My Impressions of the Show
Randy Cox
equip2golf.com Staff
When you think of the Greatest Show on Earth, Ringling Brothers Circus
comes to mind but after having attended the PGA Merchandise Show in
Orlando, Florida, I believe "it" is the Greatest Show on Earth. With
over 1,500 Exhibitors and 50,000 people in attendance, this was, in some
folk's eyes, the best show the PGA has put on in years. Being a part of
the "media" for the weekend allowed Gary and I to rub shoulders with
some well-known golf writers and reporters including Adam Barr from the The Golf Channel and Jeff
Rude from Golfweek. Some of the other celebrities that were seen at the
show but not photographed were: Wimp Sanderson, John Cook, Dana
Quigley, Kenny Knox, Andy Bean and the President of the USGA, Trey
Holland.
As with any trade show going on, you see all kinds of things that don't
make a whole lot of sense. The two biggies for me were a titanium tee
that sold for $6.50. The guy selling it swore you would hit your tee
shots longer by using it. The other was a "mini" golf towel that, as
the seller so boldly stated, "fits right in your pocket". He even
demonstrated how easy it is to clean you golf ball by the green then can
put the towel right in your pocket. Evidently he hasn't been introduced
to the wash rag! Below you will find my list of this year's best and brightest.
Product Highlights
Products that I feel will do well this year.
Driver
Adams Tight Lies ST, Orlimar hipTi
I believe that Adams and its latest driver incorporating the new BIMATRX shaft from True Temper is going to be a huge hit. It seems to make sense that using this shaft, you will get greater distance and
more consistent tee shots. I also believe that Orlimar's new driver will do well. Orlimar makes quality products and this driver is just another example of that.
Fairway/Utility Wood
Liquid Metal, Titleist PT
Liquidmetal, if priced right, will do extremely
well. Clean look and a great size for a fairway wood. Titleist PT
fairway woods are being reintroduced as a custom order only product. This was a hush hush deal at the Show but will be big time for them in selling to the better golfers.
Irons
Titleist 990B, Tour Edge V-Blade
Titleist has improved the DCI 990 irons ever so small but
I like the looks of it. Reminds me of a DCI 962 in a way. The Tour Edge V-Blades
are a very clean and traditional looking iron. I like the double muscle backs and the polished look.
Wedges
Cleveland 900, Porsche Design MICROMILLED
Both of these wedges look fabulous at address and are definitely made of excellent quality.
Putters
Scotty Cameron Studio Series, Kevin Burns, Odyssey TriHot
The Studio Design Series from Scotty Cameron were a huge hit at the
show and each one looks fantastic at address. They will really take off as the previous Cameron models.
Kevin Burns release of a lower end model putter with the same head and 4
different neck styles. You can also custom order lie and length. I'm not completely sold on the "Rule 35 ball" insert on the Odyssey TriHot,
but this putter performs and should do well this year.
Golf Balls
Titleist Pro V1, Maxfli Revolution Solid
The Pro V1 from Titleist really doesn't need anything to be said about it. Just look at
the winners on tour over the last several months. The Maxfli Revolution
Solid should do well for those not wanting to pay $40 for a dozen golf
balls. I think these will be priced at around $35 or so.
Sleepers
Manufacturers that you need to know more about.
Precept Golf continues to put out great looking high quality golf equipment. More known for their golf balls, look for them to get better known for their equipment.
Imagine Golf appears to have a winner in the Middleclub. This club should be ideal for golfers that love the looks of woods over irons. The shafts are shorter for more consistency while maintaining distance.
Pixl Golf could be on the fringe of something big. The use of pixel technology in their putters, wedges, and irons is fascinating.
Most Intriguing
The product that I found to be most intriguing.
It would have to be the Pixl Golf irons, wedges, and putters. The pixel technology inserts offer a fresh apporach to clubhead design. The technology is proven with Ping being the first to use Pixl's technology in their putters and I expect that success to carry over to Pixl's own lines. The irons are as classic in design as any Mizuno or Titleist blade and with the use of pixel technology, may end up being much more forgiving.
Personal Highlights
My personal highlights experiencing the Show.
Getting to meet Scotty Cameron and Kevin Burns and talk putters with
them. Two of the most personable and friendly people you could ever
meet. You can't help but appreciate people like that. Also talked with
John Ashworth who now is the President of the golf division at
Quiksilver. Because of his name and what he has accomplished, it's a
given he is going to do well again in the apparel business. Also talked
with Pat Bates, from the Buy.com tour, and he to was extremely nice.
Told him a little bit about equip2golf.com and he gladly gave me his
card and said "if I can ever help you guys, just let me know". Wally
Armstrong was also wonderful to talk to. He has come out with a new
game called Snag Golf that is really doing well across the United States. It was
featured on the Golf Channel recently which gave the company a big
boost. After we talked he invited me to a Fellowship Breakfast that
Sunday morning. Once again, I was taken aback by is genuineness.
On my flight home, I was fortunate enough to sit by Billy Eastep, PGA
member, and Cindy Parish, co-owners of the Madison Golf Center in Huntsville,
Alabama. The two hour flight seemed like minutes as we talked golf,
life, Christianity, Theology and shared personal stories. That just
topped off a wonderful weekend for me.
I'm grateful to Gary Mayes for asking me to go to this year's show. It
was a wonderful experience that I'll never forget and one I would gladly
do again. I just wish it were next week! Hope everyone that has
visited the site feels like that in a way they were there. That's what
our goal was setting out and Gary has done a tremendous job at
fulfilling it!
|
|
(2.11.01)
|
