentified stripy marvel worn by noted buckaroo Shingo Katayama.

From a distance, they looked to be Asics, the athletic shoe of choice for many runners. Sure enough, Chapeau Noir can now confirm that Shingo was wearing a then yet to be released Asics Gelace prototype.

"We are thrilled to enter the golf category and brings Asics technology to today's golfer," said Matt Donnelly, footwear manager for Asics America Corporation in a company press release. "Based on the excitement and interest Katayama generated wearing the shoes at the Masters, we feel confident consumers are interested in a functional yet stylish golf shoe."

Ascis GelaceAccording to the technical material the most notable feature is an extended trusstic. Chapeau Noir has no idea what a trusstic is, never mind how Asics managed to extend it, but this apparently reduces fatigue while enhancing foot stability during the golf swing.

So you've got that going for you, which is nice.

One additional feature that caught the eye is the hidden lacing system that allows for a snugger fit and slimmer profile, taking CNG's propensity for fastidiousness to a whole new level.

Asics golf shoes will be available mid-November and will retail between $125 for women and $170 for men through Golf Galaxy retail stores in the United States and online at www.golfgalaxy.com.