Annika Sorenstam Opens 61st PGA Merchandise Show with Donald Trump Talking Golf!
The 61st PGA Merchandise Show teed off this morning when Annika Sorenstam hit the ceremonial tee shot at 8:00am to open the four day trade show. All the leading equipment, apparel and accessory companies were in tow and several guest appearances where made by various professional golfers from both the men’s and women’s field.
More than 40,000 golf industry professionals from 75+ countries are at the show and the PGA forum stage was the most popular area as the day started as first Game Golf presented their revolutionary system that will be adopted by the PGA of America with the help of PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua, PGA TOUR Player Graeme McDowell, and Game Golf CEO JohnMcGuire.
For those obsessed with chasing the proverbial white ball, accurate stats are tough to come by… unlike the pros who have every drive, chip and putt scoped to the nearest inch. That inspired Game Golf, a system that pairs NFC with current golf tech like GPS and motion sensors to track your every duff. Using NFC-equipped tags that pop into the end of each club and a hip-mounted “GYG” device to collect the data with a battery life of two rounds (about 8 hours) and no need to pack a smartphone or tablet onto the course. The golfer then “tags” his club against the hip-worn device prior to taking a lunge, and every shot from a 300-yard drive to a 5-inch putt is duly noted.
After the round, all that info can tell the story of your game via an iOS, Android or web app, displaying stats like driving distance, greens in regulation and putting. You’ll also be able to create competitions among friends through the Game platform, and brag (or cry) about your play via Twitter, Facebook or email. The system’s been backed by top-ranked players Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell, and is now on Indiegogo where the creators are seeking $125K to get it off the ground. A minimum $149 pledge will get you a Game Golf device by July (estimated), though if you’re willing to pony up $500 for a limited edition autographed by the above pros, you could see it as early as May.
Next on stage was a State of the Industry panel discussion as famed entrepreneur and golf course developer Donald Trump joined the PGA of America President Ted Bishop, Annika Sorenstam, former USGA Executive Director David Fay, Golf Channel President Mike McCarley and TaylorMade / Adidas Chief Executive Officer Mark King.
Interesting new products at the show are Alphard’s hot and new Duo-Evolution golf cart, some interesting head gear from Eyeloc and a new belt system from Nexbelt.
Alphard Golf are unveiling their new DUO EVO and DUO LT. They’re an all-in-one pushcart and golf bag combination that is extremely compact, so it fits easily in the trunk of your car, and takes just seconds to set up. With the push of a button, the hydraulic assisted frame has your bag locked in place and ready to go. The Duo Cart has four wheels that provide a low center of gravity and outstanding stability on even the roughest terrain. The unique varied height base features fourteen full-length dividers that minimize club rattling. The Bag itself has a plethora of storage for balls, tees, rain gear, and other necessities as well as a built-in Cooler Pocket (with drains) that can store up to six ice cold drinks. New Colors for this year are White, Green and Yellow!
EyeLocHead Gear is revolutionary eye-wear designed as a training aid to help keep a player’s locked on the ball. By adjusting the vertical lines on the patented sliding lenses to your exact PD (Pupillary Distance), the two lines become one laser sharp line. This provides you with instant feedback and helps you detect even the slightest or eye movement as the ball moves outside of the line. EyeLocHead Gear(patent & trademark pending) is available in two sizes, Medium and Large (to accommodate any PD)and the frames come in two colors; Yellow or Black and your choice of either Dark Gray Polaroid or Yellow lenses.
Nexbelt, “The BeltWithout Holes”, provides maximum comfort and minimum adjustment hassle by allowing the wearer an adjustment pattern of ¼ inch as opposed to the outdated pin/buckle belts of 1 inch. This ratchet technology, dubbed PreciseFit, allows wearers the comfort and style associated with quality. The Go-In! Golf Series of belts are available in a variety of colors and buckle styles, providing the golfer with the ultimate in comfort and style as well as a hidden ball marker located underneath the flip down face. All belts are cut-to-fit for waist sizes ranging from 28″ to 50″. Traditional belts of the past century are uncomfortable, and due to their pin/buckle design have a tendency to wear quickly and unevenly. As the wearers waistline changes, it necessitates the creation of unsightly holes in an often uneven manner. Nexbelt™ gives consumers a fashionable streamline appearance while supplying a practical solution to an uncomfortable problem. Allowing the golfer a reduction of up to 15 waist sizes with the same belt, and the forgiveness of a few inches following a hearty meal, PreciseFit Technology provides wearers with a natural feel and more comfortable golf swing.
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