The
event this year, again, was an ode to the creativity and innovation
of those who love golf, are continually searching for the perfect
club, and for the best way to become a scratch golfer.
In attending a PGA Show and identifying the
best products at, one faces a major hurdle – having enough
time to visit and talk with the inventors and sales teams. This
year the Show organizers scheduled both a demo day for retailers
and club manufacturers, as well as an indoor testing area. Both
were extremely well attended.
The Show was alive and the “vibe” was palpable.
With over 1,250 exhibitors and close to 45,000 attendees, the
convention floor was filled for three days solid.
Top participating golf manufacturers included: adidas, Fairway
and Greene, Callaway Golf, Club Car, Full Swing Golf, Nike Golf,
Sport-Haley, Tour Edge, Wilson Golf, Nickent and Yonex, to name
just a few. Both Titleist and PING had a presence this year though
on a much smaller scale, with Titleist having their Performance
Lab and PING a fitting truck, both were extremely busy.
The hottest trend in the industry right now, allows golfers
to be fitted with multiple shafts and interchangeable heads.
While this allows the retailer and club fitter tremendous savings
in demo club costs by being able to swap shafts in an instant,
the result is information overload for the consumer. It is simply
a tool to help in custom fitting that has existed previously,
except now the USGA allows these shafts to be used in play. And,
both Nickent and Callaway are using their standard heads rather
than specifically designed heads to match these shafts, which
makes no sense whatsoever.
This new system is geared mainly for tinkerers and savvy technically orientated
golfers who have mucho disposable dollars, as these new sets are expensive!
Rest assured, Tour players are not using this system.
I personally have yet to be convinced that a shaft with an attachment is going
to play the same as one without. And, until there is a standard attachment
for all manufacturers, I am not convinced that this trend will be around for
too long. As I was taught at business school, businesses do not create markets,
markets create businesses and there is definitely not a significant market
for this product presently or in the foreseeable future.
Technology continues to thrive in the golf domain. Whether it is drivers, putters,
irons, balls or shoes, advances in designs and materials continue and new products
are being introduced almost monthly.
The inaugural Golf in China Forum gave the Show a global flavor, while numerous
fashion shows added pizzazz to the proceedings.
Hybrids are still the star of this year’s show in hard goods, as performance
fabrics are in the soft goods.
As easy-to-hit hybrids have replaced hard-to-hit long irons in the bags of
many golfers, retail golf shops have been the big beneficiaries. The hybrid
revolution has given birth to an entirely new category of individual-club sales,
producing lucrative revenue streams for on-course and off-course retailers
from coast to coast, as golfers replace an $80 to $100 long iron with a $150–$250
utility club or two.
In fact, when it comes to individual club sales, hybrids have
surpassed putters in many retail stores as top sellers, checking
in just behind drivers as the No. 1 revenue producer.
The following products are the best of the Show:
Amongst hybrids that will be on retailers shelves shortly are Tour Edge’s
new Exotics XCG Hybrid, Nickent 4DX UT Hybrid and Wilson’s new FYbrid
series.
It can safely be said that Tour Edge, Nickent and Wilson simply are making
the best of all the hybrids currently available and tested. TaylorMade, Callaway
and PING closely follow them.
A strong statement indeed, yet undoubtedly the feel and distance
of the Exotics are second-to-none in this product category. Plus,
with their moveable weight technology, dialing in your desired
trajectory is a cinch and as close to a custom made hybrid as
there is on the market.
 TaylorMade
Burner Driver
 The
leader in the field of drivers, bar none, TaylorMade continues
to innovate and bring products to market that both Tour pros
the consumers both need and desire. A great combination!
Following the enormous success of the r7 Series and the recent
Burner, the newest addition to the best selling line will be
the TP Burner, which should probably be another big success for
TaylorMade.
Like the Burner driver, the Tour Burner driver is targeted at
any player who wants a modern, powerful driver that he can swing
fast and launch long.
The Tour Burner features a look that calls to mind "new
geometry" and which is functional as well as eye-catching.
What gives Tour Burner its distinct appearance is TaylorMade's
new Dual Crown technology, wherein the crown is dramatically
smaller in diameter than the sole.
The Tour Burner's address footprint is large and confidence-building, thanks
to the large sole. Players who take comfort in seeing an expansive and powerful-looking
club head behind the ball at address will love Tour Burner.
Its Dual Crown technology permits a smaller crown that's 5 grams
lighter (17%) than the Burner driver's crown. The redistribution
of that saved weight, in conjunction with the head's innovative
shape, allowed TaylorMade engineers to position the CG exceptionally
low within the club head.
The Tour Burner is extremely forgiving on off-center hits. Its
MOI measures 5100; that combined with its Inverted Cone clubface
technology, make it extremely stable and forgiving on off-center
hits. That allows Tour Burner to deliver longer, straighter shots
more often, even when you miss the center of the clubface.
As with the Burner and r7 SuperQuad drivers, the new Tour Burner
delivers high "effective MOI," referred to by TaylorMade
as "eMOI." Their definition of eMOI being "The
positive influence on ball speed on off-center hits that's exerted
by the combined effects of a driver's MOI and clubface technology
(versus constant-thickness clubfaces).
The eMOI in the majority of TaylorMade’s drivers is dramatically
and substantially higher, and more valuable in terms of its affect
on ball speed, than MOI alone, owing to the benefits of TaylorMade's
patented Inverted Cone Technology."
The Tour Burner also features SuperFast technology that includes
the SuperFast 60-gram shaft and an ultra-light grip, which help
make Tour Burner extremely light to promote faster swing speed
for faster ball speed and increased distance.
$499 www.taylormadegolf.com Available
March 15.
Tour
Edge Exotics XCG Driver
 The
XCG is an engineering breakthrough that combines a magnesium
crown that is twice as light as typical titanium crowns with
a heavier hyper-steel body and a titanium cupped face. According
to Tour Edge, that combination moves more weight lower and to
the rear of the sole than is possible from any current driver
on the market. The result, XCG, produces very little spin and
a high moment of inertia for longer drives.
The XCG has the fastest ball speed and lowest spin rates I've
seen in awhile. Not to mention, phenomenal feel, performance
and distance. It's just a fantastic product.
The material's flexibility allows the XCG crown and neck to
absorb more shock on contact, producing a smooth, powerful feeling
at impact.
The club's hyper steel sole creates a super-high moment of inertia,
reducing club head twisting on even the most off-center hits.
This high MOI can make the difference between the first cut of
rough and the fairway, or even between being OB and in play.
The XCG delivers with an X-Quad ultra-light shaft from Graphite
Design. The X-Quad's four-way interweave technology creates a
responsive tip, improved stability, and precise control.
The combination of magnesium, steel, and titanium will vault
the Exotic’s XCG driver to the forefront of the golf industry.
$399 www.touredgegolf.com
Wilson
FYbrid Fairway Utilities
 I
am happy to report that the mission that Wilson set out to accomplish,
that of developing a FYbrid family of fairway utility clubs to
eradicate confusion in the long game and also to provide consistent
gaps between clubs, has been accomplished more than satisfactorily.
They have developed clubs that result in the same confidence
and consistent results on long shots, as with short game irons.
You will be amazed when you know precisely how far you hit each
shot with each club. You will probably just need a combination
of two to six clubs based on your ability to generate club head
speed and trajectory height off fairway woods.
By effectively combining fairway woods and hybrids into a single
family, the FYbrid system eliminates the redundancy of more than
twelve traditional clubs by offering six clubs that cover the
long distance needs between the driver and six iron.
The clubs set up so well, feel absolutely powerful, and when
one consistently gets the ball to where it was aimed. A lower
score will put a huge grin on your face! The UST V2 shaft is
phenomenal and makes these clubs perform unbelievably well.
I highly recommend that any golfer with a handicap of 10 or
higher should investigate these six clubs.
$149 per club www.wilsongolf.com
 The
Nickent 4DX UT is a fairway wood replacement club
designed to give you more spin and a higher trajectory (ball
flight). The 4DX UT has a wider body and a longer shaft to
match the look and feel of a fairway wood, while offering the
playability benefits of a hybrid.
The 4DX has been injected with elastomer for a more solid and
lively feel at impact, as well as having its center of gravity
moved back using tungsten weights. Its head has brazed titanium
and stainless steel for head stability.
As with the Wilson Fybrid, a UST shaft complements this club.
This club plays solid and has an extremely attractive black-green-chrome
color scheme to boot.
Nickent continues to gain market share both on Tour and at the retail level.
$199 www.nickentgolf.com
Crocs Golf Shoe. An extremely busy booth was
the Crocs/Bite Footwear booth where the new Crocs golf shoe was
introduced. I already own 4 pairs of crocs as I find them to
be extremely comfortable.
The golf Crocs look like regular Crocs, just with cleatsand
have a stronger support system at he ankles - they are extremely
comfortable. The Croc’s best features, the orthotic foot
bed and advanced toe-box ventilation system make this golf shoe
that much more comfortable than regular golf shoes. Just remember
not to wear them in wet conditions, as they are rather well ventilated!
$39.99 www.crocs.com
Max
Benjamin Mini Cigar Bag
This is an ideal and impressive gift. Whether it is for a charity
event, corporate gift or for personal use, this bag is perfect
for the golfer who wants to take a small portable case with their
whisky and favorite cigars anywhere they want to go. It is well
made and ashionableand always a conversation piece.
The Mini Cigar bar is made from fine leather and has three compartments
inside the bag, each one large enough to hold a bottle of your
favorite beverage. Included with the bag are a cedar lined leather
cylindrical humidor, 4 stackable acrylic glasses, and a jet style
cigar lighter.
$295 www.maxbenjamin.com
Daphne’s
Head Covers
 This
25-year-old family business is doing a rip-roaring business in
the custom head cover arena. These head covers are not only well
designed, but also their quality and attention to detail is superb.
Each animal is fully lined and elasticized to ensure a secure
fit on your clubs. Each animal is guaranteed for life. Inside
the label you will find their factory phone number. Rest assured,
that if you should have any problems with your head cover, and
the manufacturer will fix it pronto.
The latest model is the Hippo Heads & Tails , which fits on two clubs,
a 460cc driver and a fairway wood or hybrid. Also, the Gorilla model for hybrids
is very cool!
$25.99 www.daphnesheadcovers.com
 Trion:
Z Pallette Mag-Titan Bracelet. Following its highly
successful and most prominently featured Dual Loop Magnetic
bracelets, the MagTitan Palette is the more simple, dressy
and definitely longer lasting version of the Trion:Z models.
It consists of two medical-grade magnets in a patented Alternating
North-South Polarity Orientation (ANSPO) for magnetic field flow
and penetration far beyond traditional magnetic bracelets.
The clean lines of the Titanium band are complemented with a
touch of color with its smart cloisonné accent. I personally
wear both the Dual Loop and Mag-Titan together – double
the boost!
$149 www.trionz.com
Putters by Fisher, Yes Golf, Heavy Putter and TaylorMade attracted
intense interest. These four great new putters were at the Show
and they will definitely help improve your putting:
 The
TaylorMade Monza Rossa Spider putter is already becoming
a cause celebre on Tour. In its first week of introduction
12 Tour players were using them, and lo and behold, J.B. Holmes
got TaylorMade its first victory with the Spider at the FBR
Tournament in Phoenix.
Simply put, the Spider has a high MOI, similar to the PING Doc
13, but also has TaylorMade’s famous MWT Moveable Weight
Technology and AGSI Insert.
The Spider putter rolls the ball superbly, especially well with
the AGSI insert. The Spider’s two Movable Weight Technology
(MWT) ports give the player the option to easily change weight
in the rear for customized control and feel. The Monza Spider's
high MOI helps it to deliver extremely consistent distance results
on off-center hits, so that instead of coming up short, often
times the ball reaches the hole.
$240 www.taylormadegolf.com
 Heavy
Putter’s new A-3M is one of the best long putters
to hit the market. If you prefer a 48 – 50 inch putter,
the A-3M personifies what a well-balanced, great feeling putter
this is to use.
The A3-M is a blade style putter with a heel
bent shaft. It has a
non-reflective gray matte finish that keeps players focused on the ball and
not distractions often picked up by shinier putters.
Long putters are available between 43” – 52” and
come with a standard lie angle of 78*, which can be adjusted
+/- 2*. The general Heavy Putter theory of engaging larger more
stable muscles to create a more consistent pendulum stroke remains
the same, however, the head is 50 grams heavier than the standard
HP matte series to counter-balance the additional weight of the
longer shaft. Also important to note is that these are custom
built putters and are available with a slight surcharge.
The mid/long tip weight kit (not included with purchase) has
two copper tungsten tip weights (70g) that make the putter head
500 grams (from its standard 525 grams) and two heavy tungsten
tip weights (120g) that make the putter head 550 grams. The interchangeable
weights allow the golfer to customize his/her release point of
the stroke by lowering or raising the balance point of the mid/long
putter.
$249.95. Tip weight kit is $50.00 through www.heavyputter.com
Fisher
Talon Tour Series TS-2H RFP Putter
 The
Fisher Talon Tour Series RFP (Four Speed Reversible Face Plate
Technology) putters builds on Fishers line of 4 Speed Technology.
These are the worlds first 4 speed putters offering 4-patented
Kevflex polymer inserts for custom feel and speed control enabling
the user to dial in their feel and speed control based on playing
conditions or personal preference.
The Talon TS-RFP putter, shown in the photo, is designed with
increased head weights and a mid-sized putter grip to help stabilize
the putting stroke. The heavier head weight and larger grip both
contribute to a better putting stroke by quieting the smaller
muscles in the hands and wrist and engaging the larger muscles
of the arms and shoulders creating a more repeatable, smooth
pendulum stroke.
The TS-2H comes with a zippered Plate Kit, tool and deluxe head
cover. The TS-2H is face balanced with 3.5 degrees of loft; 71-degree
lie angle and 470 gram head weight.
$299.95 www.fishergolf.com
YES!
Golf’s new Donna Putter
 I
can remember when this company had one of the smallest booths
at the Show. Not anymore. YES! Is extremely popular on all the
Tours worldwide. Their C-Groove technology works remarkably well.
This face balanced hybrid putter, a cross between a mallet and
a cavity back blade, is composed of two different materials.
The face is made of aviation grade aluminum and the body is made
of 304 stainless steel. The combination of a lightface and heavy
back generates a high MOI and a 355-gram head weight.
The heel-toe balance makes it a very forgiving putter. The full
offset shaft features a double bend and the cavity of the putter
head has a single alignment line.
$249.99 www.yesgolf.com
SkyGolf’s
SkyCaddie GPS SG5.
 Still
the market leader in hand held GPS range finders! The new
model, the SG5, is ideal for golfers who prefer the simplicity
of reading the distance to the green from anywhere on the
hole in large, easy to read numbers and a large color display
and long-lasting rechargeable battery.
SkyGolf’s advanced GPS with its patented IntelliGreen
technology is integrated with the very best Swiss engineering
to provide unmatched reliability. Golfers can measure the full
depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach and shows
distances for all targets and hazards on any of SkyGolf’s
more than 17,000 professionally mapped courses.
$430 www.skygolfgps.com
As for drivers, TaylorMade’s new Burner drivers will again
prove to be the dominant market leader in this category, as will
Adam’s IXD driver.
Callaway’s new balls, the Callaway i and Callaway ix, and TaylorMade’s
Red & Black were the buzz at the Show. Both companies are offering improved
performance and feel. They are excellent balls as evidenced by the usage on
the PGA Tour since their introduction.
Visit www.taylormadegolf.com and www.callawaygolf.com for
additional information.
The
Medicus 460cc Driver
 With
more than one million already sold, Medicus is the most successful
swing training aid in the history of golf.
At any given point during the golf swing, Medicus will “break” when
the club is either off plane or swung with poor tempo, but stays
intact during a solid golf swing. Because it’s a real golf
club, as well as a training aid, golfers can actually hit balls
with Medicus, a distinct advantage over most other golf training
aids.
The new 460 cc Medicus driver is so easy to hit, golfers will
be much more enthusiastic in their practice sessions with even
greater immediate positive feedback than before.
$199 www.medicustrainer.com
ESoles
Golf shoes are part of your equipment and comfortable golf shoes
make the game easier mentally and physically.
 Orthotics,
customized shoe inserts, go a long way to ensuring that you have
the most comfort in your chosen shoes. Ortothic manufacturers
are as plentiful as shoe brands yet one company; eSoles, is the
most sophisticated and the top experts in this field.
eSoles Golf footbeds are designed to align the body, enhance
balance and increase swing consistency. The eSoles custom footbed
will align, support, and stabilize your foot in your footwear
of your choice. The foot and body alignment ensures that many
of the balance and consistency variables are addressed allowing
the golfer to focus on form and power.
Do yourself and your feet a huge favor and invest in a pair
of eSoles.
www.esoles.com
 TaylorMade’s
Targa Tour Glove is constructed with AAA micro-perforated
leather and a performance moisture wicking fabric that allows
ventilation to the entire hand.
The glove is extremely comfortable and very stylish and is the
only glove on Tour that offers 360-ventilation.
$14.99 www.tmaxgear.com
Sun
Mountain ClubGlider Travel Bag
 Sun
Mountain licensed the wheel technology from one of the non-winning
contestants on the Golf Channel’s “Fore Inventors
Only” show and now has a winner themselves!
This bag will greatly enhance the life of every golfer who is
tired of schlepping a golf bag around airports sans wheels.
The travel bag offers all the protection and storage space of
a traditional golf bag whose design simply eliminates heavy lifting
and bending.
With easy, extendable legs and wheels the ClubGlider can also
support additional luggage, making your travel experience that
much more enjoyable.
ClubGlider includes heavy-duty two-way zippers, thick foam padding,
two dual entry storage pockets, internal cinch straps, ballistic
fabric, vinyl-reinforced wear areas, and a lift assist
handle.
$299.99 www.theclubglider.com
Aldila DVS shaft – WOW! What a wonderful
feeling one gets using this shaft. Made for use in woods and
hybrids, the solid feel and innovative, responsive tip design
generates extra kick at impact – along with controlled
spin and a higher launch angle.
Using Aldila’s Next-Generation Micro Laminate Technology,
the DVS, especially in the 55 and 60-gram weights, is stabilized
by a unique flex profile and very low torque that translates
into maximum distance. You can feel the power!
Aldila’s new DVS shaft is going to be one of the most
desired shafts this year.
$199.99 www.aldila.com
 Clicgear’s new
and updated model has made this pushcart the most popular seller
in this field. Folding into just 24-by-15-by-13 inches, it is
small enough to fit into your trunk or storage locker and hardly
be visible.
The cart is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, has a full-size
console tray to hold balls, tees, car keys and cell phones, plus
a useful folding beverage holder.
Its easy rolling pneumatic tires, give it a smooth ride and
the cart has an easy-to-use positive lock handbrake. An umbrella
holder, towel hook with a Velcro strap are additional items included
with the cart.
$239 www.clicgearusa.com
 Alias
Footwear. I discovered these shoes at the Show a
few years ago. They are simply, without doubt, the most comfortable
and widest fitting golf shoe. They look athletic, very hip,
need no break-in period and come in a variety of tasteful
styles and color combinations.
It’s a great shoe for seniors and the new, leather, “Limo” model
is classy and VERY comfortable.
$125 www.aliasfootwear.com
Cutter & Buck DryTec Luxe Dimension Polo Shirts.
Finally C&B is back to their original quality and upgraded
styling and design they were best known for a few years ago.
The CB DryTec Luxe Dimension Polo, in 16 colors,
part of the CB ProTec line of performance fabrics, incorporates
luxury with moisture management capabilities that make the wearer
look fresh, both on and off the course, and most importantly,
the shirt feels and wears great.
www.cutterbuck.com
The Ogio Exodus bag is designed for serious
outings. The quality made Exodus bag has two insulated pouches
to keep beverages cold (or hot) from the first tee to the last.
The bag’s new 10” wedge top can accommodate all the
popular hybrid clubs; ten pockets include special storage for
valuables in a fleece-lined space; and an innovative "Isolation
Chamber" buffers wet gear from dry.
Many other benefits and features of the Exodus are: places for
the dedicated storage for divot tools, umbrellas, towels, tees,
gloves, and of course … cigars.
www.ogio.com
 Lija
Ladies Wear. Lija becomes more popular each year and
for 2008 their product line is as good as any other major name.
Twill Horizon Jacket: This jacket, in strawberry
and navy, closes the gap between fashion and outerwear! It’s
fully lined with lightweight cotton and features two front zipper
pockets and two chest pockets.
$160
Twill Venture Knee Short, shown in the picture,
is offered in strawberry, white and navy, featuring a lightweight
fabric, combined with a sleek fit, making them a must have.
A side buckle on the waist and rivets on the two front pockets
showcase Lija’s attention to detail.
$110
Mesh
Showboat Cardigan.
The cardigan, as shown in the photo, is available in lollipop and navy, and
is made from a delicate textured knit. It exudes a vintage sportswear look,
and features contrast color stripes on the cuffs and button placket, as well
as on the left chest pocket.
$140
A Nuvo S/S Meridian Polo is also available
in strawberry, white and mist. This classic polo is made from
a fashion-forward, eco-friendly material with moisture-wicking,
quick-drying and anti-microbial properties to help you feel as
fresh on the 18th hole as the first.
$80
www.lijastyle.com
ECCO
Flexor Two-Stripe Golf Shoes
 This
is one of the best brands in the golf show domain. Tour players
rave about ECCO’s shoes and many use the shoes without
remuneration. That’s always the sign of an excellent product
in itself.
All ECCO designs blend a network of built-in technologies to create the ideal
platform for the perfect swing. Principal among these is a direct-injected,
PU-constructed midsole/outsole.
ECCO uses a unique process, which allows for the creation of
a one-piece shoe construction, which ensures unrivaled durability,
flexibility, lightness and weather resistance.
All ECCO shoes provide a superior level of cushioning and comfort
that does not break down over time, unlike commonly used materials
such as air, rubber and EVA foam.
$160 www.eccousa.com
Ahead
Clothing
 The
company’s new X-Cap was causing quite a stir. It features
retractable eyeglass holders to ensure you know where your glasses
are at all times.
Their Authentics line features four performance tops: CoolMax
FX, Hybridwear, Quick Dry Performance and mercerized performance
polos. The hallmark of AHEAD's Authentic line is its ability
to coordinate easily with the golfer's basic wardrobe of khaki,
navy and black.
The Kate Lord line of apparel focuses on high performance fabrics
throughout, along with a wide selection of styles and color.
www.aheadweb.com
Ashworth
 Ashworth’s “Technical
Performance” line includes new fabrics and innovative blends
that are combinations of pima cotton and polyester that breath,
wick moisture, are lightweight and extremely comfortable.
Ashworth has added a “specialized “innosoft” finish
that gives their EZ Tech Hi-Def 100 percent luxury cotton a lustrous
and luxurious feel that is easy to care for and doesn’t
wrinkle. This lightweight cotton has a special no-roll collar
and is geared for a more refined and classic look.
www.ashworthinc.com
Adidas
TOUR360 LTD
 The
TOUR360 LTD melds advanced technologies with luxurious materials,
to create an entirely new category of golf shoe. Key to what
separates it from competitive footwear is THiN-Tech, a revolutionary
new low-profile shoe construction that brings the golfer closer
to the turf for improved feedback, feel and stability to promote
better ball-striking.
THiN-Tech incorporates a one-piece TPU sole that positions the
foot closer to the ground. That creates a remarkably solid, responsive
and stable shoe that makes hitting a golf ball a more tactile
experience. It also lowers the athlete’s center of gravity
to promote increased stability, and channels feedback from the
ground more efficiently to promote improved footwork. That helps
the athlete hit the ball more solidly, more often.
The TOUR360 LTD also offers the stabilizing benefits that athletes
expect from adidas Golf’s proprietary 360WRAP support system,
a visible technology that encircles the foot to deliver a customized
fit while increasing stability and leverage. Additional features
include the POWERBAND CHASSIS with 10-cleat configuration for
enhanced grip, 3D FIT FOAM™ sock liner for added support
and comfort.
$250 www.adidasgolf.com
Overall, two definitive conclusions can be derived from the Show experience.
Golf is alive and well and poised to improve over the next few years. The
golfer has numerous options in every golf product category and one needs
to take the opportunity to explore, test, and take advantage of the technology
now available – it will enhance your enjoyment and skill level in the
game of golf.
|
Best
of Show - 2008 PGA Show Wrap-up
